In your opinion, what qualities and characteristics make a good leader?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 06:34:18 -0500

As a young senior airman, I am interested to know from all ranks and all sister services, what makes someone a good leader? Please explain your findings, I am testing for SSgt this coming spring/summer and I want to retain as much advice as I can. Your responses are much appreciated!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 6:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 06:39:33 -0500

The ability to listen, understand, and communicate with others.
Having patienence is also a good key factor.

Response by CW4 Juan Morales made Jan 30 at 2014 6:42 AM

CW4 Juan Morales — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 06:42:10 -0500

A love of the profession. An understanding of and adherence to selfless service. Be the first to do hard work and the last in line for chow. Knowledge that no one makes it through alone. Expect high standards and recognize those who meet them. Seek and utilize advice from peers and superiors.

Response by LTC Chad Nelson made Feb 6 at 2014 4:24 PM

LTC Chad Nelson — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:24:44 -0500

Know your Soldiers and be approachable. As Gen Powell said, "When Soldiers stop bringing their problems to you, you have stopped leading them." Know what is going on in your unit....with your Soldiers and with your mission. Tell Soldiers, as much as you can, the "why" of a task, not just the "what." Soldiers will do what you tell them, but if they know why its important, you'll be amazed at how much better they accomplish it. Use every opportunity to train and grow your Soldiers. Give them opportunities to think through a problem or a mission and let them try to develop the solutions. Guide them through the process and coach them through the critical thinking process. Allow them to fail, but don't allow them to be failures. Teach good preparation. Always, always respect them and treat them the way you would want a leader to treat your son/daughter/brother/sister/spouse. Leadership is all about relationships. A good leader has the ability to know people and know what motivates them, and it won't be the same for everyone. Related to that is the ability to communicate well. Each of your Soldiers receives and interprets messages differently. Being able to communicate effectively with each one of them is important.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 11:00 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:00:08 -0400

During my transition out of the Navy, I asked for some parting advice from our Chief of the Boat (COB), Master Chief Bradley, on the very topic of leadership. He simply stated "don't forget where you came from". Although I expected more of a sermon at the time, the complete answer to my question became later when I realized how he lived out his beliefs. His leadership style was direct, simple yet empowering in that he allowed the entire crew to become stakeholders in many key operational decisions. He was also humble, accountable, and approachable despite his lofty position. This ultimately led to commanding the most cohesive unit I have ever had the privilege to serve under and to this day I use his living example as blueprint for what I should be.

Response by CW4 Kerry Murray made Apr 26 at 2014 11:20 PM

CW4 Kerry Murray — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:20:24 -0400

You know the military has books on this. I can honestly say most are crap. They give you doctrine. I can tell you, that you are always learning. Learning from your good leaders and learning from your bad ones. But, what works best for me is treating people like they are people. Once Soldiers know they are going to be treated how you would like to be treated they will move mountains for you. Mutual respect. Now they also know if they screw around I will jerk the chain. But what works best is after I jerk the chain, I forget it ever happened.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 8:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:20:35 -0400

A good leader takes charge of his/her subordinates in a manner that leaves them no choice but to surpass him/her. The moment it becomes about you as a individual is the moment you fail as a leader.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 6:54 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 18:54:19 -0400

SrA Stephanie Gilllie--Credibility, Capability, Compassion, Expertise; the ability to follow other leaders as well as to lead his/her followers; the ability to HEAR as well as to listen; the ability to inspire people by creating opportunities for success; the ability to question their own assumptions; the ability to disagree without disrespect; constantly learning, constantly reading, constantly questioning the status quo with question such as: Why are we doing this? Is there a better way....and the Gold Standard of the hallmark of an effective leader: What do YOU think? -that and many other things that will allow effective mentoring above and below.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 11 at 2014 8:03 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:03:24 -0400

I could write for hours about this, but I'll keep my answer as short as I can.

First, leadership is all about others. If you are looking to be a leader, my first question is why. Why do you want to be a leader? When you focus on others, your actions are more likely to add value to them (a John Maxwell concept). In order to do that, you have to do a few things. You have to value others. You have to add value to yourself (learning, making yourself better). And you have to understand what those that follow you value.

Second, leadership is influence. Nothing more and nothing less. This is another John Maxwell concept. Positional leadership (I have the leadership title) is one thing. But when your people look to you because they *want* to more than because they *have* to, you are on the road to becoming a good leader. Everyone from the chief of staff to the new enlistee stepping off the bus has one thing in common, and that's a sphere of influence. So my question here is what do you do with that influence to inspire people to want to follow you?

Like I said, I could type on this for hours, but I'll stop here for now.

Response by SGT Donald Howard made Oct 12 at 2014 4:30 AM

SGT Donald Howard — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 04:30:24 -0400

I believe the qualities for a good leader are maturity,honesty,integrity and patience.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Oct 12 at 2014 10:46 AM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 10:46:24 -0400

You gotta have a sense of humor. All the other things people listed are great to have, but a sense of humor is a must. That is the one thing that will keep you from going crazy. As a leader, your Soldiers (Airmen) will do things that could potentially raise your blood pressure. This is normal, they get bored sometimes and come up with things to do. If you lose it with them every time this happens, you run the chance of them not trusting you later. And when leadership comes up with the most ridiculous ideas, and they think you and your guys are the best suited, just smile at them, nod your head and move out. Just like your Soldiers, the leadership above you gets bored and comes up with some of the silliest nonsense. Keep your humor, live longer. And if you can't laugh at your own mistakes, just find a 2LT and watch them for a while, they provide limitless entertainment. (No disrespect intended).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 8:42 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 08:42:47 -0400

SrA Gillie--STEPS FOR SUCCESS; here are the standards I gave to every person under my supervision and continue to use today. It was often published. Your thoughts?

Steps for Success
Sgt. Major/Captain Dan Coberly

Condensed from “Positive Public Affairs” c 1999-2014
“The Greatest Leader I Never Knew” American Traveller c 1991

• Honesty is non-negotiable. Character counts. If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

• Be culturally aware. Seek first to understand. Effective leaders learn why people think and act as they do. Become a member of the crew, not the baggage train.

• Be situationally aware. Don’t confuse true leadership with a generic leadership role or title. The toughest view is the one nearest you, altered by people and events.

• Shape fate. Lead by taking and inculcating a culture of responsibility for actions and inactions. Inspire others to exceed minimum standards. Find out what needs to be done and do it. Mentor and grow experts via opportunities.

• Know thy people. Know thyself. Offer everyone a place at your table. Represent your people well and they will well represent you. Know and use the resources of your team matching skills to mission. Look in the mirror. Challenge your own assumptions. Pull others up, don’t push them down. Disagree without disrespect.

• Be an Innovator. People adapt best to what they know best. Find ways to work smarter, not harder. Caretaker majorities may rule; Innovators and Undertakers affect outcomes. Innovators are responsible for 99.9% of all positive change. Take risks without being a loose cannon.

• Constantly communicate. Share information, not just vision. Close the loop, vertically & horizontally. An action isn’t complete until you coordinate with anyone remotely affected by the action...or inaction. The outcome affects your image.

• Be objective. People are tribal, it’s in our DNA. Help tribes to form a nation. Act on facts, not opinions. Beware of agendas. Bury your bias or it will lead you to be unfair. Be firm but fair. Ensure justice, rewards. Effective leaders do not lack will, nor must they often impose will. Focus your kick-to pat ratio on pats so your kicks can be effective.

• Become trusted by trusting others. Mutual trust is the backbone of all good relationships. Trust creates full partners. Your position is a trust, on loan from others. Know when to lead, when to follow.

• Shun the perks. Real leaders unselfishly serve others. They do not expect to be served. Promotions are not for what you have done, but for what you are expected to do.

• Team Spirit trumps corporate politics.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 21 at 2014 9:26 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 09:26:28 -0500

Character and integrity are so critical in a leader at any level. Personal courage to do the right thing all the time, no matter what. Leading my deed, not by word.

Response by SSG Skylur Britz made May 2 at 2015 9:38 AM

SSG Skylur Britz — Sat, 02 May 2015 09:38:33 -0400

Knowledge of tactical and technical skills for a start, you also need to be flexible and able to make decisions quickly. You can't be worried if your soldiers won't like you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 2 at 2015 9:45 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 02 May 2015 09:45:09 -0400

The unit is kick butt technically, tactically, and has a high morale.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 2 at 2015 12:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:39:31 -0400

When the soldiers are willing to go to hell and back with the leader.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 2:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:42:29 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I have always ascribed to the philosophy of "Do not ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself". I see this as a Lead from the Front type philosophy.

This method allows for your members to see that you are not just another "tell them what to do" leader, but are willing to get dirty w/ them. This builds respect. You will see your members go to bat for you, as long as you're willing to go to bat for them.

Never forget that you started where they are currently at. Don't shut them out. Allow them to tell you what they're seeing. As a leader, your eyes may not be able to focus on minute details since you are looking at larger picture. You build that rapport w/ them & they will build you w/ all their info.

Above all else, stay High Speed & Low Drag!!!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 3:53 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 03:53:06 -0400

One of the most common pitfalls of supervisors that I have seen is lack of emotional control. Do your best to gather facts and obtain all sides of every story before speaking or making a judgment call. Do not abuse your authority and treat everyone with respect and professionalism until otherwise earned. You will gain the respect and appreciation you are looking for if you have the morale courage to be a kind person.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 25 at 2015 3:53 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:53:36 -0400

Set the example. Always.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 25 at 2015 4:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:35:01 -0400

Promote fairness, equal opportunity, integrity, trust, fight for the troops, take care and love them, roll up your sleeves, work hard, train hard, have some fun, ensure the E5s report to you, train them, and make sure they are cognizant of the welfare of the troops.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 12:31 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 00:31:11 -0400

The truth that a lot of people forget about being a leader is that your troops can make or break you so if you treat them right and give them the tools to succeed they will ultimately make you look great and you will become a better leader by not always only being concerned about your own career