Advice and helpful hints for a new NCO (E-5)?

Always have an open mind and never be to prideful to ask for help. Keep in mind that you have individuals in higher ranks than you are that don't know everything that they need to know for their position. No one knows it all so just be open and grow as time goes on.

First of all, congrats. Second of all, being promoted gives you a license to LEARN..It also means that someone believes that you have the leadership qualities it takes to teach -- be a leader by listening first, responding with solutions, and always be aware that people are watching you (both younger generations and older). Be the reliable one and keep doing what you're doing. You got this.

SGT Walker you are already on the track to lead yourself to success...having the desire to be great is commendable....not willing to sit on the sidelines as on observer but willing to dig in and get "bloody"....not literally but you will make mistakes regardless on how often you try not to...you will need to learn from these mistakes and recognize the steps needed to avoid them in the future....your troops will look up to you because of your rank...how long that will last is dependent upon the two way communications you develop between those under your control...you need not be a hard-ass as I believe in the end this will come back to bite you...you need to be fair in your dealings and above all keep your integrity...you will find that this will become difficult at first but as you gain respect as a "straight shooter' and never ask those under you to do something you would not do yourself you will be OK.....respect and follow the leadership of those above you....they may try to communicate the "big picture" but at times it will seem hazy...you will have to try and see through this to determine exactly what the mission is regardless of fuzzy orders...here is where your diplomacy and tact will be tested and how you address these issues will result in success or failure....hopefully more successes!

I was lucky as I was a Corporal for over a year prior to making my cut off score when I did make E-5 I was moved to another PLT. Regardless I would say the biggest challenge is now your relationships with your friends must change as you now must earn their respect not just be a friend.

One piece of advice that I got way back in PLDC (been in awhile) stood out:
"Hold no grudges".
Holding a grudge takes your time, your energy, and keeps you focused on the negative. A truly odious person will remind you from time to time why you don't like them: let them waste their energy, and I guarantee you others already notice what you notice. Deal with situations as they arise, but don't nurse simmering antagonism. No one wins, least of all you.

Be knowledgeable and be confident. Make decisions and plans (within your lane of course) and own them. Even if you make a mistake your soldiers will follow you if you aren't wishy washy.

Expect to make mistakes still, but learn from them, and teach your joes so they know better too.

Someone already thinks you have what it takes but the easiest thing is to learn from mistakes of others, continue to improve yourself and your education level and take care of the soldiers below you. Make sure your guys have every opportunity to grow and learn bettering your unit as a whole from the ground up

Adhere to the NCO Creed for starters. Keep an open mind regarding your NCO and commissioned leadership, they are not perfect, but you can learn from their experiences and leadership styles as you build your own. Take the positive as well as the negatives. Do not be afraid to learn or admit that you don't know something. Familiarize yourself with the regulations that govern your MOS, as well as others such as Preparing Army Correspondence, DA Pam 710-2-1, AR 735-5, etc. find yourself a mentor. Be a mentor. And always be aware that Soldiers are watching you 24/7. Be the standard you wish your subordinates to follow and always ensure they are adequately prepared for whatever tasks you delegate to them. Be an effective listener and ensure you can convey yourself clearly. Pursue your education and save your money. Check to see if there are any additional duties you may be interested in and apply for them. Start building your "I love me" book. And lastly, congratulations and welcome to the NCO Corps.

First and foremost remember that you are not better than your subordinates. You must have the ability to show compassion and to instill power at the same time. Think about all the not so good leaders you have had and use that as a learning tool. You must also feel comfortable in your own shoes. Subordinates need a leader that they can learn from. Never stop learning and teaching. Most importantly, if you have an opinion, keep it to yourself or say it to another NCO with no subordinates in close proximity. I've had so many talks with Sergeants on being professional. As an NCO you are a professional and you will be treated as a leader if you act like one. Don't expect things to be handed to you. That's my 2 cents. Congratulations on becoming part of the corps I wish you the best for your new journey of being a noncommissioned officer.

Congratulations to you. Remember now your are entering a time honored corps. Lead by example. Set the standard as well as enforce it. Do not be afraid to try and fail for we learn from failure and develop personal growth.