Being a better service member?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 08:13:14 -0500

While recently being mentored by a MSgt, I was told in order to become a better Airman, I needed to make the decision.

As a lead for my duty section I posted this on our white board and of course, received some flak for it from a few of the NCOs as it came off as "corny".

I was curious if this was common for others as I would think having one of your younger servicemen trying to engender a top down message would be a good thing. I wouldn't post it if I didn't believe in what I was told but it seems as though inspiring the betterment of people has just become a vacant notion.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 8:32 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 08:32:46 -0500

My advice is to continue being all you can be. Those other guys are likely jealous and wish they were being mentored like you. Keep doing your best. It will all pay off eventually.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 28 at 2014 8:50 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 08:50:33 -0500

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member the flak is likely subtle jealousy or embarrassment that someone junior to them is more engaged as a leader than they. That said words (even written on a public whiteboard) are cheap. Continue to set the example by your actions and your words will ring true.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Nov 28 at 2014 9:00 AM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 09:00:47 -0500

Simple truths can sometimes come off as corny but that does not take away from the simplicity, directness, or accuracy of the message. A younger serviceman trying to engender a top down message is a good thing. In this case I recommend that you do not give in to the peer pressure from a few of your fellow NCOs.

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Nov 28 at 2014 10:03 AM

PO3 Jonathan Cooper — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:03:45 -0500

The first thing you can do is not freak out if your NCos look at it as "corny" because there's a good chance another NCO feel the same and acts. Keep improving personally and professionally and you'll make a better leader because of it.

Response by MSgt Kevin Willoughby made Dec 27 at 2014 2:13 AM

MSgt Kevin Willoughby — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 02:13:49 -0500

Corny or not, you stepped up and did what you thought was right, and would better your section. Never be afraid to take credit for your actioins, even if in the end you find out they could have been better.

As for the NCOs that saw it corny, talk to them one on one, not in front of the subordinate personnel, and maybe they have some insight to help it not be corny the next time. Mentoring comes from mentors as well as observing best practices of others to incorporate into your leadership toolbox. I think my best tools are what I learned from superiors as well as mentors that I put together after learning from their corny and their bad, as well as their good. I also learned from peers that did certain things as well.

Remember our Core Values. Integrity first, Service before self, Excellence in all we do. Keep that in the front of your actions, on and off duty, and you will inspire them to do the same. Continue to believe in what is right and pass it on to your subordinates, share it with your peers and your NCOs will recognize it, and you will be rewarded for it one day.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 6:48 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 06:48:37 -0500

The best messages should come off as corny. This is because they are simple to understand and relate to everything we do. As a leader you will constantly have stones hurled in your direction. Just realize people with negative attitudes will never prosper. I am sure you will eventually be their boss and they will have no choice other than to listen to your corniness.