Current SPC team leader, soon to be SGT. What are your words of wisdom (one of my favorites, "Don't expect what you don't inspect.")?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 00:09:13 -0500

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 12:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 00:28:45 -0500

Don't be a dick. No one likes the guy who gets ha stripes and forgets where he came from. Def not saying you'll do that, but just remember that even though you don't have to be liked (although it helps), you do have to be respected. No one respects a dick. Good luck bro.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 23 at 2016 12:57 AM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 00:57:04 -0500

You might want to invest in a Ranger Hand Book... and read it a couple of times ... there are good points for leadership in there and open your eyes to Planing and preparations... especially the Op orders and frag orders...

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Dec 23 at 2016 1:03 AM

SSG Mark Franzen — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 01:03:02 -0500

Well to the rank of SGT and now you really have to start preparing your soldiers under you and give them the attention that they need for them to move up as well. when you tell them something don't forget to follow up that is a big Key. Don't back down on the order in which you have give stick behind what you say. good luck I remember when I had made SGT AT 2 YEARS AND I WAS IN CHARGE OF A MOTOR POOL AND IT WASN'T THE EASIEST BUT I MADE IT.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 1:06 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 01:06:10 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Congratulations. We all make mistakes, and that is part of the learning process. Do not make the same mistake twice.

Response by SFC Anthony Shaffer made Dec 23 at 2016 1:59 AM

SFC Anthony Shaffer — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 01:59:00 -0500

Of course, always lead from the front. And Soldiers do best what leaders check.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Dec 23 at 2016 3:24 AM

SGT John Wesley — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 03:24:21 -0500

I learned that your being their Sgt doesn't end at close of business. You will find that you are there to help the professionally and personally. Therefore, your personal and professional life need to be above board. Lead by example in all aspects.

Btw, congrats, well done!!

Response by SSgt Bill Trevor made Dec 23 at 2016 6:18 AM

SSgt Bill Trevor — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 06:18:11 -0500

Congrats SSG Private RallyPoint Member
Mine is "listen more, talk less"

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Dec 23 at 2016 7:38 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 07:38:34 -0500

1) Remember the SMELL test --
Is what I/my team about to do:

Safe
Moral
Ethical
Legal
Logistical

If the answer is yes to all, you're probably doing the right things.

2) slow is smooth and smooth is fast

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 7:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 07:48:28 -0500

I honestly have nothing to add that has not already been said here. All I can say is ESSAYONS!!

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 23 at 2016 8:02 AM

1SG Al Brown — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 08:02:28 -0500

Don't over complicate leadership. Do what is right, every time. You're Soldier's will provide plenty of practice.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Dec 23 at 2016 9:03 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 09:03:03 -0500

Live the Creed and lead your troops with that Creed, never-never-never drive them! Shared sacrifice gets respect, and respect gets true loyalty!

If its dangerous, you be on that mission, if the environment sucks (personal injury at stake/weather/terrain etc) be on that mission. You might screw a couple things up, but being smart enough to have a trusted mentor to keep you within the SDZ and you will be fine. And finally, don't forget to challenge your team to be PME hard....Physically, Mentally and Emotionally hard so that when called upon you can engage and overcome any obstacle or mission. Too often leaders do not push for emotional strength and you get that through very tough, realistic training and sharing those hardships with your people! You are on your way SSG Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 23 at 2016 9:33 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 09:33:42 -0500

Trust but verify

Anyone can yell, but a leader can listen as well.

If the Solders are there, so are you... good stuff, fun stuff, shit tasks as well...and that does not mean standing by watching with hands in pockets... Your a 12B.. so if there is a picket pounder laying on the ground pick it up.... wire gloves fit NCO hands as well, that ACE, SEE, or other MP equipment ain't going to change its own oil.

Your not there friend, but that does not mean you cant be friendly...nobody likes an asshole...more importantly, nobody crosses a open area under direct fire for an asshole. Nobody follows an asshole into the breach..

If you only raise your voice to be heard when needed, that will stand out as a difference and they will take notice.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Dec 23 at 2016 10:16 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 10:16:39 -0500

Congrats on becoming an NCO! Read, understand, and follow the NCO Creed. It will never steer you wrong in your career.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 10:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 10:21:48 -0500

SP4 Caleb Malkewitz
Congratulations, and welcome to the other side. You received an awful lot of very good advice here. I would only add one small personal matter: Stay away from family type squabbles from team members or the squad when you’re in charge. If this happens, at first it may seem flattering, but it soon becomes very old; you don’t want any part of that. I’m not saying you can’t get to know you’re team, but it’s not good to play father and mother to them. Probably the best advice I’ve seen here is “Live the Creed”, if you do that everything will fall in place.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Dec 23 at 2016 10:41 AM

LTC Orlando Illi — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 10:41:44 -0500

If your team has to think about what to do when in enemy contact - they are all ready casualties. TRAINING instills INSTINCT and INSTINCT saves your life and those of your team mates. My first CSM told me the above and he learned it the hard way in the 11th ACR in Vietnam

Response by 1SG Dennis Jones made Dec 23 at 2016 11:29 AM

1SG Dennis Jones — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 11:29:39 -0500

I'm a little bit old school I've always said lead by example & don't expect your troops to do something that you can't do

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 12:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 12:03:18 -0500

don't assume anything is all I can add everybody else covered it, and congrats on your new journey

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 23 at 2016 1:56 PM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 13:56:10 -0500

This, too, shall pass.

Response by SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II made Dec 23 at 2016 3:26 PM

SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 15:26:18 -0500

Don't lead by example be the example

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Dec 23 at 2016 6:06 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 18:06:25 -0500

Don't forget to tell them when they do good. Your job is not only to correct deficiencies, it is also to reinforce good performance.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 3:36 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 03:36:21 -0500

Mission first, People always! If you disregard the wisdom or advice of your subordinates and don't take care of them your mission may be compromised. Your troops are your most valuable asset. You may have to wear many hats, boss, friend, big brother, father, Psychiatrist, problem solver etc. Good luck on your future as an NCO!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 6:56 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 06:56:56 -0500

Everything you do should be focused on these 2 goals.
(1) Accomplishing the mission.
(2) Looking out for the welfare of your command

Constantly display and require you subordinates to display these traits. Do a periodic self-inventory and make improvements where most needed.
Integrity
Knowledge
Courage
Decisiveness
Dependability
Initiative
Tact
Justice
Enthusiasm
Bearing
Endurance
Unselfishness
Loyalty
Judgement

These principles will help you if you practice them in all actions.
Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
Be technically and tactically proficient.
Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
Make sound and timely decisions.
Set the example.
Know your soldiers and look out for their welfare.
Keep your soldiers informed.
Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
Train your soldiers as a team.
Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.

Beyond that be firm, be fair, and always treat others with dignity. Learn from your mistakes and train your subordinates to the standard of them being able to carry out the mission if you are gone. Never take credit for the actions of others. Praise publicly and often, but counsel privately. Learn how to delegate authority but understand that although you can delegate authority, you can't delegate responsibility - meaning that the last step of delegation is to supervise, and if you have been given a mission it is ultimately on you to make sure it is done no matter who you may have delegated the task(s) to. This is not a checklist because to do it right you have to constantly improve. As your abilities get larger so will the number of subordinates. It is never totally completed but is rather a guide.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 9:06 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 21:06:57 -0500

You ever heard the story of the old man, the boy, and the donkey? If not, look it up. Do what's right. Most of the time, it's going to be by the reg, manual, what have you. Sometimes it's not.

Response by SGT John Flint made Dec 24 at 2016 10:26 PM

SGT John Flint — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 22:26:36 -0500

"It is what is" lol

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2016 3:09 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 03:09:09 -0500

First of all, congratulations on your selection for promotion.
Now I am going to tell you something that I never heard in the 10 years I served as a 12B. Learn how to write! I see many of my peers who cannot write an email to save their lives. Why? Counseling! How can you be a successful leader without well trained Soldiers? Read! Reading will help you develop problem solving skills. Do college! If you haven't already, start your civilian education. Most important, set the right example. Nothing I dislike more than the "Do as I say, not as I do" NCO!

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Dec 25 at 2016 6:30 AM

1SG Mike Case — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 06:30:19 -0500

Don't let anyone compromise your integrity.
The next four things were told to me by my CSM when I took over as a 1SG the first time and think they apply to anyone NCO or leader:
1. Your actions or more importantly non-actions are very important.
2. Your words or more importantly not saying anything is very important.
3. A Soldiers issue is that Soldier's number one priority and they sometimes have trouble seeing the big picture or how their actions/approved requests affect the company, Bn, Bde and big Army.
4. Always be a clear cut with your intent and message because any slight variation of want you say or mean can be taken the wrong way by the Soldier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2016 7:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 07:57:20 -0500

Perception is reality.

Response by CPL Joey Kindred made Dec 25 at 2016 8:43 AM

CPL Joey Kindred — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 08:43:11 -0500

Your gonna have to learn that they aren't your sham shield buddies anymore

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2016 6:42 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 18:42:31 -0500

As a leader, you ARE the example. This means your subordinates (and some of your peers) will emulate you... for better or for worse. If you neglect something - they will neglect it. If you ping on something, they will as well. When - repeat - WHEN you find stuff that your troops are continually deficient in, take a long look in the mirror before you go off on them, because you may well be doing it yourself.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Dec 27 at 2016 6:17 AM

1SG Harold Piet — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 06:17:00 -0500

Going to seniors for advice is OK. Take your job serious, you are responsible for training those under your leadership to do their job but most of all to win and come home alive. Everyone is Infantry first. Thanks for stepping up to the responsibility.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Dec 27 at 2016 7:27 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 07:27:38 -0500

Don't fucking become a Blue Falcon!!!!!

Response by SFC Michael Arabian made Dec 27 at 2016 8:43 AM

SFC Michael Arabian — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 08:43:24 -0500

Set the example, when you tell someone to do something make sure you are willing to do it yourself. Sometimes you have to show people that your willing to do the same thing. Try not to alway yell at your troops, yes there are going to be time when you have to but not all the time. Last, take a look at all your leader current and in the past see what you like or disliked about their leadership. Take what you liked about them and incorporate it into your leadership

Response by SSG Matt Harris made Dec 27 at 2016 9:39 AM

SSG Matt Harris — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 09:39:49 -0500

When you become a SGT you do not need to be a dick to be a good NCO, they might try and see what you are going to be like and you might have to flex some mussel but you don't eed to be a dick. Be firm but fair, you might have a soldier that is hot shit and always does everthing perfect but if you punish one soldier for something and the hot shit one does the same thing later he gets the same punishment. Learn the proper way to write counseling that will save you headaces and some CSM's will make your Sponsor for the SSG board bring all of your counseling to inspect before you enter the room. Also if you haven't already do an initial counseling to set fourth the rules that you expect them to abide by (there are good blanket initials on the web) everytime you change teams or squads or get a new soldier do this. Do not have your guys do something that you would not do yourself! A hands on leader shows the guys that you will be right there next to them when they need it and they will be more prone to do what you ask without hesitation. If someone comes to you with a problem help them fix it and quide them in how not to donit again you don't have to be their friends but if you show that you can listen without loosing your mind they will be more prone to not hiding shit from you. Learn all you can from all your leaders "if you think you know everything you are either dead or dumb" you have a plethora of information at your disposal. And always remember you form now on are first and foremost a leader from now on you wear that uniform shaper and with more pride and you are a mentor to soldiers for the rest of your life. Because you have the ability to influence soldiers for years and years beyond when you get out. If you are a good leader then future leaders that you taught have the ability to share what you taught them in the right ways and it keeps getting passed on, if your a bad leader the same can happen just in a negative way. You are now in the shoes of many great men and women before you. Last bit of advice never be afraid to ask for help or advice if you do not know how to handle something or do something, a goodnleader knows when they need help and will ask other good leaders!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 11:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:06:19 -0500

Compassion for your troops goes hand in hand with firm leadership.
Stand up for your troops when they are in the right.
Don't let your pride and ego cause you to think you can't make mistakes
If you do make a mistake, don't be afraid to admit it, no matter how screwed up you might appear.
Don't try to BS your troops, if you don't know the answer, admit it and work with them to find the answer that way you both learn.

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Dec 28 at 2016 8:10 AM

1SG Steven Imerman — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 08:10:30 -0500

Walk the walk. Be what you talk about.

You aren't their buddy, you are there to take care of them. Be the stern but caring Dad.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made Dec 28 at 2016 4:22 PM

PFC Aaron Cox — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 16:22:38 -0500

Everything you do or think Should be tempered with wisdom.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 6:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 18:39:38 -0500

Big take away is you have to be someone young troops can look up to, set an example and challenge troopers to be as great or better than you are.
Make sure when counseling, that they are not generic. Each counseling should be about that individual. Something I like to do to keep them competitive against each other, is give them a rating.
5 joes = 1-5 rating for each one I give them a success/met standard/needs improvement just like on an NCOER, 1 is best 5 is worst. Keeps them competitive for promotions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 11:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 23:14:06 -0500

First, if you see something wrong, if you walk by and do nothing, you just created a new standard.

Next, as soon as you start yelling and cursing, they stop listening. Learn to make your words count, and life is much easier.

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Dec 29 at 2016 11:31 AM

SGT Stanley Bass — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 11:31:20 -0500

Few tidbits. lets see how many actually come out. Some I have said on other posts. You were their friend as a SPC, you gotta separate that, you cannot "hang out" like you did before, but you can do activities with them, such as softball, and bowling. team activity stuff. They may still approach you with problems as they did when you were all SPC or below. However, you cannot answer or handle them the same. In my time a lot of us were getting promoted. One person whom got promoted a month before i did to E-5, kept saying (between his promotion in March and mine in April). "Back when I was an E-4." Don't be that guy. There will be some things that will change. they call SPC the sham shield for a reason. I took high and full advantage of my sham shield, and did a 180 my Senior NCO's did not expect. When my E-7 and 1SG pinned on my E-5, the E-7 said now lets see if you can keep it. The junior soldiers may come to you for more advice now, be there for them, if you dont know an answer much like when a senior NCO has asked you for things, research it and get back to them. Now I will stop rambling till next time .

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 11:42 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 23:42:02 -0500

Get a little grease and rub it on your shoulders and when you are faced with negative adversity let it roll off and keeping moving with engagment.

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Dec 30 at 2016 12:26 AM

1SG Timothy Trewin — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 00:26:35 -0500

Here's a couple.

1. Trust, but verify.

2. Be the NCO you would follow as a lower enlisted Soldier.

Response by SFC David Davenport made Jan 24 at 2017 9:48 AM

SFC David Davenport — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:48:24 -0500

Learn the NCO Creed and let it be your guide. That sounds corny but works shockingly well. When you run into a situation that you are unsure of exactly how to handle it ask yourself the following question. What parts of the NCO Creed could possibly relate to this problem? Repeat that part of the creed while thinking about the problem and you will be very surprised at how often it gives you a good idea(s) on what you should do. I used this technique with NCOs that that worked for me for over a decade. They almost always hated it at first but very quickly they asked me fewer questions, became more decisive and overall much better Leaders.

Response by MSG Carl Leffel made Jan 29 at 2017 1:06 PM

MSG Carl Leffel — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 13:06:31 -0500

I believe this

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 10:11 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 10:11:13 -0500

If you didn't give a test, you didn't give training.

If you didn't document it, it didn't happen.

Response by CW4 John Wheatley made Feb 28 at 2017 11:33 AM

CW4 John Wheatley — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 11:33:36 -0500

Pvt,s only do what Sgts check,Check check and check again You must be the most proficient person in your group, You must lead by example Know what you are doing and don't be afraid to do your share of the assigned tasks.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Mar 8 at 2017 10:56 AM

SSgt Michael Cox — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:56:17 -0500

Don't go all high and mighty just because you got that new stripe. The one thing I hated seeing more than anything was a new NCO who thought he was God.

Just follow some simple rules. Take care of your guys. In the AF if my shop wasn't busy I would send my guys home early or give them a 4 hour lunch. If you and your troops have to work Thanksgiving or Christmas bring in a hot meal if command doesn't do it. I took a lot of flack for this one but I didn't care I figured it was my job to give my troops a holiday meal if command wasn't going to do it to show my appreciation for them coming in on the holiday. And one that my father taught me, never make your troops do anything you wouldn't be willing to do yourself.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made Mar 9 at 2017 12:07 PM

PFC Aaron Cox — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 12:07:26 -0500

My advise is to put your troops first. Without them and their support you can not finish the mission. If they know you have their back they will have yours. Be fair and just. Keep in mind getting your men killed is a career ender. Do this once or twice and even if you get another command your troops will not follow you. If you have an ass in your unit that is being a problem child don't be afraid to remove them from the unit. If you have a member abusing their family don't been afraid to drop the hammer on them. Sledge preferably. If you have someone having problems help them out wisely. You do this and your troops will march on hell itself with you. Do not set out to ruin someone for the hell of it.

Response by 1SG Thomas Griffiths made Apr 19 at 2017 8:47 AM

1SG Thomas Griffiths — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:47:02 -0400

Don't forget to keep getting dirty, team leaders need to show leadership by actions not orders

Response by 1SG Dave McWilliams made Jul 2 at 2020 7:46 AM

1SG Dave McWilliams — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 07:46:30 -0400

Lead follow or get out of the way . If you care about what’s Important to your troops when They leave for the weekend they will care about what you want them to do on Monday when they come back