Posted on Dec 18, 2015
"90% of your time is spent on 10% of your Soldiers." Do you agree with this sentiment?
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A mentor of mine once told me that as a leader, 90% of my time would be spent on 10% of my Soldiers.
This has always seemed to be true. Most people think of the 10% as your troublemakers, and although this is true, I also have found that my high-speed Soldiers are also a part of that 10%. Whether it's rec letters or preparing for boards, I find that a lot of time is spent on Soldiers who fall at either end of the spectrum.
Do you agree with this sentiment, and what do you do in order to work with the other 90%?
This has always seemed to be true. Most people think of the 10% as your troublemakers, and although this is true, I also have found that my high-speed Soldiers are also a part of that 10%. Whether it's rec letters or preparing for boards, I find that a lot of time is spent on Soldiers who fall at either end of the spectrum.
Do you agree with this sentiment, and what do you do in order to work with the other 90%?
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Leadership
Leadership
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 14
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CPT (Join to see) -- While there is certainly some truth to that (although I think it more like 2%.. or was), a leader must not lose sight of the need to take care of all the troops. If a few are eating up all your time and taking away your ability to give the attention needed to all, take the time necessary to get rid of them. It is simply not worth the pain and effort to deal with them.
When I was a young officer, I did not believe in administrative discharges. I told recalcitrant soldiers that I intended for them to fulfill every minute of their enlistment contract and that they could do it at Fort Benning (at that time) or at Fort Leavenworth (in the Disciplinary Barracks)... the choice was theirs, but they would served every minute. At that time the 2% were eating up an inordinate amount of my time... As I got "older and wiser", I realized that it was not fair to the rest of my soldiers, who deserved my attention (whether they wanted it or not) and, also, who did not deserve having to put up with the BS from the 2% who were a**holes. I changed my opinion and started getting rid of the troublemakers though admin discharges (and some convictions/prison sentences) and life was much better.
Identify the problem children and take the time to counsel them, document it, and get rid of them. Life is too short to mess with them and the Army deserves better. I used to tell people that there is no such thing as a worthless soldier, because he/she can always be used as a bad example.
When I was a young officer, I did not believe in administrative discharges. I told recalcitrant soldiers that I intended for them to fulfill every minute of their enlistment contract and that they could do it at Fort Benning (at that time) or at Fort Leavenworth (in the Disciplinary Barracks)... the choice was theirs, but they would served every minute. At that time the 2% were eating up an inordinate amount of my time... As I got "older and wiser", I realized that it was not fair to the rest of my soldiers, who deserved my attention (whether they wanted it or not) and, also, who did not deserve having to put up with the BS from the 2% who were a**holes. I changed my opinion and started getting rid of the troublemakers though admin discharges (and some convictions/prison sentences) and life was much better.
Identify the problem children and take the time to counsel them, document it, and get rid of them. Life is too short to mess with them and the Army deserves better. I used to tell people that there is no such thing as a worthless soldier, because he/she can always be used as a bad example.
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Absolutely .... the time is takes to chapter a Soldier or do Article 15 rights takes more than twice the time it takes to advance a Soldier (paperwork scenario). The minority that need help meeting the standard will consume the majority of your time.
When you have high speed Soldiers counselings are a simple read and sign, even boards are show up and introduce.
Everyone is important and deserves attention, but you cannot be every where at once. Be sure to acknowledge the achievements of your 90% and hope that your 10% will want to join the rest.
When you have high speed Soldiers counselings are a simple read and sign, even boards are show up and introduce.
Everyone is important and deserves attention, but you cannot be every where at once. Be sure to acknowledge the achievements of your 90% and hope that your 10% will want to join the rest.
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