As a PFC, how do I get soldiers of lower rank to listen to me?

2017-10-29T09:54:33-04:00

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Oct 29 at 2017 10:07 AM

2017-10-29T10:07:07-04:00

SPC Genika M. communicate with them and show dignity/respect to each other, all will work out. When I was a PFC 27 years ago, at work I had to go to at ease for the next higher rank. Times are different now and you have to be mutual with dignity/respect to each other IMHO.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 29 at 2017 10:10 AM

2017-10-29T10:10:05-04:00

If you are trying to help them, do it with respect and dignity, in f you are trying to boss them around, then there will be trouble, unless a NCO reminds then of the rank structure or chews you out in front of them for their failings.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 10:23 AM

2017-10-29T10:23:51-04:00

Do your job and be a team player. Be patient and be a good listener. You have to be a good follower to become a good leader. As your time in grows you can be more vocal and more will listen. Don't take it personal. It happens to everyone. It's just a process of putting in the time and growing professionally. Treat people the way you want to be treated and in time it will come together.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 10:39 AM

2017-10-29T10:39:10-04:00

Earn their respect, lead by example. Instead of talking at them talk to them. It’s going to be harder for you because you are not that much higher in rank than the ones below you.

Sometimes having a grassroots meeting with your squad leader and platoon sergeant and the lower ranking soldiers will also help clear up any issues of misunderstanding. Be humble at this meeting too. Admit your faults or failures in a way so that those below you will know that you do not want them to go that same path as you did.

Give them a chance to air the issues of having a PFC in charge of them. Answer each question with honesty and respect. If you don’t know the answer let them know you will look into the question and a response to it for them.

I wish you well and good luck PFC Genika McClellan

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Oct 29 at 2017 11:30 AM

2017-10-29T11:30:18-04:00

In reality, you don't. There isn't a single Soldier that is ever going to take direction or orders from a PFC unless they have a reason to believe that it is the right thing to do. How long have you been in the army? Six months? Maybe a year? You don't have the background for Soldiers of lower rank to take you seriously. It just doesn't work that way. You will be hard pressed to find Soldiers that will follow orders given by a SPC with a handful of years in service. You need to prove yourself before anyone gives you that kind of authority over them.

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made Oct 29 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-10-29T11:53:52-04:00

What causes you to determine that they do not listen to you and why are you attempting to influence them? Improper following of SOPs? Behavior? Process? Ego? For what reasons should they be listening to you? Sometimes the answer is in the speaker and sometimes the listener. One of the 7 habits of highly successful people (Steven Covey), is seek first to understand. If you are trying to get me to listen, why should I be listening to you, then put yourself in my shoes and answer the question applying your knowledge to the situation. How would you want person in your situation to communicate with you, and why would you listen. Be confident and be sure that you are knowledgeable regarding the situation or subject matter being certain to not contradict your superiors without first discussing the situation(s) with them.

Response by PFC Eric Anthony made Oct 29 at 2017 11:55 AM

2017-10-29T11:55:21-04:00

In my unit there was only three pfcs and alot of pv2s and pvts. My platoon lt and platoon sgt but me and the other 2 as team leaders before the three pfcs left the military. I had a squad of 4.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Oct 29 at 2017 12:13 PM

2017-10-29T12:13:40-04:00

As a private, you should not be telling Soldiers what to do. Your job is to follow orders, not give them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 12:15 PM

2017-10-29T12:15:27-04:00

Give them a reason to listen to you. Don't just show them you must demonstrate daily in all that you do.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 29 at 2017 1:01 PM

2017-10-29T13:01:00-04:00

Great question coming from a PFC or anyone for that matter

Leadership is demonstrated - its not earned by stripes or brass.
Lead by example - never ask a soldier to do something you wouldn't/couldn't do yourself
Talk less, listen more - important as this is 1/2 of being a great communicator
Don't play favorites - this can be hard but being fair is key in earning respect
Do your fair share - this is leading from the front
Be yourself - be consistent and authentic - don't act
Take responsibility - no shit deflectors allowed
Develop your leadership chops - good leaders are great communicators
as well
find an NCO you feel is a good leader to be your mentor - watch and learn.

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Oct 29 at 2017 1:12 PM

2017-10-29T13:12:07-04:00

By using the most powerful leadership tool you have, or ever will have - setting the example. You are not in a position to give orders directly, so you let your actions speak for you. Be the soldier those of lower ranks want to emulate. There are two types of leaders - those that command respect, and those that demand it (based on rank or title). Work to be the former by setting a positive example in everything you do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-10-29T13:22:02-04:00

The number one thing to do is be a good listener. Always be the last one to speak after you have heard what others say. Offer your opinion only. Be the last one to eat chow. Oh and do the right thing...be early to everything and take your time and do everything right.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Oct 29 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-10-29T13:24:43-04:00

Leadership is providing purpose, motivation, and direction to INFLUENCE others to accomplish a mission.
In order to influence others at your rank, you need to display your competence while having the tact to communicate without arrogance.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 1:50 PM

2017-10-29T13:50:29-04:00

It's all about the way you do it.
So say I was in your squad and I was tasked to head to supply and you said, "Hey Benjamin, can you pick up..." I'd say sure, no problem. If you said, "Hey Private I'm ordering you to..." In one ear and out the other. I'm obligated to obey the order of an NCO, but that said most NCO's I've met have earned the trust and respect of those under them. Do that, earn their trust and respect and they'll do what you ask.
If you need my help, I got you covered but I'm not going to do something just cause you have a rocker

Response by SSG Diane R. made Oct 29 at 2017 2:25 PM

2017-10-29T14:25:28-04:00

Oh that's a hard one, nobody takes a PFC seriously. ;-)

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Oct 29 at 2017 3:05 PM

2017-10-29T15:05:06-04:00

Set the example and they will follow your lead! Be professional in everything you do!

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Oct 29 at 2017 3:06 PM

2017-10-29T15:06:59-04:00

If you are put in the position of a leader, your PSG or Pl should address the troops and let them know as much.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 29 at 2017 5:12 PM

2017-10-29T17:12:09-04:00

You have to do what any other leader above you does. Set the example and know what your talking about when you speak. You do those two things and they will follow you because they want to be like you. Also, admit when you make a mistake and apologize don't try to hide it. They do not expect 100% perfection, they respect honesty more than someone that is feeding them BS.......that they later get in trouble for.........when they repeat what you said. And honestly as a PFC you should be more concerned with learning as much as you can vs people that will follow you. You need two more promotions at least before you worry about followers.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Oct 29 at 2017 5:41 PM

2017-10-29T17:41:27-04:00

@MSG(.VTS): In a way I can see where
Your coming from. PFC G.M. May have been assigned a team of comrades to carry out a detail and the PFC is looking for support not a dressing down.. The
PFC has been given good points to follow.
So lead and give the PFC points in how to
be a Good follower so the PFCs lower ranking comrades can emulate the PFC
and be willing to follow in the PFCs footsteps. and of course “Leading by example”..

Respectfully,

SSG. Boyd Herrst,
U.S. AF Veteran

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 6:34 PM

2017-10-29T18:34:19-04:00

Focus on your tasks at hand and motivate them when there is stuff to be done and there is always something to be done.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Oct 29 at 2017 7:01 PM

2017-10-29T19:01:43-04:00

Why did you listen to your leaders when you were younger? Generally, if you follow the example of those you have liked (and more importantly those you didn't like) you will have a pretty good blueprint of how to be successful. Best of luck to you!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Oct 29 at 2017 9:33 PM

2017-10-29T21:33:49-04:00

A lower rank?

Response by PFC Brent Roman made Oct 30 at 2017 12:19 AM

2017-10-30T00:19:30-04:00

Part of being in the military is knowing your place. While it's very uncommon some lower inlisted are but if this is not the case from E-1-E-4 feed off of each other so to speak. At this point in my career I would be focusing on my job skills and cross training in another MOS that's closely related to with my job specialty. This is the point of trial and error, where you learn what work and what doesn't. What work for one soldier won't work for the next, being a leader is a lot of trial and error and each soldier works a different way.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 12:53 AM

2017-10-30T00:53:00-04:00

Maybe you don’t want to take Advice from the higher enlisted, but take it from someone that’s the same rank as you. Don’t worry about ordering people around man, the only way you’re gonna get newbies to listen to you is if you show them the right way to do a task or an easier way, earn their respect and demonstrate your not just another sham jr.

This way, when you become an NCO you will already have the respect and trust in your Joe’s invested. And it will be much easier for you to get tasks accomplished. Respect and trust is the stepping stone for positive morale in bad situations. Focus one earning those and you will achieve what you seek.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Oct 30 at 2017 7:35 AM

2017-10-30T07:35:34-04:00

Earn their respect.

The reality is, if you start trying to throw "rank" around as a PFC, you are going to lose a ton of respect. All you had to do to "earn" your rank is stay out of trouble and it is an automatic promotion.

Believe it or not, real leadership has less to do about rank and more to do about respect.

If you earn it by working the hardest and taking care of those around you you wont have to worry about people listening to you.

However, if you are legitimately put in charge over others for a "detail" or other such function and there are soldiers who refuse to listen, bring it up to your first line leader and/or theirs once said detail is over. Making a scene in front of other soldiers where the defiant soldier will most likely just continue to ignore you will only further undermine your goal of influence.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 9:25 AM

2017-10-30T09:25:15-04:00

If whoever you're talking about isn't a complete boot, playing the rank card probably won't work, since you're not an NCO. At that point it just takes you earning their respect. That's how I've done it at least. Good leaders lead from the front.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 30 at 2017 9:47 AM

2017-10-30T09:47:39-04:00

You're best bet at this point in your career is just to watch your own lane. Be the example and be better than they are, and in time, things will shake out. Honestly. Those soldiers above and below you will notice, respect and rank will surely follow. You are doing more for yourself, current and future soldiers than you know just by being the example of what right looks like.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 30 at 2017 10:38 AM

2017-10-30T10:38:22-04:00

Get promoted... seriously

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 10:57 AM

2017-10-30T10:57:40-04:00

Back in the day that's was a different story , today good luck on having them listen to you. in their eyes youre a private also.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Oct 30 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-10-30T11:53:04-04:00

You don't, unless you are put in charge of a detail by an NCO or Officer. Just do your job. The respect will come with time and rank.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 30 at 2017 1:37 PM

2017-10-30T13:37:21-04:00

Without reading all the replies to date, I can think of a few that worked for me back in 1987, competency, trust and communicating with dignity and respect, the golden rule: treat others as you would have them do to you.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 2:31 PM

2017-10-30T14:31:39-04:00

Do the right thing and let them see you doing it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-10-30T16:25:06-04:00

Become a Specialist.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 30 at 2017 6:03 PM

2017-10-30T18:03:13-04:00

The answer is that you're only in charge when you are put in charge of a detail. PFCs aren't typically treated differently than a PVT or PV2. If you're put on a detail and you're senior, you do what is told and ensure those beneath you do what was instructed. If any problems with other soldiers arise, report them to your supervisor. Remember that at this stage you should be focused on being the best soldier that you can. Once you're an expert, you can worry about leading.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 7:50 PM

2017-10-30T19:50:45-04:00

Show them you know what you are doing. Let’s you actions and reputation do the talking.

Response by PFC Sandra Wade made Oct 31 at 2017 2:32 AM

2017-10-31T02:32:58-04:00

Mentorship. They believe in you, believe you achieved rank because you have knowledge and must be outstanding... You must believe in yourself and set good examples or no one will listen to you. You must also be a good listener. All things are not always what they appear to be. Take a breath count to ten and encourage feed back.. knowledge is power. Power is knowledge and leadership

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 2:29 PM

2017-10-31T14:29:41-04:00

Hey brother I am a PFC to but unless your chain of command gets involed with them being so young they won't listen rank doesn't mean anything to them

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 11:57 PM

2017-10-31T23:57:11-04:00

Your still a private you don't order anyone around that's not in our rank yet once you hit E4 then you may get that authority

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 8:41 AM

2017-11-01T08:41:08-04:00

Be assertive, draw that line of work and play early on, and they’ll understand when you’re serious and when you’re just joking around

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 1 at 2017 9:14 AM

2017-11-01T09:14:02-04:00

What does work is doing what You are told and doing it well. Sharp appearance in uniform, keeping everything up to and beyond requirements and staying current on ALL Your training. You do get noticed and in a positive manner, those are all factors that can speed up Your advancement through the ranks. I know it works, I made SSgt in 4 years in a time it usually was the 8 to 14 year mark many ever reached that rank and retired in that grade in the mid to late 1960s. The Air/Security Police most only made E3 in 4 years and only a very few very sharp ones E4.

Response by PFC Michael Gysin made Nov 4 at 2017 12:30 AM

2017-11-04T00:30:56-04:00

If your stuff is high and tight, and you know your stuff with an innate leadership confidence, then they will Follow You, so look at yourself rather than at others....

Response by PFC Jim Mills made Nov 5 at 2017 8:32 AM

2017-11-05T08:32:41-05:00

One basic rule of leadership no matter military or civilian. You must lead by example and never expect anyone to do something you can’t or won’t do especially if you know something someone else might know or might not know it could be a great teaching moment or bonding moment for all and a time of respect.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 5:34 PM

2017-11-06T17:34:24-05:00

Earn there respect, it takes time, be the leader, but dont boss people around, and watch what ncos around you do, dont emulate them, but learn, and take what you will from it

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2017 12:34 AM

2017-11-09T00:34:57-05:00

Well you don’t because all us lower enlisted are pretty much at the same level

Response by Cpl Jason Causby made Nov 9 at 2017 1:45 PM

2017-11-09T13:45:41-05:00

Lead By example.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2017 1:17 AM

2017-11-10T01:17:08-05:00

It would be a 92g asking this

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2017 5:55 AM

2017-11-10T05:55:45-05:00

As a E-4 myself you need to be a good follower before you can be a leader it will come with time and experience and believe me it’s not what it seems, just make sure your future joes know what right is befor you try to take on more then you can handle right know

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2017 5:48 PM

2017-11-10T17:48:02-05:00

You give up pal. People don't listen for shit if you don't have stripes

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2017 10:16 PM

2017-11-15T22:16:55-05:00

Just focus on yourself high speed. Do not try to do too much.

Response by PFC David Kingsley made Nov 18 at 2017 1:10 AM

2017-11-18T01:10:42-05:00

How about rank up? You'll realize setting an example, being professional and being kind gets positive results. Get to. Know your soldiers. Be firm when needed, but not a complete douche bag.

Response by PFC John Reed made Nov 18 at 2017 6:35 AM

2017-11-18T06:35:30-05:00

You dont. Its not until you hit specialist or Corporal will you even begin to have any real authority, even than that is very selective.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2017 3:20 AM

2017-11-21T03:20:27-05:00

You don't high speed

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 7:04 PM

2017-12-27T19:04:41-05:00

also if sgt Raddish is still there tell him Whitescarver said what's up, look him in his good eye

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2018 3:46 AM

2018-01-18T03:46:31-05:00

Half right....

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2018 12:02 PM

2018-01-25T12:02:12-05:00

What Ive noticed is anybody under specialist leads only by being the perfect example, one slip up and you're dismissed by others regardless if theyre lower rank.

Response by PFC Duane Noworyta made Jan 28 at 2018 10:24 PM

2018-01-28T22:24:05-05:00

You don't

Response by PFC Mitchell Riley made Feb 4 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-02-04T20:49:58-05:00

Treat them respect that you want

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2018 3:30 PM

2018-02-06T15:30:36-05:00

Learn your job, do what you're told, be where you are suppose to be. By being the best at what you do you set yourself aside from your peers and others ranks bellow you will see that and follow.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 15 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-02-15T17:06:31-05:00

RESPECT It is earned.. It takes time, it takes patience (if there is time) and it takes consistency.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Feb 15 at 2018 9:49 PM

2018-02-15T21:49:53-05:00

You will be listened to if what you are saying is worth listening to.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-03-15T17:36:32-04:00

Lead by example

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Mar 24 at 2018 10:08 AM

2018-03-24T10:08:19-04:00

There are two types of leaders:
1) Positional Leaders - by position or rank, these leaders are expected to lead and often fall short.
2) Informal Leaders - by personality, initiative, knowledge, and skills, these leaders make a difference wherever they go.
Regardless of your role or rank, strive to be an informal leader.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Apr 30 at 2018 7:42 AM

2018-04-30T07:42:20-04:00

From PFC to another, the best statement you can make is to set an example. Show some leadership, and everyone will follow. Remember, privates don't order no one around, not even PFCs, so don't try!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 3:04 AM

2018-06-12T03:04:00-04:00

Become an NCO.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 11:11 AM

2018-06-12T11:11:11-04:00

Well for starters; why do you need them to? What could they possibly be doing wrong that their section leader cannot correct? There are avenues and lanes for a reason.

Second; If they are just generally ate up, you DO have general military authority to correct a malfunction, regardless of rank (I've corrected a COL on a uniform issue a few different times, to the amazement and outrage of those around me), as long as you are in the right.

Third; if that PVT or PV2 is blatantly wrong, and you give an on-the-spot-correction and they refuse to adhere to it, while you do have seniority of rank, it is better to simply refer the issue to your first line supervisor or theirs.

However, this all being said, remember that while you may be a pay grade or two ahead of them, you yourself are still a Private. Learn how to do your job, be proficient at it, and make your way up the chain. Let the NCOs be the leaders and disciplinarians. That isn't your lane; it's theirs. You want the lower Joes to listen to you? Lead by example. SHOW them what is right. They will either fall in line (because they'll get tired of being outshined) or they wont. And if they do not, they and their NCOs know where the door is.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 22 at 2018 10:00 PM

2018-11-22T22:00:41-05:00

Display LEADERSHIP ! Start difficult tasks when the others are milling about and bitching! Then ask for them help when the task is obviously too much for you to accomplish alone. Jump in and help others when things are slow and not progressing and up the pace. Care, do, lead by example by doing more than others w/o telling others, they and supervisors will notice!

Take care of yourself, leaders do more than Joes, leaders need to conserve energy when everything is operating smoothly. Poised like a tiger to assist or guide when a problem arises!

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Nov 22 at 2018 10:03 PM

2018-11-22T22:03:47-05:00

As a PFC, there are not many lower ranks. If you are placed in charge of a detail, the NCO assigning the detail should make it clear you speak for him. Otherwise, you lead by example.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 10:35 PM

2019-01-25T22:35:30-05:00

As a fellow PFC we really dont have the authority (outside of general military authority) to make lower ranking privates listen to us. If you want them to listen to you, you gotta earn their respect. Be and set the example of what right is and looks like. Just do the right thing, help others when and where needed and show them the same respect you would like to receive. Most importantly distinguish yourself from your peers, work your ass off, be the best at your job, be the best soldier you can be and show them what a good follower looks like and in time you will earn the rank and the right to be a leader.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2019 12:52 PM

2019-07-17T12:52:14-04:00

Tell your nco or just simply give the soldiers advice if they fail to listen let them fail and then tell thwm your there to help them