As a team leader do I do an initial counseling?

2021-01-10T16:45:12-05:00

This last drill I was entrusted with a team from my platoons weapons squad. Any tips and resources would be helpful but, my first question is do I do an I initial counseling on my 3 guys, stating the expectations of myself and the squad leader? Or is that not my responsibility and the squad leader does that?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 10 at 2021 4:48 PM

2021-01-10T16:48:25-05:00

To me it's best if the squad hears from you and the squad leader to what you both want from them and what you will be looking for brother SPC Private RallyPoint Member JS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 4:58 PM

2021-01-10T16:58:21-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member it should be a joint effort between you and the Squad leader.

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 10 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-01-10T17:12:03-05:00

Leaders always make their expectations known!
All the best.

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Jan 10 at 2021 6:07 PM

2021-01-10T18:07:59-05:00

It depends on your rank, In Ft. Benning, GA I did all the evals for all my trainers, mostly SSGs and SGTs and a SFC simply because I had more time and in grade then he! In a TOE unit my LT evaluated me, I evaluated all my squad leaders and the squad leaders evaluated the team leaders if they were Sgts.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 10 at 2021 6:08 PM

2021-01-10T18:08:13-05:00

Work with your Squad leader on his expectations and what your goals are. The two of you will get it sorted out. When I was a Team Leader I counseled my Marines but the Squad leader would also sit down with them at some point as well.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Jan 10 at 2021 7:11 PM

2021-01-10T19:11:23-05:00

You do it ... your squad leader should be the source for this... he should be mentoring you and leaving you out here high and dry asking strangers for insight. But yeah... they need to know what you expect from them and what it takes to excel in under your leadership.

Response by SPC Bradly Martin made Jan 10 at 2021 7:13 PM

2021-01-10T19:13:51-05:00

show some initiative. What’s the worst that can happen? Get a negative counseling for being a leader?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 7:49 PM

2021-01-10T19:49:56-05:00

I see a great many things for a PFC that is taking such initiative.

I see a domino effect of blow back for those above you in your Company Chain of Command if something came back as a result of such counseling that wasn’t supervised by an NCO, PL, 1SG, or CO.

Haven’t the PVT’s already been counseled by your NCO leadership as a policy of your Company Command Team?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 8:09 PM

2021-01-10T20:09:48-05:00

I would just do a verbal counseling

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-01-10T21:51:02-05:00

I remember being there once. Sit down with your Weapons Squad Leader and ask for his expectations for his Gun Teams. Then from there write out your own DA4856 with your expectations to help your team meet your SL's expectations.

Response by SSG Dale London made Jan 10 at 2021 11:19 PM

2021-01-10T23:19:26-05:00

If you were in my squad, i would expect you to at at least do an informal counselling. While team leader is the bottom rung of the formal leadership ladder, it is on the ladder. You should start developing skills and habits that you will need later in your career.
Besides, as their immediate supervisor, you need to ensure they know the intent, standards and expectations of you, and the NCO support chain above you, as well as those of your Platoon Leader and Commanding Officer, so far as you understand them yourself.
Don't be a jerk about it. Just lay it out for them and do your best to help them settle into the team.
Again, if you were in my squad, I would be coming to you shortly to see how they're settling. If you hadn't spoken to them, you wouldn't be able to answer my questions. That would not reflect well on you, nor would a failure on their part to meet standards because they were not aware of them -- a task you should complete before your squad leader has to.
Take the initiative without stealing your Squad Leader's thunder. It will give them the best chance at doing well and should mark you out for more responsibility later.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2021 4:05 AM

2021-01-11T04:05:12-05:00

Yep! Always make sure soldiers know what they are required as soldiers and pertaining to their MOS...

Response by SGT Carl Forsman made Jan 11 at 2021 8:18 AM

2021-01-11T08:18:30-05:00

I would think it depends on the situation. If you are put in charge of any sized team, squad, etc and you are going to set the example around garrison then I would introduce myself to the squad, let them know expectations based on your activates planned. Then council the squad leader separately and let him handle the squad. If you are on movement or going to be working in a team like faction then I would do any counseling as a group in a less than formal posture. We used to call it "hip pocket training". Find out what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are, be humble with your abilities, then on the movement, lead form the center, you control the squad leader and let the squad leader control the rest. Assumedly, if you are in a leadership role, you know more about the big picture than possibly your squad leader and most likely any of the men. At this point you need to be able to concentrate on the significant factors of the movement to complete a successful mission, you do not need to be a baby sitter for making sure all the men can correctly complete a "Right Face". That is your squad leaders responsibility.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2021 10:50 AM

2021-01-12T10:50:10-05:00

You are responsible for what your team does or fails to do.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2021 4:02 PM

2021-01-14T16:02:16-05:00

You. Army writer