How do you keep your troops motivated?

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 19:34:23 -0500

Many leaders have their "go to" solution to help boost morale, keep folks spirits up, and so on; so, what's your time-tested, sure-fire solution for revving-up motivation and getting your people focused or back-on-track? It could've been something you've either used (or heard someone else use effectively); I'm certain there's a ton of great ideas out there, some classics that were used by elder military family members, or perhaps a more recent example of charismatic leadership/management, and maybe even an easily transferred civilian technique applicable to military scenarios. Whatever it was, please feel free to share it here with the RP network of leaders, leaders-in-training, and future leaders. Thanks for taking time to read and share; I look forward to hearing your stories, thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 18 at 2013 8:12 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:12:55 -0500

During my time in Active duty, my job as an NCO was to make leaders. To train them in not just my job, but to cross train then in their MOS's. What was taught to me in military leadership school, I taught my subordinates, almost verbatim.

One day I was handed over a young PFC to work with my team. I had my team in COMMO, radio operators, Radio Mechanics, Wiremen. In both groups male and female.

We were given a special task to fold tents, since the unit had returned from a field problem, we had to fold these tents. Plus do our daily job.

First a small class on military leadership, to be followed by DMC marches, then the assignment then our shop. Each was done by the book. Meaning I took the FM and opened it, brought one of the EM to read the book, every one listens, then the reader applies what the book says. Each member would take a turn. When we came to folding all the tents, 1 would ready the book, 4 would listen and apply the instructions, 2 would move the tents to the supply room, in all events 1 would be designated a leader in each step and every one would take turns.

Well my job is to make sure every one knew what was taking place, but at the same time, become a part of it by doing. When it came to the shop, I would designate 1 leader over all, and wiremen would teach the Radio Mechanics their job, and like wise wiremen, Radio operators would also participate and join in the training. Well all members acted like leaders all the work was completed, and I would close the day with a debriefing.

Funny part was the PFC had to go back, when his NCOIC approached me and told me " SSG Pabon, How the H..l did you get 8 hours of work out him, I can't even get 15 mins of work from him".

I ponder over that for sometime, how I was not able to tell the young men was what every one said he was, much his NCOIC. I believe he learned something, considering that I did in fact gave him a leadership role with full responsibility, and he did very well as a team player and member. All my subordinates were all treated equally, all were given training by the book, all given a leadership role.

Oh well at the end of the day, the final questions to all were:

Their are 3 types of leaders, what are they?

what kind of leader are you of the 3?

all this in an open discussion so each can hear.

So for me it was what was taught in my military leadership school that worked for me, I got a 100% participation and work done with out issues.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Nov 19 at 2013 10:41 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:41:05 -0500

Know the Soldier's passion and encourage and guide the individual to their full potential by enlarging their vision. Encourage them to develop a plan of action. Provide historical principles on how hardship, endurance and perseverance pushes the individual through obstacles. The old saying that if you throw a rock at every dog that barks at you, you will never reach your full potential.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 19 at 2013 10:47 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:47:48 -0500

Paintball guns.

Response by LTC Patrick Zoch made Nov 20 at 2013 5:12 PM

LTC Patrick Zoch — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:12:36 -0500

Instill pride by genuinely
recognizing the good work a person does. 
Good work happens all the time, but recognition of that work is seldom acknowledged.
Perhaps it is a factor of getting caught up in the shared workload that causes
leaders to forget to acknowledge the good work when it happens.  Relying on the award at the end of the
assignment period or the annual review is not sufficient. It takes effort and
time. Some techniques I’ve used: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

1.      Allow a key contributor to brief senior leaders on a
project and publically praising him or her for that work.  It shows the team that you value their work
and will not take sole credit for their work. (This is how my Soldiers started
earning coins.)<o:p></o:p>

2.      Provide feedback as soon as possible on work
observed/submitted, especially if it is good work. This is especially important
for workers who struggle to perform well in their jobs. (A improvement
/training plan is still part of the solution for weak performers)  <o:p></o:p>

3.      Allow them to share the pride they have in their job with
their families – this extends beyond Family Readiness Groups and slide
shows.  Invite the families to the work
site and let your employees show off and share experiences with their
families.  A few events that we have had
families attend with the soldiers: Maintenance days (M1A1s), Company Simulation
exercises, and Tank Gunnery.  (keep in mind
ALL the safety requirements) <o:p></o:p>

4.      Be motivated yourself. 
Attitude is infectious. Even on the disastrous days, I would remark “We
are learning A LOT today!”  <o:p></o:p>

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 6:41 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:41:38 -0500

Positive reinforcement and strict but fair discipline.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 6:47 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:47:48 -0500

I agree with most of the comments regarding this question. I believe politeness, courtesy, clear direction and focus are very important. But what I have done for years is care. A person who is in a leadership position, if that person truly cares about the person, the whole person, and is willing to demonstrate their caring about that person through communication, awards, discipline and just the simple "getting to know you" approach, it means a lot to the person. As leaders, I believe we must first care. Care about the person, listen to the person and give them the tools to be successful and also keep focused on the mission.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2013 8:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:26:25 -0500

SIR,

As an instructor it can definitely be hard sometimes. The best way I have found so far is to lead from the front and show them that you are willing to do any and everything that you ask of them. Show them that you have a genuine concern for them as more than just a body in a uniform and take the time to learn them individualy. The more they can relate to you and your methods the more likely the motivation will remain in place.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 2:53 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 14:53:33 -0500

As this is an important aspect for leaders to grasp, we should encourage maximum discussion on this and related subjects; so, here's just a few other ongoing discussions on similar or related subjects:

https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/17480-what-do-you-think-your-best-method-of-motivating-your-troops-is

What do YOU think YOUR best method of motivating your troops is?

Doing something because you have to and because you want to are two different things. How do YOU as a leader best motivate your troops to WANT to follow you? For me, it is by being tough but fair. I h...

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 8 at 2013 3:40 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 15:40:26 -0500

Front, Back, Gooooooooooo!!!! Never fails.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Dec 19 at 2013 6:27 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:27:05 -0500

MAJ Burns:

Sir, respectfully thank you for your encouragement and support. The power of belief provides dimensional perspectives for the individual to be able to push forward and recognize that immediate results do not define or make a legacy.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jan 11 at 2014 10:08 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:08:07 -0500

Leadership by Example is still the best way to motivate the troops. Presenting a positive attitude and showing the troops that you are not just following orders, but actively involved in making sure that everything you do is done correctly and with a good attitude has always been my best way to motivate my Shipmates to do their best at all times. If I see a working party doing it wrong, I pitch in and do it right, not just stopping and yelling, but showing and teaching as they learn the better way to do things. It makes no difference if it is loading stores or firefighting (in training) if they are not doing it right, pitch in and show them the best way to do it and keep your attitude positive while correcting their mistakes. Dangerous or emergency situations my require immediate action of course.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 10:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 22:22:26 -0500

To keep morale up in my unit I made sure to have them doing there jobs. To many Commanders what to get the soldiers to the range thinking making things go "Bang" is cool and will build moral. What I have found that in a volunteer Army soldiers want to do there job. If your in the National Guard and your a unit commander and your unit does supply than you need to get your people doing there jobs. Get the waterdogs out there with there ROWPU's, get the fuel guys out there working a refueling point, get maintenance guys under the trucks, and working the maintenance shops. They joined to do that job and for a lot of soldiers doing anything other than that job only seems like a waste of time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 10:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 22:29:24 -0500

This might sound contradictory, but the enforcement of standards is the single best way to improve morale. I'm an instructor in an AIT unit in Ft. Huachuca. Whether soldiers know it or not consciously, they want and need structure, and will generally respond positively to structure. I enforce standards. When I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong. When I tell someone to get a haircut, or for them to run to a given time, or anything else, I stick to it. When a Soldier is confident that he will get a straight, honest answer from his leadership, his confidence grows, and so does his desire to know and understand the regulations. They want structure, and they want discipline, and they want the confidence that when they abide by regulations they will not be needlessly harassed. That, in my 11 years in the Army, is the key to successfully building teams and morale. Structure, discipline, and adherence to standards.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 19 at 2014 10:32 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 22:32:13 -0500

Empower and do not micromanage your troops.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 11:38 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:38:44 -0500

Like others have said I lead by example. I also talk with the Soldiers find out what drives them and explain my trials and tribulations so the Soldiers can relate. You have to be approachable - yelling and screaming doesn't always work. I believe you can build the right environment by having a perfect blend of fun and professionalism.

Once that is accomplished I start working on team building events that draw us closer. To build a good team one must bridge the gap between ranks, branches and jobs. Once you get that team operating as one regardless of their rank or job you start to have a motivated group.

Once the team is built then we start working towards the reward phase where we show the many rewards for being a team and thinking as one. Sometimes these are hard to do but one you get it right you have a group that will literally do anything for each other.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 6:28 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:28:55 -0500

Leaders and mentors, here's a young leader who could use a moment of your time and some of your wisdom; if you have a moment, please stop by and offer him your thoughts and insight... thank you so much for all that you do, and for your expert advice! https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/48897-how-do-you-stay-motivated

How do you stay motivated?

So I work in a BN S3 shop as a "Battle Captain" here in GTMO, and as of late I'm finding it really hard to stay motivated when comming into work and completing tasks. I'm not saying I just blow stuff ...

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Feb 2 at 2014 7:06 AM

SSG Oliver Mathews — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 07:06:27 -0500

Taking care of the soldier is the best way to get him to work for you.

When I became a team leader i was a SPC, (SrA Equivilent). I didnt make more money than my soldiers, so buying them lunch when they worked hard wasn't going to happen.
But we did what we could. but i did what i could. If we got a lot done i would give them an extended lunch. and once or twice we got caught at the bowling alley doing "team building exercises". They knew that i would work for them as hard as they worked for me. I never let my soldiers have issues that are not being immediately addressed. And as much as Senior Leaders hate to hear i am not adverse to jumping part of the COC/NCO Support Channel to ensure my soldier is being taken care of.
When we deployed they busted their buts for me. But i took care of them, i wouldn't let anyone touch them besides me. Being that two of my soldiers where married and i wasn't i would make sure that the and both called their wives at least once a day (or at least give them the opportunity to do so).

(I don't do jump the COC/NCO support Channel arbitrarily, i give each NCO/Officer enough time and a lot of annoying phone calls or questions prior to going to the next person. I also give them a notification of my intentions to move to the next person in the COC/
NCO support channel prior to moving up the ladder.)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 9:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 21:00:54 -0500

Great topic Sir. To add on to all the great ideas, here is a very similar discussion created a while ago.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/17480-what-do-you-think-your-best-method-of-motivating-your-troops-is

What do YOU think YOUR best method of motivating your troops is?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 8:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 08:29:53 -0500

I like to motivate my Soldiers by leading from the front. Being an example at work and at home, which will show Soldiers that what ever the task is can be done in a manner that is respectful, honorable and fulfilling.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 3:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:53:46 -0500

The biggest way I've seen to get troops motivated, is to show them that they are not alone during a project. If I'm on a detail and i see my SL or PSG doing it, its motivation for me because they are showing that they care. If they are making us do something, with them doing it with us makes it seem a little less rough. Also if you stay interacted with soldiers. I've notice Nco's and Officers who act like they are better than you and that hurts morale. If a 1sg or Commander walk up to anyone and just ask how they are doing or if they are having a good day. It boosts that soldiers confidence. I'm not saying baby the soldier by any means but if leaders stay involved, they will see the motivation rise within them.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Feb 17 at 2014 4:31 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 16:31:52 -0500

There was a SGT at my first duty station in Korea. Every junior enlisted person would have died with/for him because he motivated us doing something so simple. His secret....telling us the truth about how he felt about certain tasking's. Example, "hey guys, I think this is bullshit too, but we need to clean these rooms that the other people should have, or we're just going to be here all night. I know no one wants to do it, but I'm here sweeping and mopping right beside you." No Army "Hooah" stuff said, no commands being thrown at people who were already tired and beaten, simple words. Everyone that was around instantly felt that they had a reason to work, because they saw one of their leaders grinding it out with them when all the other leaders went to their rooms, or smoke area. He always told us the truth, always showed us what to do, explained why when he had the chance, when he didn't have time things still got done, because everyone knew he would tell us later the importance.

I guess the other thing to help motivate people, stop keeping the reason behind things a trade secret. Most people work better and give a better quality product when they feel as though what they are doing has a purpose, that is in the military and out.

Response by SSgt Gus Georges made Mar 5 at 2014 9:53 AM

SSgt Gus Georges — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:53:35 -0500

Its the little things. Acknowledging great work and also letting people cut loose now and then; have a few food parties; and get together for beers. It really helps us all bond, get to know each other and realize we are not machines. Its better knowing who you work with to better work as a team. Teambuilding is very important; and takes daily mundane tasks not seem as such of a drudgery.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 1:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:13:47 -0400

The lashings will continue until morale improves.

Response by CPT Alex Lamb made Apr 2 at 2014 10:08 AM

CPT Alex Lamb — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:08:04 -0400

Showing a distinct understanding between when its time to work, and when its time to play.

Leadership who always hangs behind the mask of expert professionalism often seem daunting to their Soldiers, to the point where it dehumanizes the leader, and always sets the tone of "Work". I will tell you, having a Commander like that demotivated the ungodly crap out of me.

I have come to the ultimate understanding that the Army works on a pendulum basis(Miles of conversation on that topic), and I believe it is essential for a leader to do the same. Powering down at work when time allows lets your subordinate leaders come up for air, lets your Joes unclench their muscles, and ultimately throws the proverbial pendulum to a neutral standpoint. Those moments of smiles and, I guess we can call it, "Humanity" can truly push Soldiers and Leaders to a more WILLING mindset to push harder and acheive an excellent result or product than 100 MPH from 9-5.

EDIT: All thats needed is a couple minutes at a time.

(This is all inclusive with ideals of competence at the top, ARMY VALUES, understanding, genuine concern, and a having challenging yet acheivable goals.)

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 21 at 2014 9:36 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 21 May 2014 21:36:52 -0400

As an O, Lead by example. Support your SNCO especially in front of your troops, work out your disagreements if any in private so you always present a united front. Show your troops you're human too. Take a mud bath with them on a rainy morning on the PT field. Do your own PMCS - the troops will take it seriously if they know you do. Remember their names and some of their background - show them you see them as a person not just a service member. Reward them when you can and kick them in the pants when you have too.

Worked well for me for 20 years.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 9:54 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 21:54:01 -0400

I know Im just a PV2 but one thing that Gets myself motivated is when a commander does what he asks his soldiers to do, for instance I had a DS in Basic Training that did everything we did with our platoon when we went in the mud, so did he, when we were cold, he was cold, there wasnt anything he told us to do that he wasnt willing to do himself, I absolutely respected and greatly appericiated that about him, DS Baker from F Co 2-60th Fort Jackson, I hope one day Ill see him again and can serve under him, not only that But he treated all of us with respect and never favored anyone over another, I was a squad leader at BCT and though he never fired me I thought he shouldve, but when he explained why he didnt I understood why, He wanted to make me see the potential he saw in me, the leader he saw, Ive taken that and used that as motivation even now as Im at my first station Fort Riley KS

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 12:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 May 2014 00:56:56 -0400

I run a brigade S1 shop and I talk to my Soldiers on a daily basis and reinforce to them that they are doing a good job, I have a wall of fame that shows who was the high APFT and high Weapons during a 6 month period. We have weekly closeout meeting and I give shout outs to those who have done above and beyond. I also talk about the bad things we need to improve on. I believe that you have to do these things especially in my shop, because I have a lot of young Soldiers who just came from AIT. I talk about teamwork all the time and that it takes a team to make the shop run.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 2:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 May 2014 02:27:01 -0400

I think the best way to motivate Soldiers is to lead by example. As a First Sergeant I police up trash and cigarette butts just as I expect Soldiers to do. I sleep in my CP when we go to Gunnery or the field. The Soldiers always ask why? I simply tell them This is my command post and if anything happens I don't need them to waste time trying to find me in my bunk in the dark. I am always there if any situation turns up. I call cadence, we do throw back PT and have the "old timers" give 21-20 PT. We try to do Company cook outs once a month, and I go down to the crew shack and aircraft and talk to the Soldiers and see how they are doing. Ask if anything is going on outside of work they might need to talk about and I get involved and know my Soldiers.

Now if you ask on of my Old Battalion Commander how do you motivate Soldiers he would tell you. Don't finish the Gym or MWR. Take away all the Soldiers personal computers, music, and games and work them 16 hour days. That will motivate Soldiers. (this was during a deployment to OEF).

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 30 at 2015 3:21 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:21:01 -0400

Finding innovative ways to thank the troops and have fun with them once in awhile.