How does a military veteran lead civilians?

You need to realize that these people are students, paying for an opportunity to learn and grow. They don't know nor understand formal leadership and management. They don't follow orders. Most haven't probably even held a full-time job. You can't boss them around like a soldier. They are not your subordinates, they are your team, and you must see them that way. Management and leadership is FAR FAR less formal in the civilian world, so much so that unless you are a formal-titled boss (like the Professor) you have next to no authority and must persuade those you work with that they should trust you. Right now you have no credibility with your team. Prove to them that you are worth being listened to and things will change for you.

I don't know about you, but I worked with a few OGA types in country. One of the things that "Bob" said that stuck with me is that the CIA doesn't allow mirrors during training at the Farm. This is to help prevent what they call "mirror philosophy". Breaking it down Barney style, no one else sees things the way you do. You can't expect people understand naturally what comes to you. You thought you were acting like a good NCO, when in reality you were probably being a dick, or at least perceived to be a dick.

I was in PAO while in the Army as well, and went on to work for my school's newspaper when I got out. It definitely isn't the military. You have to sit down and have an adult conversation with them. What do you expect out of them and what do they expect out of you? You probably shouldn't have used the word subordinates to them since it is a school newspaper and not a real-world job. A newspaper is supposed to be a team effort. Your job is to encourage them and to help them become better journalists. But, if you go around demanding things and not treating them with respect, you're only going to be the EIC this one semester.

Blah blah something millennials blah blah

Good leaders adapt. Leadership is not about the leader it’s about the lead. If you’re surprised that military leadership styles don’t fly in a college environment then quite honestly you’re a bit naive.

It’s not about them being soft or being snowflakes or any of the other tough guy in a pickup truck on youtube buzzwords. It’s about a job. Your job is to produce a quality product. You have “employees” who can walk away at a moments notice an have far more rights and resources for redress if they don’t like their work environment. If EVERYONE in the room is saying the same basic thing...stop and consider that you might be the problem?

Be open with them. Explain your background and why you communicate the way that you do. Listen to their concerns and come to a compromise that achieves the end goal, putting out a decent newspaper.

Welcome to the mismanaged, surrealistic nightmare that is civilian life (just kidding...well, kinda).

Seriously however-The trick is this: The Army gave you rank which had automatic authority, and a well-structured set of regulations to back it up. We don't have that out here...not even close. Job titles are "supposed" to define some kind of hierarchy...but the truth is that politics, money, and fear pretty much determine who's voice gets listened to, and whom is ignored. The most junior person in a plant may hold more sway than the general manager if they just "happen" to be the CEO's frat brother's kid.

Leading under these circumstances requires the ability to navigate these treacherous waters without letting anyone know you can. Make friends, get to know folks...find that group of people who you genuinely enjoy working with, and let them "show you the ropes". Make allies...but do it naturally, and without being "methodical".

Always bear in mind that people are only there to get what's theirs. Even the "dedicated" workers aren't willing to work for free (or less than what they deem fair). Everyone would (and sometimes could) be doing something else, and if your management style costs the company productivity or talent...you, not they, will pay the price.

Get used to the idea that no one "gets" who/what you were unless they shared the same experiences. To most of 'em, you went into the Army because (a) you had no other option, or (b) were naive. At best, they figure if you were good there, or anything about the Army was worth your time...you wouldn't be "here" now. It's rotten to the core, but that's how many view it.

Oh, and one more thing...there is ZERO tolerance for being "better" than your boss. The Military has this wonderful cultural staple of the relationship between the junior officer and the platoon/company NCO...yeah, it doesn't exist out here. If "Junior" is in the corner office, the C-Suite figures he's there because he can do what you can't. The "work around" is this: Junior doesn't know crap (most of the time), and is eager to pawn off responsibility (at least a Butter Bar will try and look smart). Those in control just want results...make yourself indispensable without becoming "threatening"...and you'll end up climbing (a little) in time. More to the point, you may just stick around while others get laid off.

Hang in there...every time is sucks, just remind yourself you (usually) don't have to put up with "our" particular brand of insanity any longer ;)

In a few words? Welcome to the land of snowflakes...

You lead by first realizing that not everyone is going to like you, your style or the fact that YOU are in charge and not them. Lead by example. Show up for work early, stay late, etc. The same basics as the military but understand that these are civilians vs military. When you could bark an order to a private, you cannot do that with civvies. You ask/tell them what you want and if they don't do it then you counsel them.

You are in charge... on paper. The trick is in letting them THINK that you are equals. That you are not their boss and that they work for you.

Same way any other civilian boss. Personality, persuasion and demonstrated competence. You don't have a rank to flex anymore, now you have to actually LEAD, leverage personalities, weight strengths and weakness, assign personnel accordingly, etc...

Number one, you are not in the Army, they are your peers in college. You all have to excel, so Leader for a day is fine, but you should approach it as that are your Team, a leader would not have to refer to them as subordinates, your title contracted that fact. Demanding a meeting that fits your schedule is disrespectful of other STUDENTS, you should have thrown a time out and see what was recommended. As a leader I often look to see when all are available, unless of course it is time sensitive, in that case I would accept who could and could not be present.

I am not saying that you do not take charge, I am saying that leaders adapt to the environment. You in this regard are the only one with military background. Lead by example. Thank you for your service.

I kind dove used to have the same mindset and it did not go well and caused me way too much unnecessary stress then there needed to be. I recommend slowly focusing on adjusting your leadership to a more lead the way you wanted to be treated when you weren't in charge. If you preferred to. E micromanaged, spoken down to, controlled, and unappreciated. Well then, I think we found the problem. Love for your subordinates goes a very long way. Once they know you trust and care about them, then your life should slowly start getting a little better.

Probably does.../You are regimented, they are unruly....