Favorite leadership style: Loud or Soft spoken?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 09:16:26 -0500

There are a myriad of various leadership styles in the Military. At some point we've all had that crazed, mad dog that favors loud, attention drawing outbursts as well as the soft spoken, verbose, drawn-out explanation type of leader. Allowing that all things are equal as far as intelligence and physical fitness, what is your preferred leadership style?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 10:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:44:51 -0500

My favorite is a mixture of both, loud during pt, in front of formations and calm and soft spoken in a one on one situation

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 10 at 2014 10:54 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:54:46 -0500

Personally I prefer a mixture of both methods of delivery.  Being "loud" is required at times.  I believe that if you are "loud" all the time, people may tend to "tune you out."  Thoughts tend to lean towards "if this guy/gal yells about everything, how do I know what is important?"   Same train of thought applies to being "soft spoken."  I make it a habit to never confuse being "soft spoken" with being weak, but sometimes that is how it is perceived.  The thoughts may lean towards "doesn't this guy/gal get ever fired up over anything?"  But you can get your point across without getting "loud."  A slow, deliberate "lean in" with words that only your indented audience can hear goes a long way.  That is a favorite course of action of mine during those instances where that style is warranted.  BLUF is that each method of delivery has its place, use and level of effectiveness.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 10 at 2014 11:21 AM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 11:21:02 -0500

I've gotten the best results from being soft-spoken and telling the Soldier that I'm not angry just really disappointed.

Then again I've never yelled at a Soldier so I'm not sure what type of result I'd get lol.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 1:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:01:16 -0500

I am currently a Company Commander and the one thing I have learned is your troops don't want their commanders to yell. I think they lose confidence in them when they see them lose control of their emotions. I keep it steady and direct but authoritative. Having said that, when I was an XO I did yell at times but it was still rare and when I did they knew I meant business and got in gear. If you have a solid leadership style most soldiers will respond well and when they let you down they will know they have disappointed you without you having to yell. I think that gets through to them better than screaming does.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 1:35 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:35:24 -0500

I think the best approach is to 1) know your people and how they respond, and 2) be flexible enough to adapt to each individual under your charge.
Some folks don't need to be yelled at, cursed at, or put down to get a point across; others might. Taking a one-size-fits-all approach won't be effective for those who don't respond well to your chosen approach; if you're a yeller, you may just end up pissing your people off, shutting them down, or making them afraid of you.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 3:11 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:11:20 -0500

SGT, For me it's both. I tend not to yell, I say "You let me know when your done" but with a stern voice, my point gets across. I'm dealing with 18 to 23yr men and woman. And I'm not to sure what's going on at there school's, but they seem to need the stern voice, then the yelling one. And some can't take that. Iv had my share of complaints, saying I'm to hard..

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 8:39 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 20:39:15 -0500

There are a numerous Leadership styles
in the military.  Each individual Leader
has to determine which to use.  Leadership,
IAW manuals and regulations is the approach in which we as Leaders provide our
subordinates with purpose, direction and motivation.  As seen by our subordinates, Leadership includes
the total pattern of explicit and implicit action of Leaders. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

 A Leader can choose to be authoritarian,
democratic or even delegative in their style (soft or loud).  Although Leaders can be soft or loud, bad Leaders
tend to stick with the one style of autocratic; loud.  You must know each and every subordinate, what
works with one will not necessarily work for the other.  At times, you can be loud in getting your
point across other times merely speaking to your subordinates in a respectful manner
will get your message through. <o:p></o:p>

 A great Leader uses both styles and knows when
to implement them; it all depends on the situation on the personnel involved.  A great example of authoritarian Leadership
style would be for a new subordinate learning a new job.  The Leader is
competent and a good coach/mentor. The subordinate is motivated to learn a new
skill. The situation is a new environment for them.<o:p></o:p>

There is a difference
in ways Leaders approach their subordinates. Positive Leaders use rewards, such
as education, incentives, etc. to motivate their subordinates.  Negative Leaders emphasize penalties.  The negative approach has a place in a Leader's
collection of tools in certain situations; however, it must be used carefully
due to its devoid of benefits on esprit de corps. <o:p></o:p>

Negative Leaders act
domineering and superior with people. They believe the only way to get things
done is through being loud.  They believe
their authority is increased by frightening everyone into higher levels of
productivity. Yet, what normally happens when this approach is used wrongly is
that morale falls, which leads to lower productivity. <o:p></o:p>

Most Leaders do not
strictly use one or another, but are somewhere on a continuum ranging from
extremely positive to extremely negative. 
Leaders who continuously work out of the negative are bosses, while
those who primarily work out of the positive are considered great Leaders<o:p></o:p>

 Reference:<o:p></o:p>

http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadstl.html<o:p></o:p>

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 8:56 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 20:56:57 -0500

Great question, 1SG Llamas!

I have learned the most about leadership from watching my leaders. I've learned what NOT to do from the bad/toxic leaders and what I SHOULD do from the great leaders.

Most of all, I have found that since each person is different, and responds differently to various stimuli and styles, a good leader needs to tailor his/her leadership style to what is most effective FOR THAT PERSON. Of course this means living the NCO Creed in "... I know my Soldiers..."

Young/inexperienced Soldiers tend to need firm guidance from a confident knowledgeable leader. Older, more experienced Soldiers may respond better to a lighter, more casual tone or style. Of course these are simply generalizations, but that is from what I personally have observed and experienced. A young NCO who thinks that being loud and abrasive equates to effective leadership may only be partially effective. Most Soldiers can tell when a person is being fake. If one is not a loud person, that person trying to appear "tough" by being loud will be seen through, and as a result, the leader will have lost credibility, especially with the older/more experienced Soldiers.

I have also found that if you treat Soldiers (even those junior or subordinate to you) with dignity and a calm demeanor, they will respond better than the "old school" method of bullying everyone into submission. Now I am NOT discounting tried and true "old school" methods, as I consider myself "old school" but you also have to realize what age group you are talking to.

Leadership is about accomplishing the mission while encouraging your team to respect you, and therefore WANT to follow you, and not just your rank/authority. As George C. Scott, playing an about to retire general imparts to a young cadet in the move "Taps," "They'll respect the rank, hell they have to. But they won't respect the man. You have to earn that." Know your Soldiers and what approach is the most effective for each one, and success should follow.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 10 at 2014 10:14 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:14:13 -0500

I agree with both...I say there is a place and time for Loud and Soft spoken leadership styles depending on the situation. Another favorite leadership approach that I utilize is "Reward in public and punish in private".

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 10:31 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:31:57 -0500

I belieev that as a good leader you need to use both and went to use them and with which solider each style will be effective with. You have to konw your soldier inside and out and be able to change as they do to push them in the rigth direction.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 2:04 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 02:04:24 -0500

I am soft-spoken but assertive. Not in a way that can be construed as overzealous, just very detail-oriented and always respectful. I believe in certain circumstances that our behavior affects people and if your job is stressful you can operate relatively stress free. Or you can wilt with anxiety.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 4:03 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 04:03:36 -0500

I've always been the quite guy. I just do what I'm told and do it with a purpose. When ask for volunteers, if no one steps up, then I always do. But now that I just made my E5, I'm getting real frustrated with soldiers attitudes these days. I ask soldiers nicely to complete simple tasks, like sweep the bay, and get attitudes back. I don't want to be that NCO that always yells but sheesh it's getting ridicules with troops now a days. If possible, I would like feed back from peers and superiors that can help me out on what to do because since I have that authority, I would like to use it without taken it up with chain of command because I can't get soldiers to do simple tasks. I am about to walk around with 4856's prefilled out and just need a name to put in it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 5:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:34:18 -0500

I haven't officially made it to the NCO ranks yet but, when I do get there my only plan is be a standard bearer but, also be fair and understanding. Sometimes being soft is required where as you might also have to be loud. Every Soldier and situation requires a different tone and approach. It's my job as a leader to learn what works with my guys and gals effectively; learning who they are and what gets them motivated to achieve mission goals as individuals and as a team.

I also have learned in my short time in the Army but, life experience that people just want to know the reason behind why you are asking them to do things. Orders can be given easily; "Hey you over there" but, can you convey the order and your Soldiers know you have done everything to cut out the stupid or given at least a little push back to protect them from doing absolutely retarded shit.

I had this CSM in my last unit that when he gave an order we knew he did his best to eliminate meaningless political bs from the order and what was left was just the down and dirty "this is what we got".

Something I have also learned is sometimes there isn't going to be a valid reason. If your Soldiers know that you too are not above it and you just get in there and do it with your guys and gals that earns a ton of respect. They will feel like you actually are a part of them as much as they are a part of you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 5:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:38:39 -0500

My preferred style of leadership is that of even-toned, no-filler and straight to the point. I'll explain things as needed but I find that its easier for a soldier to understand if you give it to them straight and fairly quick so as to not lose them in unneccessary verbage and loud inflections. It takes time to develop your style of leadership. Its a combination of the leadership you yourself were and are around and your own personality. Are you naturally soft spoken/deliberate, loud/abrasive? Im loud but I have no reason to be around my soldiers because the task gets understood and received better if I talk in a manner conducive to a professional which is what we as leaders are. If the job doesnt get done, then the situation/circumstances dictate if I raise my voice or not.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 5:49 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:49:19 -0500

I think a combination of both is effective. As dynamic leaders, we have to choose based on the situation at hand. The important thing to remember is not to talk down to, or demean your Soldiers. That is when you lose them.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 2 at 2014 6:44 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:44:52 -0400

Soft spoken when you allow me to be, loud when you force me to be.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 9:09 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:09:22 -0400

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Response by PO2 Jeremy Spears made Oct 3 at 2014 9:21 PM

PO2 Jeremy Spears — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:21:35 -0400

Every person in authority that I had the utmost respect for while on Active Duty (and still do to this day) were soft spoken. Loud, to me, just means someone is aggravated that you don't agree with what they have to say and they are trying to bully you into agreement. "A soft word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in trees of silver". You can show a lot of intelligence, class, and authority with the right words at the right time; especially when instructing someone in discipline. When that person is willing to listen; their application of what you said in their personal life will be the proof. It will sink in because it gets them... it makes them think and reach/draw their own conclusion(s).

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Oct 3 at 2014 9:51 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:51:09 -0400

90% of the time softly spoken and God help you the other 10%.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 10:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 22:51:33 -0400

Balance is key.
A bullhorn only has initial or occasional impact until the eardrums refuse to receive its deafening sound.
A poised, steady voice must be clear, direct, and complemented with action for others to seek its instruction rather than merely bear it until it's toned out.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 4 at 2014 10:02 AM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 10:02:45 -0400

I started out attempting to be the hard-ass kind of leader. When I was first promoted to corporal I was (almost) into Afghanistan, in a male dominated field and tried to be taller then I am (not hard, I am five feet tall !). Obama was not yet elected President, so the troop strength was not as big as it would later get. I don't make a good hard-ass. I am just an ass when I try that one.

As I both matured and changed jobs to something more equal, gender-wise I backed off...a lot. I learned (like a toddler) to use my words lol. I learned to actually sit down with my young Marines and really listen to them. Lead by example, and when my example was shit (PT), I was honest and up front about it. I also never hid much of anything about my life. I wasn't exactly an open book (some things I still don't find appropriate to share), but if something was relevant, I would share. I also learned something I think a lot of leaders never learn, own up to your subordinates when you do them wrong. As long as you always do your best and keep trying to do better, and they can trust that, you will find a hard time going wrong.

Now, I was a Marine, so even in the Intel field there were some people this did not work with, but I was fortunate to work with a team of other NCOs that had interlocking styles of leadership and we always could pick up the Marines that maybe someone else didn't work well with. I also learned something a lot of leaders never learn, or maybe just admit: you will NEVER be a perfect leader, and there are some people you will NEVER click with. It is OK to call in a buddy to help when needed. Some people will never respect you no matter what you do or how awesome, or shitty a leader you are. That is OK.

Now don't get me wrong, I still chewed some ass through-out my career, but I learned when and how to do it. Sometimes the point is just the shock value, so I really tried to use the ass chewing only in extreme cases.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 4:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 16:00:46 -0400

I'm a mixture of both but mostly soft spoken. I'd say a 90/10 ratio. As an NCO, I need to speak to Soldiers and peers in a respectful manner while getting my point across. For the most part, it is not necessary to yell and scream at others because it is counter-productive. There are times where being loud is necessary but it should be taken in context of the situation.

I've done this with nearly all of my Soldiers but I tend to talk to them and guide them in problem resolution as well as learning. Instead of beating them (proverbially) over the head, I get them to come to their own conclusions. This worked very well with my clerk in Korea. We would have many discussions on regulations, initiative, etc. It was awesome to see her eventually go "Ohhh" like a light bulb went on in her head.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 7:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 19:56:15 -0400

With the direction the military has taken, and taking in to consideration modern times, I believe neither loud or soft spoken. In efforts to train and lead Soldiers we as leaders must educate ourselves and develop our counseling skills as well as our vocabulary. We are in the business of teaching, mentoring and training Soldiers and developing them to the best of our ability. Our style must be and continue to be both tactical and technical.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 8:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 20:05:27 -0400

I have always been laid back, or soft spoken. I always let my Soldiers know that even though I am easy going, when the right buttons were pushed I could be the biggest a$$hole on the earth. Even when I smoked my guys, I did so in a calm manner.
As far as constantly yelling at joes, I dont think that ever worked. Except maybe in the movies. Being loud dosent accomplish much

Response by SFC James Barnes made Oct 5 at 2014 12:01 PM

SFC James Barnes — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 12:01:27 -0400

I've always been a fan of speak softly but carry a big stick method of leadership. In most situations I am the calm and soft spoken but if it is necessary I will bring the loud evil side out.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 12:57 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 00:57:43 -0400

Soft spoken with a big stick...

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:00 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 01:00:59 -0400

Something about carrying a big stick....

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 14 at 2015 1:22 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 14 May 2015 01:22:23 -0400

Loud if I need to get your attention, very soft spoken when I want you to hear me while I am talking to you, face to face.

Response by SGT David T. made May 15 at 2015 8:51 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 15 May 2015 08:51:36 -0400

This is an interesting question. When I was a young NCO I started off with the loud iron discipline leadership style. Honestly, it was not effective at all. My mentor suggested I look at changing how I did things and see what happens. I changed to a more calm respecting style where I asked my subordinates to perform the tasks and I was shocked at the results. They responded really well to it. Even when they messed up I didn't raise my voice, I talked to them or counseled them privately. As a society the values have changed. The younger generation is brought up to question things and generally has a need to understand the purpose behind what they are doing. Taking a few extra seconds to explain why they are being told to do something can save you a mountain of headaches. As leaders we need to adapt to the changing society in our delivery. I am not say that the standards should be reduced at all, just simply how we deal with others should be adaptable.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 28 at 2015 12:30 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:30:08 -0400

I would assume a yeller will facilitate toxic leadership.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 28 at 2015 12:32 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:32:20 -0400

My style is a happy medium between the two. Oddly enough when I get mad my voice is soft rather than loud. The intended effect is always achieved.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 1:57 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:57:55 -0400

I think it all comes down to knowing your soldiers and adaptability. Each soldier is an individual and each responds to ques differently. For some all it takes is a simple explanation as to what their deficiency was/is, and what needs to be done to correct it. Others need someone in their face yelling at them in order to understand the gravity of the situation. Also each situation is different and merits an appropriate response. As such, I like a mixture of both.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 8 at 2015 2:21 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:21:40 -0400

The only time I would raise my voice is when safety, blue falcon, or taking the hill is involved.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Mar 12 at 2020 8:07 PM

SSG George Holtje — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:07:58 -0400

I was the low volume sort. Until I needed to be loud. I prefer med high volume with knowledge of what you speak.
For some foolish reason, I was assessed as scared to take charge because I was too quiet. I learned the phrase ‘are you going to let me do my job?’ Particularly when someone would interrupt me to correct me in the middle of my class.