How can I be an effective leader when I only see my soldiers once a month?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:18:43 -0400

I am an Army National Guardsmen. Being an NCO in the National Guard presents a very unique challenge; I can only control what I see and I only have the chance to develop my soldiers once a month. One thing that I do, is that every week, I check in on them, just to make sure everything is going alright. What else can I do to be the best leader for them?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 7:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:25:47 -0400

I appreciate feedback from all ranks and positions by the way

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 10:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 22:51:05 -0400

You are already taking the right steps. Contacting your Soldiers weekly is more then most do (at least in my experience). You have limited time with your Soldiers and need to make the most of it. Make sure that you (with your section/psgt) have a game plan and are ready to hit the ground running right after that first formation. It can start with PT. If your unit tends to do platoon level release PT, make sure that you have previously identified who is going to run the session and follow up during the month to make sure they are knowledgeable and prepared. Again, in concert with your immediate leadership, make sure that you have a set of tasks ready for your team or squad.

What you don't want to do is to loose time with our troops to the computer lab. It's really important to stress that your Soldiers take care of the individual mandatory training at home and not at drill. I always got feedback (complaints) about having to do stuff on my own time. I solved that by reminding them that during the drill weekends they belonged to the commander and had no problem keeping them after release to do the computer based training. After a couple drills of this, they found the time to do their annual SHARP, ASIP, AT-1, TIP and other such classes. It also allowed them to be productive with the section during drills.

AT is a critical time to establish yourself with your team. DO everything possible to make sure that you don't miss that opportunity, especially as a new leader. This includes, if possible, scheduling PME at a different time. (I get that jobs and school can make this difficult and sometimes you have to go with the PME first). As much planning as you might do before a weekend, it is even more critical to know what your place and role will be during AT and to prep ahead of time. If you have a PSG that is worth anything, you will have been involved in some level of pre-planning in the months ahead of time.

Finally, if you have some sort of range qualification exercise (3 or 4 day weekend), this is a great opportunity to train with your troops on AWT and weapon skills. Too many times I have seen these events turn into vacations. Range goes cold at 17:30, troops have eaten and changed into civilian attire by 18:30 and already checked out for the day. There is still some daylight left...just saying

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2017 1:08 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 01:08:11 -0400

It's not how often they see you, but how they see you. Be sure you're always the subject matter expert, you always hold them to the highest standards, and that you're there to back them up with the fury of hell if anybody should fuck with them. That's how leadership works.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Sep 25 at 2017 1:41 AM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 01:41:01 -0400

Don't be focused on the time you are in charge. That does not matter. A good leader is a good leader period. The problem we face in the NG is contact during off time. Too much and you will just be conveniently ignored. And too little is worse.

First, make yourself available. Make sure everyone underneath you has your cell phone number and email address. At the bare minimum. Don't force them to add you on Facebook (have seen that) or call them unexpectedly. Respect the off time of your soldiers. If you do plan events in off time like informal gym sessions, ruck marches, or any other events be sure to establish it well in advance. And always voluntarily. This could be as easy as "Hey squad/team, I go to this gym on Tuesdays at 6. If you want to join me, send me a text on your way over." The best squad leaders I had worked with their joes and did not make it feel like work.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Sep 25 at 2017 2:59 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 02:59:54 -0400

Best the best example you can be. Leadership is more about doing than talking. Arrive first leave last. Always always have your stuff squared away. Be knowledgeable and respectful to all.

The fact that you are concerned and reaching out for advice says a lot about you already.

Keep up the good work.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2020 9:06 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 09:06:14 -0500

Know them. Know their personal life, what's going on, what they're doing for school. Be a good example, lead by example. Show them you care and you want them to grow and develop.

Mentorship and leadership isn't just a when you see soldiers. It's all the time.

Keep checking in on them, keep encouraging them in their professional development, offer guidance support.

If you're actively involved and invested in them, keep at it!