In your experience, what helps build the relationship between First Sergeants and the Command Sergeant Major?

I could go deep here, but I'll try to keep it short.
1. Let me run my company.
2. Give me good guidance and facilitate staff assistance with thorny problems.
3. Keep dumbass staff distractions to a minimum. They are support for me, not the other way around.
4. Coordinate and build a quality NCOPD program.
5. Clearly communicate higher echelon training goals so I can implement them at my level and not be a rogue who does whatever. Help me help you.
6. Maintaining standards is important. Be the example. But for the love of all that is holy, don't make it all we talk about. Which shoulder SPC Snuffy's reflective belt is on while doing individual PT is simply not important.
7. Get me the support I need to destroy targets, not lip service on powerpoint slides. This has been the bane of my existence down range.
8. Recognize excellence and foster healthy competition between companies for who is the best at various training and readiness objectives. Traveling trophies, lanes competitions, Soldier of the Year, "best unit", things like that.
9. Know what it is to really listen to what is going on in the formation. Morale issues are often a function of BS from higher, not a reason for more of it. (looking at you, mandatory training)
10. There is a fine line between blame and accountability. Know the difference. One is essential, the other is toxic. We need your support to solve problems, not be on the defensive when one arises.

The CSM knows where he came from and realizes that while they have the benefit and wisdom of years of experience they have on average 5 1SGs and three or 4 MSGs who are experts in there craft and bring much of the same to the table. With that the CSM and 1SGs should meet no less than weekly as a group aside from any other groups and discuss how they will get from point A to Z while following the commanders intent. They should also meet at least once every month one on one to ensure that the development of the individual continues on their collective path. Finally the CSM should meet with Company commanders periodically and aid the Commander with their development and how they should explore the talent and experience of 1SG, it is the chain of command and the collective understanding of command intent-and the path to get their that ensures the full success of the relationships and the mission.

The training, care and development of the Soldiers are at the life blood of the existence of the units senior leadership, with that in mind you cannot fail. Read between the lines, fill in the blanks and the picture will be revealed. CSMs have what it takes to build out the core of a unit, they only need be open minded and use the collective wisdom of the organization to get their while following the the Commanders intent. Thank you for your Service. Merry Christmas.

Truth, Honesty, Team work. A CSM may not know everything, Never discount your 1SG's- they are/should be closer to the troops than you are. Use each other's strengths!