Lead with Intensity, Not with Intimidation - What do you think RP Members?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:06:12 -0400

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-i-lead-intensity-intimidation-maynard-webb?trk=pulse-det-nav_art
Got lost in RallyPoint Internet Space - CHANGED THE PICTURE - IT WAS THROWING OFF A FEW RP MEMBERS!

Here is another interesting article on Leadership! I wanted to get the RP Membership comments and thoughts on this author's perspective.

Lead with Intensity, Not with Intimidation
by Maynard Webb, Influencer
Chairman, Yahoo!, Former COO, eBay; Author 'Rebooting Work: Transform How You Work in the in the Age of Entrepreneurship.

'"The strategies in my arsenal to lead with inspiration instead of sheer will:"

Here is a snapshot:

More mentoring: Spend more time validating, cheerleading, and coaching. Praise in public, but coach and critique in private. Never make someone feel bad in front of his or her peers.

Paint the picture: In my earlier days. I used to tell people what to do. Now, I try to inspire them with what we should do rather than tasking them to do it. It’s much more rewarding to orchestrate a masterpiece than assign them to paint by the numbers — and the results speak for themselves.

Ask more questions: Great inspirational leadership means operating on a level that’s more than transactional. This means asking questions to get others engaged and invested. I often ask, “How do you think about this?” “Is this doable?” “Why do you think that’s a problem?” “Have you thought about this, or what about this?”

Raise the bar: The most powerful moments with an individual and the ones I love best are not transactional. They are not about whether or not you did what you said you were going to do, but focused on how we can do more and do it better. I call this “wonder mode” and find we are able to achieve it easier and earlier by making the previous practices routine.

In the toughest moments lead with intensity, but not with intimidation. Some of the strategies I employ:

Alignment through 1:1s: Communicate constantly. Determine together what success looks like. I encourage people to share problems early. That enables me to help solve them while I still can. No one wants to hear about issues by the time they’ve festered and are too late to fix. I end every 1:1 with a question: “What else do you need from me? What can I do to help you?”

Objective setting at the beginning of a project or quarter: Work with teams and individuals on establishing what we are going to achieve — and what’s most important to do first. I always ask, “What trumps what?” I believe in aggressive goal setting. That’s why I believe it’s okay if we hit 80 percent of the goals. If we hit 100 percent, I know the goals were not aggressive enough.

Keep it cool: Even in bad times, losing your temper is never a fine moment. Be patient.

More mirrors: Instead of telling someone what they did wrong and telling them how I see it, barking at them, “You missed a date!” Instead, I ask them to reflect on the situation for themselves. “Look in mirror, what do you see? What do you think? How do you see it?” Seeing it through their eyes is helpful for them — and for me.

Address performance quickly. My more inspirational leadership practices do not mean that I no longer hold people accountable. I work with them to help make them better, but if they don’t learn from their mistakes, repeat mistakes, or don’t live up to their potential and my demands, I will let them go — but I try to do it in a humane and caring way.

how-i-lead-intensity-intimidation-maynard-webb

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 6 at 2015 5:09 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:09:15 -0400

Yes COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I think leading with "intensity" especially be knowledgeable leaders who know their own strengths and weakness as well as their subordinates is a great approach. Mentoring, asking the right questions as well as answering and encouraging questions from subordinates are all important to leaders. Raising the bar in reasonable increments which bring up the entire unit versus separating individuals from the pack and introducing or increasing division among the ranks.
Intimidation is generally a bad a approach.
FYI LTC Bill Koski CW5 Private RallyPoint Member MSG Brad Sand SGM Steve Wettstein SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SP5 Mark Kuzinski SrA Christopher Wright PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO1 John Miller SP5 Robert Ruck SPC Private RallyPoint Member PO3 Steven Sherrill SN Greg Wright Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey Cpl Joshua Caldwell SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley SPC Margaret Higgins

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 5:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:11:43 -0400

I vote lead with intensity all the time.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 6 at 2015 5:27 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:27:50 -0400

I agree COL Mikel J. Burroughs leadership is about influence, not just directing. You influence by getting your team on the same page, focused on the same goal(s) and getting their because they want to, not because you demand it. When you set goals together, and create buy-in, you will get a much better level of effort and will have happy workers/Soldiers.

This is Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership.

Intimidation or "Leadership through terrorism" (Toxic Leadership) will only get you compliance.

If you want to take your team and your organization to ever increasing levels of success, you have to enable that by caring, and setting a positive and respectful climate. If you take care of you team, they will want to do more... If you really care, they will want to do more.

The idea is influencing, which is not just directing... There are times you need to be direct. But, if you are always directive, not a good listener, a know it all, and you treat people badly... You will get compliance at best.

You have to decide, first what you want. What do you want for your organization and your team?

You need all the tools, but this is about what is your focus....

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 6 at 2015 5:59 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:59:26 -0400

Sorry, I was too distracted by the green cloud following the runner...all I could think about is what kind of excessive flatulence did that poor man have? What about the runners behind him? How did this picture have anything to do with leadership?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 6 at 2015 6:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:05:50 -0400

I would much rather be the inspiring leader for the reasons of improving relationships, dialogue, motivation for actions, and healthier subordinates.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 6 at 2015 6:12 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:12:43 -0400

I always try to keep focused on the end goal. Not telling the team how to get there, but paint the best picture possible of the goal, focusing on why it's important to the mission, and let them surprise you with the roadmap to get there.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jul 6 at 2015 6:37 PM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:37:25 -0400

Intensity plus leading from the front. A winning combination.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 6:41 PM

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:41:20 -0400

Sir,

I believe it's called Influencing. I look at it from all aspects of leadership. You influence from the top and direct from the bottom...if that makes sense. Look at all of the General Officers...the way they conduct staff updates and such.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jul 6 at 2015 6:42 PM

1LT William Clardy — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:42:06 -0400

To me, the truest measure of leadership is what happens in the leader's absence, and that is where the "Fear of Me" school of management fails abysmally. The only way to pass that test is to get the folks you are leading to internalize not only the goal, but the tools and peer-to-peer leadership necessary to carry on without you.

I would add that, while leading a team to accomplish what was thought unachievable is an incredibly satisfying, it is nothing compared to the pride of seeing that team keep on keepin' by building on the foundation you helped them create.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 6 at 2015 7:50 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 19:50:47 -0400

Leadership is a lot of things and there are different behaviors that need to be exhibited at different times. Intimidation works at places like Parris Island. They need compliance, attention, development and change now, not later, not when you get to it, not when it feels good, NOW. That style obviously doesn't work everywhere but immediate compliance has a place, especially in the military at different times.
Intensity is a good behavioral trait but there is no one that works in all circumstances. It is character and integrity that rule the day in my opinion. These are about who you are, not how you behave. One of my favorite quotes from General Krulak on Leadership.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Leadership, even within the military, is a social contract in the purest sense of the expression, predicated equally on the leader's desire to lead and on the consent of those led. It is grounded in the subordinate's trust in the leader and institution. The leader, therefore, must clearly demonstrate the true underpinnings of his moral authority - his unquestionable character. The subordinate's faith in the leader's integrity must not be violated...

Marines are ultimately judged by the quality of their leadership and by the quality of the leader reflected in their subordinates. A complex phenomenon, nearly defying description, leadership is fundamentally a reflection of an individuals values, education, training and experience. It is the precious amalgam of his or her lifelong efforts at personal and professional improvement. It is above all else a product of character.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jul 6 at 2015 8:17 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:17:41 -0400

I'm going with Yes, when I can, and I am translating Intensity into Inspiration. I actually see both as being vital with leadership. Intensity gives you respect, Inspiration, give you buy in.

I also agree about loosing your temper. Did it a handful of times in my AF career, I can honestly say its impact was so minimal, and I look funny when I yell. So I focused on the one on one, "I/m disappointed" Speech use. Much more effective.

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jul 6 at 2015 9:19 PM

SPC Thomas Baldwin — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 21:19:35 -0400

A units strength comes from its leadership. If that leadership is inspirational, Direct and Clear, the units has the drive to meet the mission at hand. The leaders strength comes from the unit, the skills of the whole and willingness to achieve the task at hand though the guidance of their leadership. It's a two way streak.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 6 at 2015 10:49 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 22:49:22 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, when I think of leadership, I invariably think of the wisdom of GEN George S. Patton. Although he was an intimidating figure, some of his quotes are applicable and timeless and I think some of these are woven into Webb's words.
"Do everything you ask of those you command."
"Do more than is required of you."
"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."
"Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way."
"An Army is a team; lives, sleeps, eats, fights as a team. This individual heroic stuff is a lot of crap."
"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 7:04 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 07:04:29 -0400

Intense leadership, coupled with constructive intimidation, produces an intensely technically and tactically proficient individual. I support intense leadership and constructive criticism in military training environments.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jul 7 at 2015 8:58 AM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:58:20 -0400

As always, the use of intensity and intimidation depends on the nature of the environment and people participating in that environment.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 11 at 2017 3:19 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 15:19:59 -0500

Working with in church as a group leader has been been beneficial to both the kids and me.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 11 at 2017 3:28 PM

SPC David Willis — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 15:28:27 -0500

I believe with all things there is a time and a place. Intimidation could be used to shut down a larger problem. Insubordination can be a killer in the military and if someone bucks up to an NCO in front of others in a way that challenges their authority intimidation may be needed, not only to get the soldier back in line, but to prevent others from challenging you. Now you always want soldiers to follow your orders because they trust your instincts and decision making ability, but in a profession of life and death intimidation will always play a role.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Dec 11 at 2017 3:57 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 15:57:51 -0500

I think leading by Intensity all the time inspires the troops to set the example and be ready to go all the time. Inter-squad competition or individual competition creates or can create a healthy air of competitiveness that improves the readiness of the squad, platoon or company!

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Dec 11 at 2017 4:14 PM

SSgt Robert Marx — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:14:22 -0500

Intensity shows that we buy in to our ideas so let us get working on the plan of the day!
Intimidation is counter-productive for most people freeze like deer in the headlights when the leader attempts to intimidate. We all know it is phony; no one buys into making people fell out of touch or useless. If the time comes where you find intimidation is the only method that works for some worker be, get rid of them.

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made Dec 11 at 2017 6:58 PM

LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 18:58:15 -0500

Intimidation gets you nowhere fast. The bottom line is if someone does something well with or without you there they own it. Intimidation means they will only do it well while you are present. Simplistic in scope, but powerful in actuality.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Dec 11 at 2017 7:07 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:07:47 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Intensity

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2017 9:35 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:35:06 -0500

Leading with intensity vice intimidation is a great way to get your people to respect you and want to follow you.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Dec 12 at 2017 10:14 AM

PO3 John Wagner — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 10:14:09 -0500

Being professionally motivated and loving what you do is the best possible way to pass along the attitude and spirit about the job to trainees.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Dec 12 at 2017 1:30 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 13:30:48 -0500

You need to be able to lead by both if you expect to lead an elite team and know when to use each and with which people. Lead with your brain.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Dec 12 at 2017 3:07 PM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:07:31 -0500

It is the responsibility of a trainer/leader to get as close to battlefield conditions as possible for mission oriented requirements. But there is a time and place for everything. Just like a football team does not practice in full pads every day of the week, game day intensity is usually reserved for planned occasions and the game itself. Stress, injuries, psychological, sociological and other influences make-up the gestalt of what a successful soldier is. One cannot force a soldier to perform, nor should you, any more than one should force a square peg into a round hole. The goal of a trainer/leader should be to find the motivational key for each leader under their control. Motivation is the key to success, and more times than not the most valuable and effective motivation comes from within.

Response by SFC Don Vance made Dec 12 at 2017 5:21 PM

SFC Don Vance — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 17:21:10 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I made sure that my soldiers understood the task and did it to standard. I wouldn’t use intimidation unless it was immediately necessary to prevent injury or death. My soldiers also understood that if I told them to do something it was the result that was important not the method.

Response by SGT Brent Scott made Dec 12 at 2017 5:41 PM

SGT Brent Scott — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 17:41:36 -0500

Position intimidates. High titles inspire fear. Your right to tell others no creates unease.

Intimidation is easy, even if you don’t mean to.

Combine silence with frowns.
Keep people in the dark.
Stand over and cross your arms.
Don’t smile. Stare. Never laugh.
Get angry, hold grudges, and get even.
Remain distant and aloof.
Intentional Intimidators:

Use fear to get what they want.
Create emotional barriers.
Focus on what but neglect how.
Leadership by intimidation is quick and easy. Unintentional intimidators, however, get what they want and lose what they need.

A More excellent way:

Lower intimidation – elevate influence.

Leadership by influence, rather than intimidation, is noble but messy.

Influence requires connection.

#1. Embrace your position and power.

Unwillingness to acknowledge the perception of others prevents you from dealing with unintended intimidation. You’ve been told you intimidate people. But, you brushed it off. “No I don’t.”

You may think you’re a pussy cat but you’re not.

#2. Practice vulnerability:

Shine a light on unintended intimidation. Tell people you’ve heard you’re intimidating. Ask for suggestions on eliminating intimidation.
Tell stories about your failures and success.
Explain intentions up front. Let others know what you want early in conversations. Don’t make them wonder.
Lay out your concerns about projects or people with optimism.
#3. Seek their best interests:

The door of influence opens when others believe you seek their best interests.

#4. Basic Tips:

Develop comfort with yourself. Your discomfort with you makes others uncomfortable.
Interact while walking, driving, or eating.
Smile more.
Sit at the side of the conference table rather than the head or foot.
Relax. Intensity combined with position intimidates.
Unintended intimidation always exists if you have position or power. Diligently work to eliminate intimidation. “I don’t mean to,” is no excuse for unintended manipulation

Response by Sgt Deborah Cornatzer made Dec 12 at 2017 5:48 PM

Sgt Deborah Cornatzer — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 17:48:25 -0500

Yes! Intensity can be infectious, bringing about the same commitment from the “led”....esprit de corps!

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 12 at 2017 5:55 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 17:55:34 -0500

E’body’s got great points. Doc about
Intimidation MSG Pelham with intensity and inspiration .. Maj Landgrd.’s idea was good;inspiration, motivating them into action... dialogue Talking about what they learned or are learning.. if troops aren’t healthy .. tgwy’re Prob’ly spend’g Time af sick call and they aren’t learn’g anyfhing there.. So need them to stay healthy..

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Dec 12 at 2017 6:12 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 18:12:54 -0500

Good advice COL Mikel J. Burroughs !

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 12 at 2017 9:26 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:26:52 -0500

I think that there are many similarities between military leadership and business leadership, but with some notable exceptions, the potential risks are significantly different. I do not care if you are a disbursing clerk, or an infantryman. In the military you may be called upon to pick up an e-tool a kill someone up close and personal. In the business world... not so much.

A little less extreme, but in those commercial activities where risk to life and limb (for oneself or those nearby) is a serious risk of the job, discipline tends to be swift, sure, and harsh. Ask someone who works on rigs in the oil industry, on the green line in the logging industry, or around bulls in the cattle business.

I learned early to not be a yeller, or a screamer. I followed the example of Sun Tzu teaching the Emperor's concubines close order drill.
1) Do you understand what is expected of you? If not, I will gladly and politely take the time to help you understand.
2) Are you capable of what is expected of you? If not, I will gladly and politely help you to become capable.
3) Are you willing to do what is expected of you? If not, I will gladly and politely put you to the sword so that your fate may prove instructive to others.
4) Find suitable replacements and repeat steps 1) through 3) as necessary.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Dec 12 at 2017 11:34 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:34:19 -0500

Jesus was a great example of leadership. He really did all of the above and did it very well. The ultimate in servant leaders, and face it the best leaders know how to serve and lead.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Dec 13 at 2017 12:51 AM

1SG James Matthews — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:51:02 -0500

Lead with conviction and by example--like the old saying It's easier to pull a chain than it is to push it.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Dec 13 at 2017 6:41 AM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 06:41:43 -0500

The secret to effective management is to have subordinates go in the direction of their own will, it being their own thought, and it coinciding with the direction the manager wanted them to take. Troops are a reflection of their leader, like people hire like people.
Just my opinion
S/F

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2017 8:48 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 08:48:54 -0500

Good advice, Col. ! Thank you !!! In my experience intensity = intimidation, my 2 ex-wives, independently claimed that I intimidated them. I thought intimidation implied intent, evedently Not !
In my career I always set the stage with long hours & dedication to the objective. I lead by encouragement, instruction without negativity & kindness, which are much better motivational tools than screaming or other forms of intimidation which actually de-motivate people.
I try to base my leadership style upon the example set by Jesus Christ !

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 13 at 2017 10:29 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 10:29:58 -0500

Well written and thought out. When I have two people who need to work together but have taken opposing positions, I ask them to swap places and defend each other's viewpoints. Almost always leads to a positive resolution.

Response by Mara Hedin made Dec 13 at 2017 11:07 AM

Mara Hedin — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 11:07:24 -0500

Intimidation can lead to fear and anger and overall a negative experience. Intensity can be overwhelming but generally has a better connotation.

Response by 1SG Ken Rossi made Dec 13 at 2017 12:19 PM

1SG Ken Rossi — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:19:49 -0500

I have always thought of being a leader as being a teacher and a coach. Using any opportunity as a "teaching moment" as we used to say allows you to help subordinates learn while doing without being intimidating or berating - it really pays off in the long run. Understanding that there are many times when a subordinate is really unable to do something (which means you have to know your folks) allows you to be the coach, help them learn to perform better. Over time your team will begin to do what needs to be done because they want to not because you have power or intimidation over them (that is called transactional leadership) and their desire to do things because they want to and have come to do things because its the right thing or the best thing to do is called transformational leadership - everyone works to transform the organization because they have bought into the leader and the goals. It requires more of the leader because truly transforming people is tough and its difficult to not fall back on the "scream and threaten" mode to get things accomplished. It really pays off when the situation becomes chaotic or potentially dangerous (like combat, natural or man made disasters, etc) where the leader can concentrate on focusing on dealing with the situation rather than 'making' his or her subordinates perform.

Response by Sgt Martin Querin made Dec 13 at 2017 1:30 PM

Sgt Martin Querin — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 13:30:07 -0500

In many different roles, military, private and public sector, have been told that I am a very intense leader. I do tone it down somewhat though. I have found that you have to assess the people you are leading and determine how your personal style will play with them. At 6'-1", 235lbs, even intensity can be intimidating, especially if the person you are dealing with does not handle direct communication well. My two kids and wife have helped me greatly in this area...not without some struggle.

One of the lessons I took away from boot camp...the SSgt over the mess hall took all of us "Honchos" into his office (the latrine) to debrief at the end of Mess & Maintenance (what a great leadership example by the way, he could have just waved bye). One by one he gave us individual feedback on our performance. When he came to me he said the following, "You are going to make a hell of a Marine...if you quit being such an A-hole". I thought long a hard about that because I valued the fact that he took the time to say something, even though it was in a manner of speaking a backhanded compliment. Long story short, I had pointed out a problem to him, he quickly and decisively made me a Honcho and put me in charge of fixing it. After I was made honcho some machinery broke down and I had performed above and beyond for him. I knew it was my leadership and performance that made him say the first half, and the situation that led him to make me a honcho that was the reason he said the latter. At the time I was already intense, but it wasn't focused on a specific outcome, on what was I trying to achieve through the actions driven by my intensity.

I intensity must be focused or it is more of a hindrance than a catalyst for doing well, or good. There is a great scripture in the Bible about this in Romans chapter 10, where Paul writes this about the Israelites "zeal" towards God.

v2. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Zeal being another word for intensity; I needed my zeal, my intensity, to be directed by knowledge, wisdom (a purpose that is based on understanding what the goal of the action was), rather than just doing what came to my mind in that moment. From that lesson I have since tried to remain focused on the goals or objectives I am trying to accomplish and I try to channel my intensity in a way that achieves a desired effect, or outcome. Unfocused random intensity rarely achieves anything great, or lasting...in fact, more often that will just make people think you are the north-bound south-end of a horse, or a human sphincter.

Semper Fi, Martin

Response by Alan K. made Dec 13 at 2017 1:48 PM

Alan K. — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 13:48:26 -0500

Your Intensity will be transferred to your troops/employees as motivation....If you are intense about something it will spread. at first a little then a lot. Then Every time you are fired up your troops/employees will automatically (by learned behavior) be fired up as well...Works for me anyway. Of course there will be times when you have to address a situation immediately with no time for intensity to set in....

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Dec 13 at 2017 2:09 PM

Sgt Randy Wilber — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:09:47 -0500

I went with yes most of the time because I know I was lazy at times but I know it's better to encourage and build leaders. Thanks for sharing COL Mikel Burroughs.

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Dec 13 at 2017 2:30 PM

A1C Ian Williams — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:30:59 -0500

One thing I have learned from my military service is the appropriate way to breach the personal space bubble and when to reinforce your own COL Mikel J. Burroughs Command the attention of those you were talking with the lever of respect rather than volume. I find that those who have volume problems have already lost control of the conversation. I know people who can put you in your place with a single whisper. A skill I have mastered in my time as an Air Force Airman.

Response by AN Christopher Crayne made Dec 13 at 2017 4:22 PM

AN Christopher Crayne — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:22:09 -0500

Lead with intensity

Response by SSgt Bruce Probert made Dec 13 at 2017 4:33 PM

SSgt Bruce Probert — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:33:23 -0500

Intensity translates to a large intimidation factor. Example is the key to success in mentoring your subordinate leaders and is key to the overall buy in. Integrity is the most important trait because it is the basis for trust. You will never lead any group that thinks you are full of shit and that you will succeed at their expense. If you can't understand that you're in the wrong place.....

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Dec 13 at 2017 5:12 PM

LCpl Donald Faucett — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:12:25 -0500

Lead with intense intimidation, then make everybody pay, dearly.

Response by PO3 Lynn Spalding made Dec 14 at 2017 6:25 PM

PO3 Lynn Spalding — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 18:25:54 -0500

Sorry I'm from the old school, tear them down and build them background up, no room for pansy's.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 11:00 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:00:31 -0500

My unit used intimidating counseling and paperwork to include taking my pay because I couldn't take my APFT. Didn't have a profile but did have surgoen note from knee surgery. I have a platoon sergeant who thought it funny to dock me pay for the morning. I didn't get into my p.t. uniform that morning because I was having a mad case of diarrhea. Before the test I requested to talk to him offline. He said later but when I asked him to talk to me he refused and told me to go to my Squad Leader. The squad leader wasn't there so I had to embarrass myself to a young male what I was going through. When I go to the drills in this new unit I just transferred to, no one talks to me in the platoon and come to find out that the squad leader that wasn't there that day was the 3rd assigned to me. My Platoon leader made a mockery of my situation in front of a 1SGT when I went to sign out. But tnis is how the leaders are on the reserves anymore. I Left my last unit because of the toxic leadership there. They were a nightmare. This one is basically the same way. I am sorry but I pull my rank off every time the higher ranks act more like tyrants instead of professionals. They make me feel bad about myself and instead of understanding and actually getting to know what's going on with someone. So they sent me a stumped up counseling in the mail after drill and after taking my pay for that morning. Their excuse was different from the lies they put on the counseling. They already labelled me among the ranks as someone who keeps making excuses. That's not true because this is the first time I had an issue like this with these people and they hardly interact with me on a personal level. Actually not at all and I am now labeled someone that makes excuses. I was a platoon sergeant at one time
Had 17 20 somethings always trying to get out of the APFT. I easb't trying to get out of nothing. I assumed my Platoon leadership knee about my knee surgery through the first squad leader. Come to find out he was gone but I was still corresponding with him up til October. My Platoon leader trying me there was a second squad leader. I never knew him but in front of the 1SGT he tried to make it look like I was the idiot because I wasn't informed and indirectly accused me of questioning the integrity of those three squad leaders. Him and the 1SGT thought it amusing while putting me throughthis. I am a 52 year old woman. This past year I have been physically struggling with my body with my weight, menopause and knee problems. I just had my third knee surgery and I used to be a body builder and master Fitness before. But I tried to explain my issues, they treated me like I was trying to get over. I was also trying to take care of an estate issue the week of the drill we had APFT. I really thought my leadership alreadym knew about my surgery. I was having issues with diarrhea that morning. I hadn't been able to go to the doctor before drill for that problem. I showed up to APFT in my ACU' s. I tried to explain why But my Platoon Sergeant wouldn't let me explain and I was trying g to save the embarrassment in my P.T. uniform. I actually had leave the p.t. field to drive myself to a local bathroom because the high school we were taking it at bathrooms were locked. So, instead of listening on the first place, I went through all this. I have been in a long time
I want to know what has happened to our leadership? They are more like memiacle tyrants then NCO's and Officers. They can go to extreme with punishing people and no one does anything about it. Can't even trust your chain because even after I have them the surgeon's note they won't restore my pay because the U.A. who wasn't there during all this and somehow she sent me the counseling, ???, told me since it was a slap in the face for the record APFT thing for me to show up in ACU's she wasn't going to honor the note and give me my pay back. I never saw her all day the day of the APFT so how is she the one to give this counseling to me in the mail? See how FUBAR'd this whole scenario is?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2018 4:11 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 04:11:32 -0500

That's all the reserve units I attend do-Is lead by intimidation...

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2018 4:36 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 04:36:51 -0500

I need a Colonel to come with me on my next drill. Any takers? I have no support network in my chain. They all agree as one tells the other about how bad my character is and all. These people only know of me. I am the only person they met their whole careers that questions their integrity, which there is none, and calls them out on their bullshit. Got tired of chasing people down for affirmation when all they can do is put me and the work I have done and my loyalty to them down and talk to me like I am a Cockroach. Can't find them when you need them and if you need them to help you through several military problems, they act like you are bothering them. When after you tried to get support and they take their sweet time on getting something done and because they do this alot, they get vindictive when you have to bypass them to get results because some very important thing in your career has to happen, or your pay is messed up. Sometimes after you asked them to do something they will give you an attitude and say in an annoyed tone of voice tjat tbey have all tjis work to do and they didn't get the chance to put your enlistment extension in the IPERMS and I need to basically stand down and not bother them about it. So when that happens, the next time I will go over their head or around that person instead of having to put up with that attitude. If these people had real jobs, they would all be fired. I have had no support my whole career. I have had to put on some brass balls just to get noticed or help with this or that. I am sure if I slept with a few higher ranking people in my career I may have been an E-7 or E-8
I can't fathom why I have had to go through this crap for 25 or so years now. I would like one High ranking individual to give me the respect and treat me with dignity.

Response by Sgt Tee Organ made Jan 12 at 2018 2:31 PM

Sgt Tee Organ — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:31:54 -0500

What the hell is this shit? Leading has nothing to do with you calling shots, it has to do about coordinating a team of individuals toward accomplishing something you can't do on your own. The ability to communicate, make adjustments, encourage, motivate by your own personal example, etc these folks toward that means is what makes you a leader. Not everyone is wired the same so you have to get to know them to understand who your dealing with and what makes them tick. When you say Intense, or Intimidation, you factor out Influence which the primary means by which you accomplish this. Your ability to influence others is paramount in your ability to lead them, Intensity works great under fire, and I would hope it is displayed equally amongst the team or life is gonna suck ass. Influence though carries so much farther in leadership. Intimidation works maybe for the first 6 seconds, if your troops don't believe youre about it they will go right back to what they were doing before you intimidated them. If you can influence them they will stay in the game even if you're not around. Bingo!

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 14 at 2018 10:19 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 10:19:58 -0500

Lead with inspiration and then intensity

Response by SGT John Partridge made Jan 16 at 2018 10:54 AM

SGT John Partridge — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 10:54:25 -0500

Absolutely true. the way I learned it long ago in one of our NCO schools has always stuck with me. "Leading by fear and intimidation absolutely works... right up until your troops are more afraid of something else. But if you lead so that your troops respect you, they'll follow you through hell."

Response by AN Edward Lindemann made Jan 18 at 2018 10:13 AM

AN Edward Lindemann — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:13:03 -0500

A Leader leads by example not by force.
Sun Tzu

Response by 1SG Leo Leal made Jan 18 at 2018 3:27 PM

1SG Leo Leal — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:27:50 -0500

As a 1 SG, instilled the desire to be the best. Gave them parameters and cut them loose. Amazing the results achieved when the drive and desire is there. Leadership styles differ and not all will work. Personal accomp was always a top priority for the Soldiers I worked with and the results showed it

Response by COL Bob Moore made Jan 29 at 2018 11:23 PM

COL Bob Moore — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 23:23:50 -0500

I am delighted that I am retired and do not have to deal with the bullshit of of our current caring environment.

Response by PO2 Robert Wilcox made Feb 2 at 2018 12:31 AM

PO2 Robert Wilcox — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 00:31:54 -0500

There's a simple question that anyone in any sort of leadership role should ask themselves. Would I want to work for me? If the answer is not yes, find out why and ask for help from those whom you respect.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Feb 7 at 2018 4:47 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:47:15 -0500

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. It’s about respect. Respect your men and they will respect you. When you mentor the men you have, they become what you want. I’ve have good leaders and I’ve had shitty leaders. I’ve myself had to learn how to lead. The best way to lead is in the front. From a crappy job such as doing a leaf police call, ( yeah, that’s right. Picking up leaves with your hands) to latrine duty. When your men see you doing the same thing they do, it ain’t hard to get them to do what you want, when you want it. It’s not about being billy joe bad ass John Wayne BS toward your men. It’s being billy joe bad ass John Wayne WITH your men.

Response by Lt Col Bill Fletcher made Feb 17 at 2018 10:51 AM

Lt Col Bill Fletcher — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 10:51:10 -0500

Read Schofield 's Definition of Discipline which starts "The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free Country great is not to be gained from harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an Army. I learned that in July, 1971 at Beast Barracks, ironically. Nonetheless, I beige it holds true which is not say Leaders and Guidance cannot be delivered at high volume. Set an example for others to follow and makes corrections as required at the volume required.

Response by SSgt Liam Babington made Feb 26 at 2018 10:11 PM

SSgt Liam Babington — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 22:11:56 -0500

Leadership is a skill aquired...leaned! I always expected my subordinates to uses thier heads and solve the problem without intimidation!

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Feb 28 at 2018 5:05 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:05:02 -0500

Intensity is contagious and would be more likely to produce positive results. Intimidation just translates to bully.