Posted on Feb 23, 2021
SGT(P) Team Leader
16.2K
60
19
18
18
0
I recently started noticing Soldiers hesitation in talking to me and overhearing them talk about sometimes being nervous of afraid to talk to me because I may get angry. For the lack of a better explanation, I felt ashamed and that I was failing them in not being approachable. I love talking to them and I am lucky to have such a driven and hardworking group of young Soldiers and want to be someone they are comfortable talking to and asking for help. If you've struggled with this, how have you tackled or resolved the issue? How did you regain that lost trust?
Avatar feed
Responses: 16
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
SGT Air Defense Radar Repairer
1
1
0
You praise in public and admonished in private.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG Ken Bedwell
1
1
0
Step one (most important), identify the problem, which you have.
Step two, just try to be calm and thoughtful during your interactions.
Step three, understand you won't always succeed, but it'll get better with effort.
Improving is a conscious choice. You can run around wasting energy being angry all of the time or try to think through things.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Melvin Brandenburg
1
1
0
Generally when I would go quiet that's when my soldiers would worry. They knew I was contemplating some old school remedy and was trying to decide on the most interesting way of laying it on them.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PV2 Keith Young
1
1
0
One if the way I was to try to wait before I spoke. Take a couple of deep breaths before speaking. In regards to regain trust is respect. Hold a informal meeting and have them tell you what is on their mind. An mutual understanding is critical. If you need to apologize, do so. It will take some time to gain their trust. Lead the way you should. Lead in a way that embodies that kind of respect. Talk to your platoon leader or your local counseling center and get some help with your anger issues.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Paul Headlee
1
1
0
Get more involved with them. Talk with them about situations you've experienced that are similar to or relatable to their's. Ask them questions about what they are trying to accomplish like, "How do you plan to do that?" Don't belittle their accomplishments and ambitions. Become someone they perceive to be on their side. Show them how to do things that they're not good at. They already know you are an NCO and are beholden to the Army's expectations of you. Get out from behind your fortress and engage them. I'm not telling you to smoke dope and have sex with them, lol. I'm saying be an asset to their development rather than a hindrance. They are not your competition. You can always smoke their asses if it starts to go south.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Squad Leader
0
0
0
Well personally, I would say take a look at yourself. Why are you angry? Is it factors like stress, personal life, etc.? Is it the Soldier? Or the Soldier’s situation? Once you figure it out, you can plan how to proceed. Next, explain to the Soldiers that you made a mistake losing your temper and if you feel you should apologize. Then do so. There’s nothing wrong with an apology. Some people will think an apology is weak, but it’s really not.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.