How do you show leadership ability and potential if you have no one to lead?

2016-12-29T10:26:25-05:00

BLUF: I want to go to the Board, but I am being told that I must show NCO leadership ability before I'll be recommended.

Here's the big question (not whining, I am genuinely seeking advice here); how do you show leadership ability and potential if you have no one to lead -- and you get road-blocked when you try and cover down to display any of the ability to lead?

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Dec 29 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-12-29T10:32:53-05:00

Take the initiative, be the first to volunteer, do things without being told to do them. It isn't about leading troops, it is about showing that you are capable of leading - you do that by setting the example.

Response by SSG Fernando Caballero made Dec 29 at 2016 10:37 AM

2016-12-29T10:37:40-05:00

I will give you the same advice I gave all my soldiers before I sent them to a promotion board. If you want to be an NCO then you need to act like an NCO on and off duty.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 29 at 2016 10:45 AM

2016-12-29T10:45:11-05:00

Have you applied for PLDC or BNOC or even Possibly any other leadership school... pathfinder Ranger ... Jump or Air assault school any thing that set you above and ahead of your Pers... have you applied for any collage or correspondence courses...
Any ting to show you are trying to Improve your position and abilities...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-12-29T10:53:40-05:00

This answer is a bit of a cop out, and I normally don't like to use Army models, but "Be, Know, Do". Look it up, and read up on it since you are trying to get to a board (pretty sure it will be one of the board questions anyways so kill two birds with one stone).

Aside from that, the Army promotes based on proven performance AND potential. So you don't have to lead any troops to be a good soldier and show the potential to be a leader. You just have to be proactive, seek out opportunities to set yourself apart from your peers, and always strive to set the example. That means looking good in your uniform, being in shape, and knowing your job and knowing it well (talking about both your core MOS skills and the skills required for your specific duty position). It also helps if you have a mentor, either by mirroring someone you and others respect, or by finding someone willing and able to actively coach you (should be your team leader or squad leader, but not every team leader or squad leader is made of the same material).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-12-29T11:16:32-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member being and NCO is not only about leading Soldiers. You can show your potential by volunteering to be put in charge of ammo point on an M16 range for example. You can also put that extra attention that might be expected of an NCO on some briefing or product that you have to create. Give a class to your peers for STT without being told to do so. Ask for more responsibilities, some additional duties. The list is almost endless, you just have to go for it

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Dec 29 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-12-29T11:22:43-05:00

You work in a training room -- every action that comes through there is an opportunity to take charge of and/or assist the NCO assigned to that task. Build the trust from your organization through your sweat equity. Soldiers that are prepared to take advantage of their opportunities tend to have better "luck" in their careers.

Response by SSG Duane Tyler made Dec 29 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-12-29T11:25:11-05:00

I know I've been retired for almost 7 yrs but a soldier has to be counseled on why they are not going to the board (that month) and the actions you should take are listed on the counseling. In other words how are you going to get to the board if suggestions and examples are not given to you during the counseling? If the leader has not given this advice to you then there may be a problem with the leaders method of teaching, training and leading techniques. No disrespect to the NCO Corps Just my opinion. LEAD THE WAY!!!

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Dec 29 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-12-29T11:30:55-05:00

The hardest Soldier to lead is yourself. I didn't make that up, heard it from a 1SG long ago. There is a lot of truth to that. It is not about demonstrated leadership ability, it is about demonstrated leadership potential. You demonstrate that everyday in your appearance and performance. A lot of people on RP have voiced negativity towards boards, creeds, etc., as outdated and antiquated traditions. But those that do those things and more, show initiative and desire for professional development-which is leading yourself-and demonstrating your potential.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 29 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-12-29T11:37:32-05:00

Have you ever been on a latrine cleaning detail?
If so, you had the potential to show leadership capability, even if not in charge.
Consider the task....then
Observe if you have the requisite tools and materials, if not, be a "leader and seek them out" Not just whine you need toilet bowl cleaner... Go find it.

Did the SM assigned to clean the showers miss one or do a half ass job?.... Don't just whine they did not pull their weight. Take charge, ask a peer to help you go finish the job.
When the job is done, don't just go back to your room and play COD... go find the leader that assigned the task, ask them to accompany you to the latrine and inspect.. you want to know your finished or get feedback in what was not to standard so you can fix it.

Your leadership KNOWS who is a slacker, and who is doing it right... and most times you will know if they know... Its called performance punishment.... When the leadership NEEDS a job done, they don't give it to a slacker who will follow the order but half ass it..they task the SM who gets it done, does not let a broken broom handle keep them from getting the MP swept before last formation ...they know that SM will go back to the barracks and grab another broom, or go to the MP next door and borrow one or find a piece of angle iron in the scrap pile, and duct tape it to the broken broom handle and FINISH the job.

Response by SGT Paul Lux made Dec 29 at 2016 12:20 PM

2016-12-29T12:20:23-05:00

I started working on subcourses and professional development when I was an E-2/E-3. By the time I made SP4 I was the best operator in my section, knowing not only my mission but those of adjacent sections. I filled in whenever and wherever I was needed. I participated in almost every intramural sports opportunity that came along. I volunteered to serve on barracks and mess hall advisory committees.

Put your self out there and become the go-to guy for whatever comes along. The right people will notice!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 12:20 PM

2016-12-29T12:20:27-05:00

You have to take charge. You are always going to be pressured or road blocked by your peers, its competition. However NCOs see what your doing, and pay attention to how you handle it. Keep your cool and don't get in to fist fights, lol. As a SPC you probably have enlisted Soldier lower than you around. Enforce standards and discipline before and NCO has to. This will in turn show your NCOs that he/she no longer has devote as much time in that sector and focusing on taking the reins from their supervisor. As far as other SPC you have to find a way to handle this on your level, just don't make it an issue. If you continue to run into issues describe the scenarios to your NCO, it may be something that NCO might have to handle. If these SPC are in the process of ETS or being chaptered then your going to see issues consistently from them. Don't pursue conflict with Soldiers, issue tasks that need completed and when they don't engage in these tasks report back to your NCO.

Start separating yourself from the other Soldiers. This doesn't mean to hold yourself higher than them. You should still continue to work, Soldiers will always respect a Leader that isn't afraid to do what is asked. When I say separate yourself I mean that when you become an NCO it will be more difficult if you don't start now. You may or may not be moved to another team/squad/platoon/company/etc which means these Soldiers that are your friends now will have to take orders from you later. This creates conflict when being fair and impartial. When you tell someone the latrine needs to be cleaned. Come to find out the toilet needs to be emptied cause someone wiped or dropped a whole pack of brown paper towels in the bowl and it can't flush. "Aw man I thought we were friends, make him do it."

Hope all that helps!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 29 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-12-29T12:41:05-05:00

It's not just having someone to lead. Leadership is also taking charge and carrying out the plan of the day. Do things without being told to do them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-12-29T12:41:53-05:00

Leaders create change, therefore you must be able to prove you can do this. Start with yourself as a project, are you growing in character? community involved? going to college? building IDPS? Are you being coachable? BLUF change starts with you prove to yourself you can change then learn on how to influence others. Career progression will follow naturally with your self-invested change. (good book to read Influencer by Patterson)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 12:55 PM

2016-12-29T12:55:30-05:00

There is always a way to show your leadership ability whether or not you have subordinates in your work area. Off-duty you can look for volunteer opportunities in the community. In your workspace you can make yourself known amongst your peers as one that can be counted on to assist them in times of need, whether on or off duty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-12-29T13:02:59-05:00

there are plenty of ways to show leadership abilities. You don't always have to have soldiers under you. when the 1SG/PSG/SL/TL asks for a volunteer, make sure you're the first to volunteer. It may be a crap detail, but take charge and make it your own. Show you can act as a professional and it will show. Start taking care of your peers. If any of them have questions or problems, be the first one to help them. Your peers will probably be more comfortable coming to you then they would their leadership. If you don't know the answer, look it up. If you cant find it or don't understand the answer, ask your NCOs. Another thing you can do, is if something doesn't seem right simply ask the question. (with that said, ensure you have a solution to the problem.)

All in all, get your name out there. You can always show your abilities even if you're not in a leadership position. Hopefully this helps you out....

Response by SPC Nicholas V. made Dec 29 at 2016 1:54 PM

2016-12-29T13:54:15-05:00

Take on some volunteer opportunities. Help out the lower enlisted. Show you can follow instructions and that you can take the initiative to make correct decisions when there are no instructions for you to do so.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Dec 29 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-12-29T14:02:14-05:00

Please explain how you became a Training Room NCO in TRADOC as an E4 Infantryman. This will help some of us in giving you a better answer.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Dec 29 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-12-29T14:45:18-05:00

If you have to ask you aren't quite ready You could instruct a class on subject Just one example. Again you aren't ready imo

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made Dec 29 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-12-29T14:58:44-05:00

There are informal and formal leaders. typically, Specialist fall under the informal leader roll. I would always watch and look for the ones that looked for opportunities to lead details or take initiative on actions like cleaning the barracks, loading equipment, training subordinates etc.

These specialist should solid potential and would be recommended for advancement, the others, just stayed in the E4 Mafia and hide behind their shield of sham.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 29 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-12-29T15:22:35-05:00

Show it in the positive way you perform your position. Show initiative in doing your job in a better way for the service branch your in.. I know there's the right way and the Army way (or what ever service you're in)... but if you can lay out how the service can be a better place by implementing your idea, you're trying to show you've initiative..

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made Dec 29 at 2016 7:07 PM

2016-12-29T19:07:27-05:00

WOW tough question for an E-4. Leadership ability does not come from leading, it comes from doing the right thing, it comes from how you have helped other soldiers succeed. Taking a new soldier and assisting, informally training instead yelling and ordering. I would suggest you download and read the old counseling FM's or what ever they are using now. get ready to answer questions on how you would handle or react to certain situations, think before you speak then speak with confidence

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 7:27 PM

2016-12-29T19:27:37-05:00

I worked in a shop ful of officers and was told the same thing... the direction I took was please give me a reason that I cannot go in writing . Never had a bad recommendation nor counseling so why can I not be recommended? I was sent that next month. Another thing u could do however is ask to be in charge of tastings or details . It shows initiative, I'm not talking about me the lawn NCO I'd try for big missions like being an escort or in charge of SGM Detail or even extra duty NCO... those are just suggestions hope it works out for you

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Dec 29 at 2016 11:25 PM

2016-12-29T23:25:16-05:00

Start a study group for you section/platoon/company for SOM boards and such. Volunteer to lead PRT sessions. Request to be an assistant instructor during STT or a FTX. If you apply yourself, your NCO's will recognize your effort and potential.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 2:32 AM

2016-12-30T02:32:27-05:00

U can lead by taking charge. Seize the opportunity rather than wait. Ask question that get stuff done.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 5:47 AM

2016-12-30T05:47:29-05:00

Be an "informal" leader. Continuously look for ways to improve yourself and provide a positive climate for others. Just because you don't have soldiers directly under your supervision doesn't mean you can't expand your sphere of influence and make positive contributions expected of an NCO.

Response by SGT Alan Dike made Dec 30 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-12-30T07:51:54-05:00

Your team is doing training all the time right? Talk with your NCOs, tell them you want to conduct some training. Write it up, get their input, and then execute. If you're in the field and you see one of your team mates having issues performing any sort of task, help them.. train them the right way to get it done to standard. You don't have to be in charge to show leadership, and being in charge doesn't automagically make you a leader. Leadership, and that patch on your chest (almost said tin on your shoulder lol.. dating myself there a little), aren't the same thing, nor are they exactly mutually inclusive. You're in a unit.. there will be soldiers coming into the unit who have less experience than you.. take the time to start mentoring them. Yes, your Chain of Command and NCO support channel can put an end to that, but they'll only do that after they see you trying to take that initiative. If you do platoon or squad pt, ask to conduct it some time.. be prepared to do that. Ask your NCO to help (there may be an over-reaching fitness routine or goal that you're not aware of.. so work with them.. they will mentor you in the process and set you up for success .. if they are leaders themselves).

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Dec 30 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-12-30T09:40:39-05:00

That was always a hard one to explain to a jr Marine. SSG Fernando Caballero said it " act like an NCO" You are a Marine or Soldier 24/7. Be the leader and set the example even if you have no one reporting to you. Show willingness to improve in physical fitness, MOS knowledge, military and personal goals. You have to be able to follow leadership and lead yourself first.

Response by MSG Ryan C. made Dec 30 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-12-30T10:42:49-05:00

SPC Pietrantonio, I am glad to see you are reaching out for guidance, rather than trying to figure it out on your own. As many have stated already, it all starts with you. How you handle yourself, how you approach others, how you deal with things, etc... Although you do not have any subordinate Soldiers directly under you doesn't mean you can't lead others. Plenty of your peers and some NCOs and officers need guidance as well. Look for opportunities to help others. See that new Soldier over there struggling to put their assault kit together? Rather than sit back and watch the other Soldiers make fun at him, go over and give him a hand. Look for opportunities to teach someone something, even if it seems like a little thing. Take time out of your day to talk to people. If you see a Soldier sitting by themselves in the chow hall, go over and talk to them. Maybe they are struggling with something and by you just going over to talk to them can help them along with their day. Leadership is about getting to know people and helping them accomplish the mission. Whether it's taking an objective on the battlefield or just talking to someone that is going through a hard time, it all comes down to what we do each day to help those to the left and the right of us make it back home safely.

Response by TSgt Kibriya Lowery made Dec 31 at 2016 12:20 AM

2016-12-31T00:20:04-05:00

First start with yourself. If you have a family that's your next leadership role. Next is with your peers. Life and leadership go hand in hand because it is all about decision-making.

Response by SGT Justin Lamb made Dec 31 at 2016 1:53 AM

2016-12-31T01:53:07-05:00

There is your issue: "No one to lead"
An NCO is a leader of Soldiers.
If your getting "road blocked" my guess is your stepping out of your lane with a Soldier out of your squad on a personal level. If you are the lowest rank in your squad as a SPC, show that you are ready for the next rank by correcting others by the regulations as in on the spot corrections. Know and live by the Creeds, basics, perform as if you were the next rank, know DNC, know how to break down weapon systems.. be the guy every new recruit wants to learn from cause you know how to train them. On top of that, know your MOS!

That's my 3 1/2 cents to the tought

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-12-31T09:53:05-05:00

Any time you are part of a group of two or more you have the opportunity to lead.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2016 3:12 PM

2016-12-31T15:12:12-05:00

Leadership ability potential isn`t based on supervision of others, or a number of tasks your in charge of. No matter what rank you are, or what task you are in charge of, there is a checklist of things that has to get done, which gets bigger the higher rank you are. Things that have to be done. So how do you show ability and potential if everything is a basic checklist anyways, you did one of the things needed, and what most people fail to do early on, is ask for help.

Asking is one thing you need to do, but you also need to know your job, be willing to learn to do it, and any task even if it is as simple as mopping the floor. The floor that is being mopped, by you or another not just for being dirty, but is a hazard that gets worse over time. But also if you do it poorly, like leave it very wet, not only will the water dry up and make it look bad, but it is a safety hazard as well. Done properly, till it dries up also, it is a trip hazard and you need a wet floor sign or warn people about it till it dries up if you can. Many who are given this task simply don`t think about that or care about others safety, for such a simple task. It also helps, now that you understand this, you notice a dirty floor like coffee that got spilled yourself, bring it up to the person in charge of that space because they may not have noticed it and someone else might and not be as nice about it. Or if its your space, clean that spot at your earliest convenience. And the task of mopping a floor properly, and recognizing any safety hazards, is a simple version of the more complex ones you likely normally do, even as a paper pusher in admin. Your dealing with some things that shouldn`t be left out like peoples socials, as I have seen with PII left around in the open in many admin spaces.

You also have to be willing to accept criticism, positive criticism which could or will hurt, but also offers advice on how to do it right the next time, even if it means doing it over after a discussion on what you did wrong, and what you should have done. Negative criticism, especially on more complex tasks is simply you messed up in not so nice words and just fix it, that leaves you confused, and you should talk to your chain about what you need to do something properly or at the satisfactory level needed.

You need to be open minded to the fact there is more then one way to do any task, and recognize any that is not safe that you shouldn`t do, or won`t accomplish the task to the required level if done differently.

Army/Air force E-5 and Navy and Marine Core E-4 NCO ranks also carries with it a certain responsibility to know what you are doing, and having and answer for those who need help. If you don`t know the answer, I don`t know stopped being the answer the moment you became an NCO. Now whether you know or don`t know who would know the answer, you need to either: tell them I`ll get back with you on the answer, take them to someone who does or can help find it, or direct them to said person.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-01-02T16:18:09-05:00

Volunteer

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 3 at 2017 11:47 AM

2017-01-03T11:47:51-05:00

Well if you had multiple personalities you could establish a dominant one to lead the others like they do in the Air Force to get leadership experience...........just kidding everyone. :)

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Jun 26 at 2017 11:03 AM

2017-06-26T11:03:49-04:00

just like Apes, the strongest will over power the weakest. BOARD you joking me, IN combat there is no time for freaking board. LEADERSHIP SKILL, STRONGIEST and SMARTIEST that knows the battle plans and operations to kill the enemy. BOARD my ASS.