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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!
Management
Motivation
Mentorship
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
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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.
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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.
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Col (Join to see)
CPT Walker, great post, well stated indeed... this bring to mind the old saying "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Again, excellent points... thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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MAJ (Join to see)
Thank you Sir. The one thing I have tried to do, and it goes back to 1991 when I was enlisted and stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA, is not make promises to my Soldiers that I couldn't keep. I had an NCO make a promise to some of us to motivate us to get a certain voluntary duty done and then that promise wasn't kept. That episode was very disheartening. So I decided long ago that I would not do that, rather, I would make the conscience effort to get to know my troops, understand their personal and professional goals, and try to help them achieve those goals.
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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
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