Have you ever been placed in a leadership position that you didn't feel qualified for due to lack of experience?

2015-02-10T07:54:36-05:00

Have you ever been placed in a leadership position that you didn't feel qualified for due to lack of experience? Is there any shame in handing it off to somebody who is more qualified? Does it reflect poorly on your part?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 8:03 AM

2015-02-10T08:03:27-05:00

Somebody put you in that position because they felt you were the best qualified to assume the duties. I would not hand it off to someone else, whether that reflects poorly on you or not that depends. You should never refuse a leadership position, you can always self develop to gain more knowledge on the position and "peers" should be there to guide you. Superiors should understand you are inexperienced and help develop you.

Example: A SFC PSG is placed in a vacant 1SG position by the CSM. The SFC should be asking for guidance and help from the other 1SGs and they should be actively helping him/her to be successful. The CSM should be mentoring that SFC on the subtle art of 1SGing, and cutting some slack if the SFC makes some rookie mistakes.

Jump in and lead!

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 10 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-02-10T08:24:10-05:00

I would have to go with the old saying "every man has to know his limitations", so if one feels that they need more knowledge or experience, get it. Don't make other suffer or be less effective. In my opinion that is the only right thing to do to become a good leader a little further on.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 10 at 2015 8:27 AM

2015-02-10T08:27:36-05:00

As CSM Private RallyPoint Member said, never pass on a leadership position.

Keep in mind you have the person who is placing you in it, to help mentor you with it, and you can always discuss concerns about it before hand.

If you succeed, you learn something new. If you fail, you learn a lot of new things. But keep in mind, you are surrounded by people who don't want you to fail.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 9:04 AM

2015-02-10T09:04:45-05:00

That depends on the situation. Will the lack of competency cause severe injury or death? Or any other immediate drastic equipment loss? If not, one can learn and adapt. If the person still feels that his/her incompetency will cause degradation to the organization's integrity, morality, and mission capability after the trial, he/she should consult with the leadership for resignation.

Is there any shame? On the contrary, it takes courage and honor to confront the reality and step down instead of causing negative impact to the organization. No matter how hard you try, not everybody can be like Albert Einstein or Sugar Ray Robinson.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-02-10T09:05:31-05:00

I was forced into taking the reigns for my division (about the size of a squad) as a Second class (E-5). This position is normally filled by a seasoned First class (E-6). I was not fully prepared. I asked my Chief "I am not ready, why are you doing this?" He responded with "you are the most ready man I have at this time". He knew without a doubt that I could accomplish what he asked of me (with his guidance). You have been identified by a superior for the job because he has faith in your potential. If you are turning this opportunity down, you fail the superior's belief in your potential and you show that you are incapable of developing under pressure. One of your peers (or subordinates) will be selected next and they will develop into the leader that is needed.
So, to answer your questions bluntly and in order: Yes, Yes, and Yes
You will be fine, seek guidance and it will be provided.
Last note: It is better to ask a "stupid" question now, than it is to explain a "stupid" action later.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 9:06 AM

2015-02-10T09:06:11-05:00

I think it is a very good thing to identify that you feel you are not fully qualified, but never pass up a chance to better yourself. There will always be at least one person out there who can mentor and hone you for the new position, whereas if you give up the position, who knows if you'll ever get another chance at it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-02-10T09:15:04-05:00

I would have to agree with CSM Private RallyPoint Member Just because you don't personally feel you are qualified, someone does. Rely heavily on your peers through out the company and your superiors. There is no shame in asking for help, and in fact most leaders above you would see it as a strong character trait if you asked for their help guidance and mentor-ship.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-02-10T15:39:31-05:00

The humility of knowing when you are not equal to the task is important. This needs to be balanced against building the confidence that you are capable of adapting and learning such that you CAN do it.

Too much confidence breeds the perception of arrogance. Too much humility breeds the perception of weakness. Regardless of what is really inside you, walking this line in front of the outside world is not easy. This is just one of many challenges that a leader faces.

Clearly other people believed in you enough to put you in this position. As CSM Mike Oldsen said, that means something. In fact, it means a hell of a lot.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-02-10T17:33:07-05:00

I appreciate all of the positive feedback. It is challenging without question, especially with being a reclass. Thank you very much, everyone.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-02-10T17:44:51-05:00

Only in recruiting....I was given a team leader position because I had been recruiting longer than most. As much as I appreciated the vote of confidence, I felt set up for failure. I had not used any of the tools I was expected to know and understand and when I asked my supervisor for help she acted like I was a moron because I should have just known. And I hadn't been in charge of other NCO's before...this was before I went to WLC. I'd been in charge of future soldiers but that was easy they had no clue how an NCO should act...being in front of seasoned NCO's from different jobs across the Army was scary as heck.
I kept getting in trouble for not being super stellar and finally opened doored my 1SG. I explained I wanted the responsibility but I needed actual mentor ship and he gave it to me....and I got better at all of it not perfect but better. Sometimes you just need to keep asking for help and keep asking until you find someone that can and will help you suceed

Response by SPC Buster Epperson made Feb 10 at 2015 7:46 PM

2015-02-10T19:46:28-05:00

How would you gain the experience by avoiding the position?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-02-10T19:58:04-05:00

What? Are you afraid to fail? Not ONE leader you have known in your life was born a leader. They (the leader) learned and worked their way to success - with a buttload of "errors", "ooops", "ah shit's", "DAMN's!" and "Fuck Me's" along the way. You WILL make mistakes. You WILL get your ass handed to you. You WILL screw up royally. You WILL make enemies. You will piss off someone below your paygrade. You will piss off someone above your paygrade. You may well piss off someone in your own paygrade. You will agonize about making a mistake and the fact that someone other than you may well pay for your mistake. You WILL discover the true cost of leadership and it will scare the shit out of you every waking moment.

When it is all said and done.....true leadership (NOT MANAGEMENT) will be the single most defining period of your life. Savor it.

Remember this: You LEAD people. You manage things. Any other definition is bullshit.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Feb 10 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-02-10T20:19:56-05:00

Does being put in charge of four different billets at one time after coming back from deployment because in the Gunny's words, "you're the only Cpl I can trust to get the job done" count? My stress level went up to a solid 10 on a scale of 1-10.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 10 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-02-10T20:26:15-05:00

As a new officer or when I was younger and put into leadership positions, I was much more sensitive to what position I was in. But as you gain more experience, then it becomes much easier. The only way you can get more experience is to take these positions. If you have a good mentor, have an open mind, learn quickly, and are respectful, then you can take the leadership positions you need!

Response by SPC Nicholas Cureton made Feb 10 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-02-10T21:39:27-05:00

After I returned from OIF to recover, I was made Rear D commander. For an E4 I was a bit out of my depth. It was odd having senior NCO's accountable to me. But they where classy gentlemen and used it as an opportunity to make me a better leader.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-02-10T22:25:09-05:00

Heh, being in a leadership position you are not yet qualifies for is called being a lieutenant. Now before people get all offended by that comment, hear me out.

We as a standard place people into positions just beyond their current abilities all of the time. It is the crucible of leadership that prompts us to grow. If we are in a job we feel fully qualified for and comfortable with, then we are probably not being challenged.

Young officers succeed not by their own ability, but by their willingness to lean on and then become part of the team that they are leading. Humility is a component of trust just as much as confidence is.

I say you need to take the bull by the horns and accept the challenge, but also show strength by asking your new team to help you succeed. That is true strength of character.

Good luck to you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-02-10T22:49:51-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member the fact that you or anyone has to ask that shows me that you care about the Soldiers underneath you. You are looking out for them and want the best for them. Many LTs face this the first time they are about to take a platoon or SGTs when taking a team. It is what you do after that. If you feel that you are not ready and decide to fix that and put it all out there and seek help to improve yourself and put 100% into making sure you are ready and give your Soldiers the best dang leader they can have then you succeed. If you hand it off for the better of the Soldiers there is no shame, but my question is what is there next for you? You are doubting yourself, your abilities, and you may have instilled that doubt into your leaders' minds as well. Unless you are well over your head and have tried to seek assistance to help prepare yourself you may not be doing yourself and others your best. I am not saying fake it until you make it, but rather ask for mentorship and seek it elsewhere if you cannot get it from your leadership. The other thing is how does it reflect on your leadership if they put in you charge unprepared?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 10 at 2015 11:46 PM

2015-02-10T23:46:15-05:00

Yep, Plenty of times. No Dishonor in turning it down if you can. Unfortunately I have a Nasty Habit of taking the Con when no one else will step up to the plate. I have plenty of experience making an Ass of Myself but not afraid to try even if it results horribly. Also don't have a lot of Patience in emergency situations so I just do. Just my nature.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-02-10T23:48:29-05:00

You have an opportunity to affect change. Don't ever pass up that opportunity or you will never know what you're capable of. Great leaders take risks and accept challenges. Be confident in your abilities and trust in your training. That's what will get you through the anxiety of being in a position of leadership.

Response by SSG Daniel Miller made Feb 11 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-02-11T00:04:18-05:00

As a Specialist (and not the senior most in my section), I was selected as a section chief for my FDC. We had never fired artillery (infantry missions on deployment), and we had only seen our FDC equipment twice to inventory it before and after the deployment. It doesn't reflect poorly on you unless you make it. My 1SG thought I was the best man for the job at the time, and he was right. Not to degrade any of my former Joes, but no one else could have gotten them to learn enough of their jobs to function while learning it themselves. It brought out the best in me and made me an infinitely better leader to work in a position that I originally thought I had no place being in. And if you pass the buck in this kind of situation, you aren't fit to state "Noone is more professional than I."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 3:23 AM

2015-02-11T03:23:36-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member -only every job I've been selected for in the Army. Frankly, if you get placed in a position and DO feel comfortable right off the bat, you should probably have your head examined. Fear generates caution. Caution generates attention to detail. Attention to detail keeps your 4th point of contact out of a sling.

Don't pass it off....this is how you learn. So if you have a SFC or MSG that is more qualified than you....you have maybe 8-14 years in....the SFC/MSG has maybe 22 years. This means that you are bypassing the opportunity to learn from the more experienced NCO/Soldier/SM for fear of being less qualified. These qualifications come from experience, experience comes from doing.

What you should do is engage....but then ask questions. The Army got rid of "Army of One" for several reasons, among them the ludicrous idea that you ARE expected to be a single person subject matter expert. Then....in a few years, when you are the SFC, MSG.....you can mentor your junior troops and be the "more qualified person".
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 8:01 AM

2015-02-11T08:01:42-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member:
What I love about RallyPoint is how fast my brothers and sisters respond.

If I may add to what has been said already; Sun Tzu said,
“In general, leading a large number is like leading a few. It is a question of dividing up the numbers. Fighting with a large number is like fighting with a few. It is a question of configuration and designation.”

Excerpt From: Sun, Tzu. “The Art of War.”

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-02-11T16:34:54-05:00

You are your worst critic. We are very aware of our own shortcomings and we've been conditioned that self-pride is an undesirable trait.

That being said, I was a brand new E-5, about 3 years in service when I was appointed the Image Management Team NCOIC. I'll be honest - I had no idea what I was doing when it came to running that kind of shop (or any shop in general). It's a unique position and there isn't really any information about it on the internet. I either pulled operating procedures out of my ass or asked others how they've seen situations handled.

It was an amazing learning experience - streamlining some aspects in the job and getting my ass chewed for others. It's a part of the job.

Being put out of your element is uncomfortable, but the experience will either make or break you.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Feb 18 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-02-18T20:10:29-05:00

Every leadership position I have held has been in a new environment with which I was, at the time, completely unfamiliar. I did, at first, pass off the managerial role to someone with more experience, but I watched very carefully and absorbed every facet of the job at hand. At the same time, I maintained my position as leader at all times.

One very important reason to maintain your role as a leader instead of passing it off to someone more experienced is that they will often have bad habits or shortcuts that will undermine your authority if left unchecked. Some will do things wrong just to see if they can step on your authority purposefully. This tactic will not make friends, but it will more fully develop you as a leader, and in the long run gain far more respect from your troops.

The most important thing you can do in these situations is identify the learning curve, and follow it no matter how steep it rises. All things will work themselves out usually in 3-6 months.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 18 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-02-18T23:13:43-05:00

Yes, every leadership job I ever had as an Officer... You are promoted based on performance and potential to perform at the next higher level. As Officers, we don't get to have multiple leadership jobs at each level, in most cases, so hence we have no experience at that level. Also, it seems just when you are getting in your groove it is time to move on. As PL, I had several opportunities, but as Company Commander (32 months), Battalion Commander (25 months) and Brigade Commander (37 months), I only had one shot at it, and each time I wondered if I was ready for the challenge. But, I focused on the basics, listened to my team, and always tried to do two things - get the mission done while taking care of Solders, and leave the unit better than I found it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-04-09T12:45:40-04:00

I felt the initial shock of "Oh shit am I ready for this" when I was put on assignment to become an AIT PLT SGT.
When did I become the person people will have to look up to for guidance and mentorship? I have held positions of responsibility and I have watched over the soldiers in my section, but it was small and "manageable".
Now, this is taking me out of my comfort zone. But I will use that nervous excitement and apprehension in myself to better my capabilities, to ask questions and prepare myself for these responsibilities.

PO1 George said it best!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-01-06T18:56:11-05:00

I was never "ready" for any leadership position I was put in, but I grew into them. As it states in the promotion orders "shown the potential"... Or words to that effect. We grow into our positions. This is one of the reasons I hate the answer "they are not acting like a Sergeant" as a reason for not promoting them.

Response by Sgt Mike Aydelotte made Apr 13 at 2018 3:11 PM

2018-04-13T15:11:50-04:00

All of them! You are never really qualified for something until you have had the opportunity to experience it first hand and adjust. Shying away from a new experience would reflect poorly. Obviously you care about your performance or you would not be having these doubts. Your brain is recognizing that you are not in a familiar place and the "fear of the unknown" is actually your brain chemically heightening your senses to record high volumes of information in short bursts of time. Do not hand this off. Take the pain, do not accept failure as an option, and trust yourself to adapt.

Response by Maj Charles Porter made Feb 3 at 2019 3:08 PM

2019-02-03T15:08:37-05:00

Leaders seek responsibility. You prepare for the next challenge you are only qualified after you complete the task. If you don't take up the opportunity when it presents it's self, it my never come again.The rewards come to those who step up.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made May 6 at 2019 8:18 AM

2019-05-06T08:18:33-04:00

Over my career part of my job was to seek out talent and some very talented people with the skill sets for leadership turned down advancement opportunities due to a lack of confidence, fear of failure and or fear of the unknown or perceived heavy work load or spouse was against the new position, in most cases the person turning down the promotion regretted their decision as "bonified" advancement opportunities don't occur often! That first promotion into that job that "no one wants" may change the direction of your career for ever if your successful

Response by LTC Warren Miller made Feb 1 at 2020 3:11 PM

2020-02-01T15:11:48-05:00

First assignment as a new 2LT filling a slot outside my branch. First year was downright ugly. But it taught me so much I can honestly say it was the only time in my career that I got/took a job/assignment/mission in which I didn’t have enough confidence to be able to pull it off successfully. Just thankful nothing really bad happened.

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Jun 18 at 2020 12:40 PM

2020-06-18T12:40:01-04:00

had to, our unit had AJs, just to fill his guard duty and CQ roster. as senior SP4s we were 'hey you' detail leaders. as non-ncos some didnt listen, 'your not a NCO, you cant tell me what to do'. one said that to me as Top walked up behind him...

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Sep 5 at 2020 3:40 AM

2020-09-05T03:40:40-04:00

Yes. On my first tour as a US Air Attache to Nicaragua and in my 2nd month I identified Nicaragua was experiencing a unique weather pattern that turned out to be a Category 4 Hurricane. I told the US Ambassador at 8 am on a Friday I thought Nicaragua was in an emergency and by 9 am I was in an all US Embassy Emergency meeting where the US Ambassador stated the country was in an emergency, no one in the US Embassy knew anything about it and me, the new Acting Defense and Air Attache was the only one who knew about it and would now give everyone a briefing about it. I would go on to be named the US Ambassador’s Point Person for Hurricane Mitch and work 20 hr days/7 days a week for 6 months as the lead for Emergency Operations followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction operations for the next 18 months for a total of 2 yrs spent on rebuilding Nicaragua’s infrastructure. The Political and Economic Sections were told by the US Ambassador to do whatever I told them and if he heard any complaints from me, they were in trouble! It was mind boggling to never have worked in a US Embassy, be trying to learn sections and functions and then be told your in charge. I had no training for emergencies and disasters and learned as I went along. It was mostly doing what you think you should. The most difficult problems were the first Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the US and Nicaragua bringing the first US troops to Nicaragua in 30 yrs post the US funded Sandinista Contra War bringing 1800 US Army Engineers to repair road roads and bridges; not to mention figuring out billeting, transport and arrival and departure of the Engineering Battalion; planning and executing 20 VIP Visits to include a Presidential; First Lady; Presidrnt’s Representative who was Secretary of Labor and Formef President and Mrs Carter; the planning and executing of 120 km of road repair and 14 bridges, and a dam to name a few. The most amazing Lesson Learned after Emergency Operations, there was an Emergency Operations Book with all the names of contacts and what they could do! No one told me about the book and I had to make contacts as I went along! After that tour and through 3 more Attache tours, there wasn’t anything I didn’t Know if Couldn’t do!! One Emergency and Disaster tour at a US Embassy made me as much of an expert as the Disaster and Emergency Team that came to train us every year. They just didn’t show up the year I spearheaded the disaster!

Response by SSG James Mielke made Sep 6 at 2020 3:11 AM

2020-09-06T03:11:36-04:00

LOL
I think anyone who has ever gotten placed in a leadership position they were not expecting has doubts about their qualifications and/or experience.
Regardless, this is always a possibility in the military, peace or war time.
( Nerd flag flying) There is a old Klingon saying, "If you cannot fail, then you cannot succeed".
Basically it means that no matter what situations befall you, there is always a chance of success and a chance of failure but you will never know which if you never try.
Even with the best advise and aid from others, there is still a chance for your effort to go either way.
If you succeed all is right with the universe (until the next situation). If you fail, then learn from the failure, and do better in the next situation.

Response by SP5 Floyd Raff made Aug 1 at 2021 9:46 PM

2021-08-01T21:46:14-04:00

early in my career I wanted to be in charge, in my opinion no one could do it as well as I could. I soon found out I was wrong. I hated not being in charge because I had no control even when I knew more about what was going on than anyone who was there at the time. I later found out I had very little control when I was in charge . I came to the conclusion that the only thing worse than not being in charge , was being in charge. All that being said I found later on that being in charge was not that bad even though I hated it I did the best I knew how to do and moved forward. and when I was not in charge I did my best to make a success of the mission in spite of inexperienced and /or poor leadership.