Have you ever felt fearful or nervous when assuming a higher position of leadership? If so, how did you overcome it?

Cpl Kevin Henderson — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:55:41 -0500

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 1 at 2019 4:59 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:59:16 -0500

When I was asked to be Squad Leader, by the Master Sergeant: the girls around me said- "She can't be Squad Leader. In my mind I thought: "Oh Yeah!" ;-) Try not to worry, Corporal. You'll be okay. Think of the fact that you were chosen for a higher position of leadership: with PRIDE! I CERTAINLY AM PROUD OF YOU, Cpl Kevin Henderson!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 5:01 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:01:02 -0500

Realize that your promotion usually means you are already doing most of what is needed in the next higher rank. Now, start learning what is expected of one rank above your new rank and learn it.

Everything done for the first time brings its own nervousness. If you look back you will see you have covered a lot of ground. Look forward and you will see miles more to cover. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will get there.

Gung ho Marine!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 5:52 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:52:56 -0500

Cpl Kevin Henderson You would not have been promoted if you were not ready for the new leadership role. Planning and preparation will ensure that you are ready to handle anything.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 5:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:57:36 -0500

Put in the work and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your senior leadership, they were in your shoes at one time. It keeps you motivated to learn because you have to. If you were already fully ready for the position you might get board and complacent. Reach out until you find the answers you need and grow into the leader you want to be.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 5:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:57:52 -0500

The best way to overcome it is to find a mentor at that current rank. Find someone who is excelling and that you can truly learn from. Ask them everything...act like a sponge. Express to them that you simply want to learn. A good leader will gladly help guide you.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Mar 1 at 2019 6:18 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 18:18:23 -0500

Two words for you: Maker’s Mark. Drink copious amounts of it before you assume said leadership position and you will do fine.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 1 at 2019 6:59 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 18:59:19 -0500

Leadership is like public speaking. You don't get better at it until you keep doing it.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 1 at 2019 7:00 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 19:00:58 -0500

Your CO said you are qualified when he endorsed your promotion. All of your seniors endorsed your receiving the increased responsibility of your position. Take care of your people and treat them with the respect they deserve in good and bad situations and they will ensure you succeed. Fearful or nervous? Everyone is, to some degree, when they assume a new position or responsibility, but everyone up the line feels you can handle whatever comes. Why should you disagree? Take the example of all the good leaders you have observed and run with it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 7:20 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 19:20:58 -0500

I believe everyone experiences this to some degree. I find that just take a breath and go for it, seems to work well. Lean on the authority your position provides and make your effort with confidence. Right or wrong, make a decision. There is nothing worse for establishing yourself than indecisiveness. If you screwed up, you will find out later, hopefully with a mentor in private. Own your mistake, and know that you can move forward

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Mar 1 at 2019 7:21 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 19:21:35 -0500

Nothing wrong with being a little nervous when going into a new role. In the end, trust your skills and experience, and ask for help when you need a hand.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 1 at 2019 8:38 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 20:38:39 -0500

I went from E-1 to O-6. In general, I felt prepared going up. However, when the promotion hit, I had a good case of humble. Then the affirmation of continuing to do what got me there in the first place. Get the job done. Take care of your people. Help move the Command forward. Stick with those and you'll be hard pressed to do much wrong.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 9:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 21:28:49 -0500

If you don't, there is something wrong. I never got nervous about equipment, I never wanted to fail my soldiers. I overcame it by always planning them before myself. I made sure they knew I valued them and their ideas. As a leader you make hard decisions and must live by them. As leader, your biggest strength is your soldiers around you. Listen to them and fight for them and you will gain their respect, you do that and they will move heaven and Earth for you.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 1 at 2019 10:33 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 22:33:38 -0500

I was always ready and willing to rise and ready for that, It never made Me nervous and I knew I had the full support of the NCOs and Officers above Me. I learned and knew My job well and was more than willing and did lead. I took pride in my ability, there was nothing to overcome either with the great training and leadership I had to follow.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 10:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 22:34:48 -0500

Yes I have. But, I do my best to overcome it because someone higher trusts/trusted me with those positions and level of responsibility. Best way to overcome (that I have found) is to just go in, express your expectations, be honest and up front, hold everyone (to include yourself) accountable and just do your best.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 1 at 2019 11:23 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 23:23:43 -0500

Cpl Kevin Henderson I told the CO of the company where I was the incoming 1SG that I was a tad nervous.

CPT Hansen said, “That is why I want you in the slot!” GO !

Response by PO1 Ronald Johnson made Mar 1 at 2019 11:53 PM

PO1 Ronald Johnson — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 23:53:07 -0500

To answer your Questions simply 1. Yes. 2. Realize you don't know everything, but you know where to find all the answers.
Know your weaknesses and utilize your strengths. You have a lot of people to lean on when you need it. Just remember where you came from and never ask one of your soldiers to do something your not willing to do first. Remember when to say my plate is full and when to delegate to others. When your men do good you are commended. When your men mess up you will be admonished.

You got this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2019 12:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 00:07:58 -0500

Knowing your shit is the best way to get over being nervous or fearful about something, but from a leadership position I’d say the best thing to realize is that in general everyone wants their team to succeed, remember that as a leader you’re still a member of that team and listen to ideas and feedback from subordinates (when possible) and ensure you look out for their welfare. Spot check for quality control but don’t distrust anyone until they give you a reason to

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 2 at 2019 4:32 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 04:32:34 -0500

IMHO, if you aren't at least a little bit nervous, it means you don't give a sh!t and shouldn't have the job.

Re remember that your boss doesn't want you to fail. If you fail, that means (s)he failed, too. As such, (s)he will have lots of advice and guidance, if you need it. Sometimes even when you don't need it. Plan intensively, execute vigorously, and trust in your training. Remember that the Corps wouldn't have trusted you with this position if they didn't think you could handle it.

And if all that fails.... Fake it 'til you make it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2019 5:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 05:28:40 -0500

I wouldn't say fearful, but anxious. I am prior enlisted SSG so my most anxious was after I commissioned going to my first unit as an Officer. All you can do is your best, rely on your mentor (if you have one, if you don't get one), your colleagues and your training/knowledge. Also know that asking for advice or asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but maturity.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 2 at 2019 11:40 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 11:40:11 -0500

Everyone is nervous as it is an awesome responsibility to take on the mantel of leadership. Fearful, you should not be. Your leadership has seen the potential In you, and by promoting or elevating your role they have validated you. All you need do is take care of and train your Team, Sexton or Squad. Be honest and forthright in deed. Listen to your Service members giving them a voice. Your daily actions will elicit respect and support, that above and beyond what your grade demands. Thank you for your service.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Mar 3 at 2019 9:58 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 09:58:39 -0500

Nobody, again, Nobody is perfect.
Discussions regarding preparedness and competence should have taken place amongst leadership and they felt (along with USMC based on scores) that you were ready for that next stripe.
So now you have it. Take it and own it, and when those mistakes happen, own them and learn.
Semper Fi

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 4 at 2019 4:08 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 04:08:45 -0500

I just bust my hump learning it and remain open to criticism. The sure sign of insecurity and immaturity is image management.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 3:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 03:46:53 -0400

I just got promoted to SGT and I felt the same way at first because everyone turns to me for answers. I constantly have to think on my feet. Honestly, you arent going to have all of the answers. You just have to be confident in your decisions and press forward. It's just like the promotion board, they dont care whether you give the right or wrong answer, they just want to see that you have confidence in your answers

Response by Robert Harris made Jul 9 at 2020 6:13 PM

Robert Harris — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 18:13:01 -0400

Having spent 89 days in a Naval Brig's Seg. Unit for a crime can that I didn't commit, I was reassigned to the 1st Class PO barracks & worked for COMDESRON II. One of my jobs was Testing Naval Security & the Best Ship failed miserably, so basically I made 400+ New Enemies & for reporting their Failure, I pushed it off on the Ensign that was with me to address it at Command. Shortly thereafter I was reassigned to this ship and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out their intentions.