How to deal with a headstrong and disrespectful soldier?

2019-07-07T07:14:56-04:00

I have recently been made the team leader of a small group of soldiers. One of which is a SPC (P) that has completed BLC. This soldier is consistently late and does not want to listen to anything that is pushed to me to push out. What is my best course of action being that I am not a NCO?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2019 9:26 AM

2019-07-07T09:26:04-04:00

Sounds like this particular SPC(P) is challenging your authority/position. You can do one of two things:
1) Sit down with this SPC(P), have a face to face and find out why they are acting this way. Of course, be prepared to have this conversation be like talking to a wall.
2) Elevate it up to your Squad Leader.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 7 at 2019 11:28 AM

2019-07-07T11:28:05-04:00

Make him sign in early and later with the CQ.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 7 at 2019 11:58 AM

2019-07-07T11:58:24-04:00

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member You, by position, not rank, are senior to the other Soldier. Have a sit down with the other Soldier, and figure out what's going on. However, you don't have to do that, and can just go to your squad leader, who should be an NCO, e.g. CPL, SGT, SSG, etc. If your squad leader is not an NCO, I would definitely start using the NCO support channel and talk with your PSG. Just because a Soldier has (P) next to their name, doesn't mean that leadership can't change their mind.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jul 9 at 2019 10:21 AM

2019-07-09T10:21:07-04:00

If SM is "consistently late" you may have waited too long. Be straightforward with the Soldier and let them know that insubordinate conduct will have ramifications. If you establish the expectation of behavior you absolutely must follow through with any disciplinary actions that are required or you will lose them.
Also, seek guidance from your direct supervisor on how they would want you to handle it, stressing that you are asking for advice, not for them to intervene. Let them know you want to handle it yourself, but you need to know where your lines begin and end.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jul 9 at 2019 10:27 AM

2019-07-09T10:27:57-04:00

SPC Scozzari,
I would definitely have a conversation with this individual on why is acting in such manner. Obviously you have been put on a difficult situation, both of you been the same rank, and on top of that the other Soldier been promotable, ugh! But the way I see it, you were put on a leadership position which supersedes this Soldier you're reffering to.
I ran into similar situation when I was the subordinate and didn't act like this. One when I first showed up at the school house to be an instructor when I another servicemember of a lesser rank was the team leader. I understood my position at the time, I was the new person, and he already been there for several years. The other time was on a deployment when another guy was my boss, same rank, but he had a clearance and I didn't.
This individual needs to get it together or he might lose that promotable status. Use your NCO Support Channel.

Response by SGT John Ball made Mar 15 at 2022 7:14 PM

2022-03-15T19:14:24-04:00

I say it's time to take his "P" status away from him.