Do you think that you are/were a good leader? A not so good leader?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:29:07 -0400

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jul 22 at 2015 5:31 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:31:25 -0400

Yes I was and still am!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 5:33 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:33:38 -0400

As I left the military, I was saying goodbye to the training NCO. He was a good one and I basically stayed out of his way and allowed him to do his job.

I commented that I had not been too involved with his job. His comment was words to the effect that I motivated him more than any one else had in his career.

Made me feel pretty good.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 5:34 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:34:24 -0400

I personally feel that there's always room for improvement. There was always someone who I could've helped a little more, someone who needed to be reeled in a bit more, and someone who just needed me to notice them. I know as a leader, I did the best that I knew how at the time, but looking back now, there are improvements I could have made. Not everyone responds the same way to leadership styles, and as a leader, I need to recognize my own style and learn to adapt to those I am meant to lead. There's always room for improvement, and sometimes the best trait of a leader is recognizing that!

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jul 22 at 2015 5:35 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:35:06 -0400

I was able to persuade people to do things from respect rather than using the " You Will " approach. Yes, I think I was a good leader.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 5:36 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:36:25 -0400

The best leadership makes it their idea

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 5:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:40:42 -0400

This is really an outcome oriented question. Based on outcomes and feedback, I have been/am an effective leader. That being said, TSgt Private RallyPoint Member summed it up nicely...self reflection is important because there's always room for improvement. I modified a counseling statement from a retired CSM and use it as the initial counseling for all of my NCOs. Once a year I pull out a copy and review it to ensure I am meeting or exceeding the standards that I am expecting of my subordinates.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 22 at 2015 5:41 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:41:34 -0400

Yes I believe I am a good leader. I've always been lucky to be successful a majority of the time. Plus I've had great people work with and for me.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jul 22 at 2015 5:41 PM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:41:39 -0400

I have always lead by example. If you're not willing or are unable to do the task, you have no authority to make someone else undertake that task.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 5:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:51:25 -0400

To be honest I doubt there will be anyone that will say that they are anything but a good leader. Even the worst leaders fail to realize the errors of their ways. If you don't believe me you need not look any further than your politicians.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 22 at 2015 5:59 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:59:02 -0400

SPC Margaret Higgins, I think I was a good leader, I always ate after my soldiers, obeyed when my 1SGT told me to leave and let him deal with issues and got back at the end of the day to handle late business.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 6:07 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:07:44 -0400

I hope I have been a good and effective leader. I have my faults and my weaknesses of course. Only time will tell if I was truly a good leader that others wanted to emulate and follow.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 6:08 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:08:04 -0400

Great question by the way.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jul 22 at 2015 6:40 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:40:41 -0400

About 2 weeks before I retired I ran into a Major whom I had known when he was a 2nd Lieutenant. He had just pinned his Major leaves on. I congratulated him for moving along so well and he told me he had the advantage of having listened to and learn from his first and best Platoon Sergeant.... And I thought I had always just done my job....

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jul 22 at 2015 6:41 PM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:41:09 -0400

That just might be a loaded question, I was by my thoughts a very good leader but there are some that will say no nco is that good.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 22 at 2015 6:57 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:57:52 -0400

SPC Margaret Higgins this is always a very humbling question to answer. I always gave and will continue to give 150 percent of all my efforts, intelligence, energy, enthusiasm, courage, character, honesty, loyalty and that "eagle instinct" into my 37 years of military service no matter what position I held. I was selected to command (2) companies that spanned over 6 years, (1) Battalion that spanned over 4 years and (2) Brigades that spanned over 7 years; and I have lead (3) companies; two as a President and one as the CEO of my own company. I'll leave it your hands to decide SPC Margaret Higgins

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 7:10 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:10:51 -0400

Now that is an interesting question. What is a good leader? How do you define what leadership is? I do not think I will ever be the best leader. The NCOs that came before me, taught me, molded my hard-headedness into an NCO will always be, in my opinion, the great leaders. I feel I am effective as a leader, but let us all be honest, some think we are awful and some think we are great. The ones that come behind me will be the only true opinions that matter about whether or not I was personally an effective leader.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 22 at 2015 7:13 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:13:20 -0400

We all have to learn how. None of us are inherently great leaders from the start. One of the best bits of advice I ever got was to get close to my Leading Chief Petty Officer and let him teach me.

If you try to play the "I'm the officer" card too much, you loose...

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jul 22 at 2015 7:30 PM

MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:30:59 -0400

Great question! Yes, I believe I was and continue to be a leader, with the insight of, "knowing myself, and seeking self-improvement."

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 7:31 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:31:21 -0400

Yes

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Jul 22 at 2015 8:03 PM

SFC Dennis Yancy — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:03:43 -0400

Yes, I seemed to collect all the odd troops nobody else wanted as I could motivate them. Any soldier assigned to my care was taken care of.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Jul 22 at 2015 8:20 PM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:20:03 -0400

I gave it my all, but I think only those I led can answer the question. As for now; the same holds true. I realy just want to hear God say, "Well done..."

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 8:23 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:23:54 -0400

I do my absolute best every day. Some times I kick a$$; sometimes I f*ck I up. But I learn something and grow from every success and every failure.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 8:29 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:29:08 -0400

I like to believe so, all my Soldiers say so, and they still contact me daily for advice! Now that being said I can be and get better always room for improvement!

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Jul 22 at 2015 9:42 PM

Capt Michael Halpin — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:42:31 -0400

I continually get better with age and experience!

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 22 at 2015 10:01 PM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 22:01:46 -0400

I think so. I made Sailor of the quarter. I teach NPP and I'm one of the first faces people see during Command INDOC. I am honest and I let people know what is expected of them. I am approachable and look for solutions with my sailors. They know they can count on me for training, to get the job done, or for support dealing with other people senior to them. I hold people accountable for their actions so things wont get out hand, and yet I always try to look out for them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 10:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 22:09:13 -0400

How do you define "good"? Have I led troops in combat? No. Could I? I think I could, I have done so with some success in training scenarios. Does my team complete their mission objectives under my guidance, yes so far. But I like to think that says as much about them as myself.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 10:10 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 22:10:42 -0400

I've been told I'm a leader but I will never see myself in that position. I don't have enough confidence to be a leader.

Response by CPL Roland Newton made Jul 22 at 2015 11:18 PM

CPL Roland Newton — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 23:18:27 -0400

I do think I was a good leader and so did my Cmdrs. As a Cpl I held an E-6 slot running the post mail room. I had over 4000 mailboxes servicing 4 different units. never failed an inspection by the APO or Inspector General, actually only once did we rec. a gig during an inspection, for not having a box # written on a package, th IG said he had to gig me for something , and that was all he found. I rewrote the SOP for the mailroom and it was adopted and praised by the APO's I served. When I was Ft. Riley I rewrote the SOP for promotions, welcome packets for incoming soldiers and for the mailroom at Ft. Riley. those SOPs were made permanent for the 1st Inf , Div. I always found that if you talk to people with respect and make the work enjoyable, things always work better.

Response by SPC Nathan Acreman made Jul 22 at 2015 11:42 PM

SPC Nathan Acreman — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 23:42:29 -0400

I was in the army for 10 years, I made the rank of SPC twice, got out after 7, went back in and did 3 more. As a soldier I made many mistakes, hence why I made SPC twice.

I have lead training for my companies, my platoons, and my squads, worked as a team leader, and filled positions that were twice my pay grade. Most of all I learned from my mistakes and passed those on to soldiers that were to my left.

Was a good leader? I did my best and I never gave up on anyone. I never let anyone take a fall for my decisions when I was errant on my decision making, other than myself. I gave credit where it was due. I never stood on the sideline. I think, I was decent. I could have been better though.

Response by LT Garth Young (Ret) made Jul 23 at 2015 7:34 AM

LT Garth Young (Ret) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 07:34:16 -0400

"no doubt in my military mind"

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 23 at 2015 9:37 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:37:24 -0400

Everybody could stand some improvement in their leadership qualities! With that said, I wasn't the greatest of leaders but I also wasn't the worst. I got a lot of help at the latter end of my career in developing my leadership skills, by both those above me AND below me.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Jul 23 at 2015 10:38 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 10:38:06 -0400

I like to think I was a good leader. I never attended PLDC (WLC), but I did my best to lead by example. More than anything, I know I was strong in my MOS. One thing that made me feel that I was a good leader is that when I left the military (is it ETS from National Guard?) I was an E-4 in an E-6 slot. Also, during my last FTX, the Bn Comander and CSM came to the field with re-enlistment papers for me and made a point to hound me about it at every given opportunity. I like to think that says something.

Now as an educator I believe I am still a good leader.

Response by TSgt Alex Benningfield made Jul 23 at 2015 7:11 PM

TSgt Alex Benningfield — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:11:08 -0400

All I can say is I never felt qualified to lead but I did/ do the best at the time with the information I had/have. There will always be room to grow and become better.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Jul 23 at 2015 7:17 PM

SFC Dennis Yancy — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:17:04 -0400

It was a job that became my life. Was the first Plt Sgt assigned to ADA OBC at Ft Bliss in 1985 or so. That was actually fun. I got to influence future plt ldrs before they learned too many bad habits. They were exposed to every problem that I could come up with. Try to counsel their plt Sgt was my favorite exercise.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 23 at 2015 10:24 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 22:24:34 -0400

I have it on good authority that I was a terrible officer. I had to borrow points to even get my name on my Officer Efficiency Reports. But I was an effective leader. I accomplished my missions well enough to earn recognition and even prompt a major general to write letters and call DA to have me retained in the service. Sadly, not even his recommendation could overcome the legion of company and field grade officers who wanted my tail out of there. Was I a good leader? Beats the hell out of me...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 24 at 2015 3:29 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 03:29:50 -0400

I believe I was a legend in my own mind,,,,,just like most everyone else...lol

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 24 at 2015 6:30 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 06:30:08 -0400

I'm the exact same as everyone else. A fallible human being who's doing his best with a track record of successes and failures all of which have led to lessons learned and attempts at improvement...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:08 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:08:20 -0400

Only a self-absorbed narcissist would say, "I was a good leader"...on the other hand, none of us want to believe we were "bad" leaders. When I (often) ask myself this question...late at night and thinking of the wife and child that "need" me to be...I usually think of events from my past illustrating what I did "right", and what I did "wrong". I've been "that guy" too many times...and at least once or twice, think I managed to channel some of my mentors and heroes. At the end of the day, I'm dead certain some of my sailors would say I was reckless, incompetent, vain...even dangerous. However, I know of at least a handful that call me up from time to time to share memories and plan that next round of drinks when we're geographically able...must mean I got some of it right.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:16:15 -0400

I believe I had my good traits and my bad ones like anyone else. Bottom line: I knew I fought for my guys and did everything I could for them at and off work. My guys knew they could call me to come pick them up if they were drunk, but they also had respect enough not to do it from hundreds of miles away. I hate busy work, I understand the common areas need the be clean and what not, but making soldiers pick weeds out of gravel at the motorpool to pass time is foolish IMO.

Always lead from the front, never asked someone to do something I wouldn't do or hadn't done myself in the past. If my guys were in the motorpool, I was in the motorpool. If the mood was grim, I tried to crack jokes to keep the spirits aloft. I've always expected alot out of my guys, but I also tried to foster a relationship with them where they knew they could come talk to me if they had issues, the suicide rate is too high not to make yourself approachable.

Other then that, just tried to pass on what I know and give advice when necessary. Though I implemented my own PT and training plan, I did like to get the guys' input as to what they'd like to do for PT or what they'd like to hit up during training. If it was within reason, I made it happen.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 24 at 2015 8:39 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:39:50 -0400

I know I wasn't the best and I know I wasn't the worst. I usually tell people I was pretty good at my job not so much at playing the game.

Response by MSgt ReganSteve Frioux made Jul 24 at 2015 11:02 AM

MSgt ReganSteve Frioux — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:02:47 -0400

Of course everyone is going to answer in the positive.

For my part, the way I was raised put me ahead of the training the AF tosses at us. I'm of the mind that you can train, train, train, but not everyone has the capacity to BE trained in every nuance of leadership. And the AF these days gives conflicting information and wants followers, not leaders (i.e. pushing careerism, without realizing the selfish nature of that choice).

I left the way I came in, with the same set of values I was taught. I left at the rank I planned. A through it all, it was never about me, or my commander, but the mission and the airmen - and trust me, my integrity was sorely tested the year before I retired.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jul 24 at 2015 11:17 AM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:17:35 -0400

I Believe I was and still am an EFFECTIVE Leader! I set the example! I allow the example I set SPEAK and PERMEATE for me!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jul 24 at 2015 11:35 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:35:04 -0400

To be honest, I don't think I am all that great as a FORMAL leader. I am a good mentor, informal leader, and strong worker. I have been in a few positions where I am a formal leader and I did not feel I stacked up all that well. Part of the problem was that in addition to being the formal leader, I was also the primary "grunt" doing the work.....1 deep in a 2+ deep shop. Hard to be the full time nurse covering 2 clinics and also be the commander running 4 clinics..... In my next position, I am hoping to be less of a formal leader and more of a nurse.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Jul 24 at 2015 12:51 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:51:04 -0400

I'd like to say that, during my time in, I was more of an "effective" leader... Sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes a little of both; but was, and still am a very effective leader! :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 21:04:54 -0400

I feel that I am a good leader, however I think that what makes me so is that I find those that are GREAT leaders and learn from them. I do not think that I am the best of the best, I know my weaknesses and I am always striving to improve those. If leaders are not trying to improve themselves then they stagnate. It is like going to the gym, eventually you plateau inside of continuing to improve. It is imperative that we are always looking to be that leader that everyone WANTS to follow. Not because we are their buddies, but because they trust us to lead them to success.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 25 at 2015 1:24 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 01:24:05 -0400

It depends SPC Margaret Higgins what your measure is? My opinion is, I was always selfless and tried to make a difference every day. The real measure, however, is what everyone who I had the honor of leading thought about me. It doesn't really matter what I think...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 7:59 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 07:59:37 -0400

I can look back and say that until I realized that I was a socially skilled introvert that I had problems interacting with 75% of my troops. I think now (12+ years later) that I used that realization to be a better leader. It took a deployment with much time on my hands to make me realize that I had a large capability gap in my leadership toolbox. (it didn't take a 360 eval...and my OERs were useless in developing me as a leader or much anything else)
The bottom line is that a good leader takes time to find out what their true weaknesses are. Just because you are successful doesn't mean that you are the best that you can be.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Jul 25 at 2015 1:29 PM

MCPO Tom Miller — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 13:29:27 -0400

Every great leader always can grow in leadership by gaining respect by respecting their peers by giving credit where credit is due and encouraging self esteem and self confidence. Always remember you are only as strong as those under your responsibility so you set the standards by example and be consistent. Do I think I am or was a good leader? On paper I was an excellent leader, in my heart I see areas where my views were lacking the highest quality of moral examples as I was known as a sailors "sailor." I loved the Navy and found a home just after I enlisted. I feel I never failed the Navy and the Navy never failed me.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 25 at 2015 3:14 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 15:14:01 -0400

I retired from the army, it never retired from me. I miss it every day.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 26 at 2015 7:41 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 07:41:43 -0400

Better than a lot, not as good as some and never as good as I wanted to be

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 10:34 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:34:48 -0400

I believe that I was an effective leader. There are things could have done better in, but there are things I also excelled in.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 13 at 2015 10:43 AM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:43:25 -0400

All I can say is I tried my very best. I think the only people that can truly tell you if I was worth anything were the people that worked for me. I do think that early on I wasn't really a very good leader. A change in duty location, group of people I worked with, and mission changed everything for me, those things motivated me more than anything. The people you work for and that work for you make you want to do and be your best. If you dislike the people and the mission or just don't feel any connection to it, you probably won't be as effective as you could be. TBH, it wasn't until I got stationed in Germany the first time, in 2000, that I felt that all of the things I mentioned previously all came together for me. I had great leadership, a job I loved, and a mission I believed in wholeheartedly, so it was easy to be the best I could be. That stayed with me the rest of my career and made even my last assignment, which IMO was not good, successful.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 13 at 2015 2:49 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:49:15 -0400

I don't know because I don't know how my former soldiers are doing now.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 3:57 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 15:57:26 -0400

I don't think any humble person will respond with a direct answer-I prefer to say that wish I could go back and use what I know now in many circumstances.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Dec 26 at 2018 10:20 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 10:20:14 -0500

I like to think that I was. I know that I made some good decisions and I know that some weren't so good. When the not so good ones would happen it was on me and I took responsibility for them. I always tried to lead by example, no matter how bad the job was I always tried to be the first one in. It paid off many time as it is hard to complain about having to do something when the Squad Leader/Platoon Sergeant is the first one in. I have had a lot of the soldiers that I served with stick with the military and progress in rank and leadership positions.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2018 11:42 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 11:42:40 -0500

Sometimes I doubt myself. My current assignment doesn't help. I've always believed that if I take care of my Soldiers, they will take care of the mission. Lately, I've had to ask: am I balancing their welfare with the mission? Am I being too lenient? Do I need to push them more, or will that be counter-productive? What can I do to enable them to be successful?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 26 at 2018 1:03 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 13:03:16 -0500

I believe that I gave people good leadership, have a few that thank me for giving them a good example to follow.

Response by SPC David Roberts made Nov 27 at 2021 12:47 AM

SPC David Roberts — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 00:47:19 -0500

I made E4 within a year after joining at age 18, and I was typically put in charge of cleaning details and things like that. I was a terrible leader, but learned from my mistakes and from observing the excellent leaders around me. I got better, and I think I'm a pretty good leader now.