Posted on Dec 23, 2019
CSM Command Sergeant Major
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Posted in these groups: Leadership abstract 007 LeadershipCollege advice AdviceArmy usa or 09b.svg CSM
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MSG Logistics Analyst
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The best CSM's i had during my career had a lot, if not all of the following traits:
1. Approachable (I should never be afraid to go to the CSM with an issue or problem.)
2. Engaged (I would always so the good CSM's out and about, not stuck in his office or hiding.)
3. Fair but firm. (If punishment was to be meted out, it was fair based on each individual, no favoritism)
4. Transparent (No hidden agendas)
5. Eyes, ears, and Most importantly, THE VOICE of the enlisted. ( He/She has the pulse of the unit and is always looking out for our best interest. With mission accomplishment always #1 of course.
6. Sense of humor (There are times when you just need a laugh, not everything is so serious)
7. Set the example for all to follow (Not let the BN runs become Officer led) haha

These are just a few off the top of my head from the Men/Women i admired most throughout my career.
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CSM Command Sergeant Major
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Will, That's awesome and thank you. I truly appreciate your feedback. I will definitely take a look and see where I am as it relates to your comments.
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MSG Logistics Analyst
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CSM (Join to see) - I am sure your an awesome leader CSM, just asking this question shows that you have your Soldiers in mind, I appreciate the question and allowing us to respond. Nothing I ever did in the Army, was more important than the Soldiers to my left and right. One thing i forgot to add to my list, is never ever forgot where you came from. None of us enter the Army as Senior enlisted. I have met leaders that forget what it was like to be that Soldier on the ground. Good luck to you CSM. Make us all proud!!!!!!!
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SSG Motor Transport Operator
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I absolutely agree
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SFC Cyber Security Watch Officer
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I expect a CSM to be someone that doesn't evoke an evasion response from soldiers when they see him/her approaching. The CSM should be someone that any soldier in the unit is happy to have the opportunity to speak with. Soldiers should feel like they can count on the CSM to move mountains to make sure that any issue they have is immediately and appropriately addressed.

"The day the soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership." ― Colin Powell
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CSM Command Sergeant Major
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SSG, thank you for that response. I am noticing a common theme of being approachable as an expectation of a CSM..
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LCpl Russell Wallace
LCpl Russell Wallace
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Sgtmaj’s should never be approachable especially by junior enlisted.
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CSM Richard StCyr
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The CSMs I admired were;
-Strict but fair
-Approachable but not lax
-Setting the example by being involved in training and missions
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