Any advice for a Commander's first initial counseling to PLs, XO, 1SG?

2017-03-02T12:14:17-05:00

I will be conducting my first initial counseling das a Tank Company Commander soon. Any advice?

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Mar 2 at 2017 12:17 PM

2017-03-02T12:17:45-05:00

Ask them to tell you about themselves. I had a CSM ask me that when I in processed my first unit in Germany and he found out that I had studied computer science in college before joining the Army and arranged to have me transferred to the Battalion S3 shop as a computer operator.
If they are honest and tell you about their background, it could give you useful insight into their skills that you might have no other way to find out.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 2 at 2017 12:24 PM

2017-03-02T12:24:01-05:00

I'm guessing this is your first Company grade command, congratulations! I'm not an Army veteran, but worked as an Army Civilian for 6 years. My best advice is: listen. You're the "new guy", I assume, so you need to attune yourself to the unit. This is your chance to begin to understand the unit's strengths and weaknesses and to understand the informal power structure of the Company. If you have to set performance standards for the unit or the individual at this meeting, then have them well defined and written down before you meet with each person. Ask open ended questions to draw information out of the people you meet with. Pay very close attention to your First Sergeant. If he's been with the Company for a while, he will know more about the unit than anybody else.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Mar 2 at 2017 12:26 PM

2017-03-02T12:26:16-05:00

Listen when you are not talking- really listen MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Tagged a few mentors that could help better than I could

Response by CPT Jeff Harrod made Mar 2 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-03-02T12:29:13-05:00

First and foremost, always be personable with them. They have to understand that you are just a man, just like they are. You don't want to come off as someone who thinks they are better than them. They know you are their commander, that is obvious, you don't need to harp on that fact. As for what to talk about....first tell them about yourself. Your background, your family, your goals. Then ask about them. Listen intently as they will reveal what truly motivates them.

They are looking for guidance and leadership. They are just as nervous in their positions as you are. It becomes your responsibility to ease their fears and let them know that you will all figure it out as a team. Set very clear expectations. For example, if you expect the PL's to arrive 30 minutes before PT starts, then make that very plain to them. Make sure all the goals you set for them are measureable.

Finally, point out to them that no one is in competition with each other. You are a unit, a team, a company. The rewards heaped upon them will be rewards for the team. One bad apple tryin to look good at the expense of others is not what you want in your company. You want team players.

Hope this helps. That is how I approached it and how I have approached it in civilian management as well. It has served me very well over the years.

Good Luck!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 1:03 PM

2017-03-02T13:03:18-05:00

You have received some great advice. I would ask your leaders to think about how you can help them be better in their jobs professionally and personally. It could be giving time to an NCO that is taking college classes or assisting an NCO with skills you may have learned in college. Personally, you owe your leaders time to develop on their own and to develop their crew and team. Ask how you can assist them in being better which in turn will make the team better.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 2 at 2017 1:12 PM

2017-03-02T13:12:59-05:00

Read "Small Unit Leadership" by Col Dandridge Malone first.

Response by SFC Jeffrey Couch made Mar 2 at 2017 1:21 PM

2017-03-02T13:21:09-05:00

Always listen to your NCO's sir I guarantee you will be golden

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 2 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-03-02T13:24:16-05:00

While I really don't have any advice to give you that hasn't already been said, I think you are really setting yourself up for a successful command by taking the time to ask this question. I think all too often leaders, at every level, fail to put much thought into the initial counseling/meeting. Sure it's different for each level but if every leader starting from the squad level on up takes the time and listens to advice given in this thread, I think everyone would have a much better time in their leadership role.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Mar 2 at 2017 4:54 PM

2017-03-02T16:54:51-05:00

Great responses so far. IMO, this is what this site is for. And the fact that you are soliciting advice shows a tremendous amount of humility. A trait that is far too uncommon.
The initial counseling should focus on getting to know your immediate staff. To do that, ask about the current state. What has been working well and what has not? What are our strengths and weaknesses as a unit? Are the right people assigned to the right billets? Show them how to lead their direct reports.
Then you must establish your expectations of performance, conduct and discipline. As you well know, a good Soldier/Sailor/Marine craves discipline and good order. Most only need to be told what the desired output is. Allow them to develop the plan and execute. You will find out soon enough the extent of their capabilities and the cut of their character.
I say this with all respect. 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 mouth. We were designed that way for a reason.
Best of luck, Sir.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 6:22 PM

2017-03-02T18:22:09-05:00

I didn't formally counsel my 1SG, we just discussed the unit and how we could improve. Its more of a partnership than a superior/subordinate relationship with us, but you may have a different philosophy. As long as your 1SG understands your priorities, and knows to back you up you should be good.

I've been without an XO since I took over, so I've got no advice on counseling LTs.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Mar 2 at 2017 7:59 PM

2017-03-02T19:59:34-05:00

Both in the military, and later as a manager in my chosen civilian career, I found that people look to their leadership to provide the following: a clear goal......a clear set of parameters......a clear sense of what their role will be......and assurance that you will be there to support and assist them along the way. Given those things......people will crash through walls for you if you ask them to. Good luck, sir!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 2 at 2017 9:17 PM

2017-03-02T21:17:53-05:00

Is the company in distress? Does the staff really need counseling? An introductory meeting sounds more amiable to me! MAJ Private RallyPoint Member

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 9:24 PM

2017-03-02T21:24:24-05:00

Here's what I would want to know from my new commander: The BN commander will have a vision of what he or she wants to accomplish and the intent for the command. How do you interpret that intent and what is the guidance you have. Once I know that, then I can better direct the leadership in training to meet that intent.

On the other side, here are things that I think you would want to know. What are my opinions of the unit's strengths and weaknesses (opportunities). Who do I consider to be my strong NCO leaders and who may need additional guidance. I would also want to get a feeling of where I would be on the autonomy<------------>micromanagement scale.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Mar 2 at 2017 11:11 PM

2017-03-02T23:11:29-05:00

CPT Jordan. I would advise to use the OER or NCOER evaluation forms as a guide to your counseling sessions, especially the initial counseling. Type up a memo informing your XO, Pls and 1SG of your leadership expectations and your conceptual mindset toward unit continuity and mission success. The DA Form 638 awards form could also be used to anotate achievements through the annual evaluation year. You should do Initial, and Quarterly counseling progressively in pencil and keep in the Soldiers 201 file. It shows your subordinates that you are indeed keeping a progressive counseling chart and also goals that can be reached and result in awards. Good luck Sir...!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 2 at 2017 11:49 PM

2017-03-02T23:49:57-05:00

Read company command the bottom line... Be sincere, be brief, focus on standards and team.... and don't bloviate.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2923586-company-command

Company Command

A Dutch-Uncle approach to advising those who assume first command. Written by an Army officer primarily for Army company commanders, the ...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2017 7:58 AM

2017-03-03T07:58:22-05:00

Out of all the advice you have been given on this topic. You are the commander so everything done by your unit it's your responsibility nobody else. Also, as the commander you must make the decisions for everything at the company level. You must explain this to your 1SG, XO and PLs. You are explain your role in the company. Your initial counseling should explain their roles in the company. So once everyone know's their roles in the company. It will help remove friction points.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Mar 4 at 2017 6:21 PM

2017-03-04T18:21:17-05:00

Always keep you eye on the fuel levels; armament supplies; communication capabilities

Response by CPT Earl George made Mar 4 at 2017 7:10 PM

2017-03-04T19:10:54-05:00

Make it short.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Mar 4 at 2017 7:27 PM

2017-03-04T19:27:54-05:00

I made it mostly about them. Their personal & professional goals, their family and our relationship as a command team. Then I could explained my vision and expectations and I asked for their input. They know I am the commander, I dont have to remind them of that. I want to build a relationship of mutual understanding, respect and give them the open door to tell me behind closed doors when a decision is not right so I can make a better decision.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 11:54 AM

2020-03-24T11:54:02-04:00

Just want to say I'm grateful for this post. Recently took command so I'm working on putting these counselings together. Hopefully can do it in May. No IDT for April thanks to COVID-19. Some great insight given.