How do you keep your troops motivated?

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.

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.

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.)