Posted on Jul 27, 2015
SFC Civil Affairs Specialist
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20 percent of your soldiers take up 90 percent of your time was something I heard alot coming up. I would see some of my first NCO's take a special interest in me, or my other peers who had a bit of fire and drive. Naturally this same "eye for talent " so to speak, has been ingrained in me. I find myself going the extra mile, and frankly caring more about a soldier who cares about his future.

I know the creed says fair and impartial, and i am fine with fair. Hey look, if the Army isnt for you, and your hell bent on getting out, show up to formation on time, dont give me no trouble on the weekends, and go about whatever your heart desires. But the impartial part gets me. Its human nature to want to cultivate the best, and i know there is a fine line between you being able to squeeze the best out of someone with teaching,coaching,and mentoring, and an obvious lost cause. Is it understandable to go out more on a limb for some than for others?
Posted in these groups: Leadership development Leadership DevelopmentImages 20 NCOs
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SFC Retired
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SGT Aldana, all I can tell you is to keep trying to solve the puzzle. The solution that works best for me, probably wont work as well for you. The underlying formula that runs through all of these responses should only be used as the foundation for your trial and error. It's the individual person variable that prevents the "one size fits all" answer. You'll get it so long as you don't give up.
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1SG Michael Blount
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I go out on that limb up to a point. I can't afford to devote so much time to one Soldier, NCO or Drill Sergeant that the rest of the unit suffers. Experience tells me that cruel as it is, you might be doing that Soldier, NCO or Drill Sergeant a favor by recommending a change of scenery - as in out of the Army and into the civilian world.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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Edited 10 y ago
Every Soldier deserves the attention and diligence of their NCO. I preach this; I practice it. Not every Soldier is cut out to be the next Sergeant Major of the Army, but one of them is. Is it one of your Soldiers right now?
How will he/she view your leadership down the road when they have Soldiers?
Are you a leader they will respect enough to use your techniques someday when they have Soldiers?

Some of your Soldiers, right now are not cut out for the military service. They will do their best - or not - but it is the job of the NCO to get the most out of each and every member of the team. You never know when you'll have to deploy and you will have to relay on your "needy" Soldier with your life.
Train them and motivate them like your life depends on it. It just might.
When they fall short of the standard, it is our job to motivate them. If you can't do that or they really are a lost cause, support them through the transition process. You never know when that Private becomes a boss someday.
The biggest compliment I ever got was from a Soldier who had been out for years, calling me out of the blue to ask for a reference. He had very kind things to say to me about how big an influence I was on him. I wasn't easy on him by any means, but he RESPECTED me.
You will never win them all; sometimes the Army gives you snake eyes. But do your best when you have the awesome responsibility to lead. It will come back to you someday.
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SFC Civil Affairs Specialist
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Your right 1SG. Its is, however frustrating that you must dedicate so much of your time when you do have a problem joe. Frustrating in that, the part I enjoy most about being an NCO is teaching. When i can sit down with my guys and say " okay fellas step 1.) begins like this....and thats the last step, any questions?" When my guys have that Ahh haa i got it moment it makes this job really rewarding. But being mired in paperwork or having to babysit takes away from my paratroopers that are vested and want to learn. It almost feels like a disservice to them. But I totally get where your coming from Top.
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SSG Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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based on what you wrote.. i do the same thing... but at the same time... those soldiers that our stagnat sometimes need that push from a NCO to push their drive...
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Capt Seid Waddell
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It is possible (and desirable) to impartially reward superior performance and correct poor performance regardless of race, creed, ethnic origin, etc.
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