Leaders what specifically are you implementing to ensure that your replacements are prepared to lead from the front.

SSG Broadbent:

Too much is given much is required. My question to you respectfully are you prepared to take the next position.

If so how were you prepared?

If not what do you need?

SPC Thundercloud:

I applaud you for caution which is a sign of growth.

When I was an SPC, I needed to learn how to answer without offending.

When I became a WO1, I had to learn how to communicate in a Bottom Line Up Front manner due to time constraints.

SPC Thundercloud,

I always ask my leaders for a plan of action, and to provide me with examples on how to progress. I would ask for a strength and a weakness, and I would respectfully ask for assignments to provide me with the experience to succeed.

SPC Thundercloud:

To promote change you have to constantly assess yourself, promote your strengths work on your weaknesses. Talk  with your peers and have them provide you with honest feedback.

Surround yourself with communicators, and take classes if needed on how
to effectively communicate without offending.

SSG Watkins:

That is very admirable of you, and at this stage of the game that is what I do I ensure that I set up the next generation for success.

I was fortunate  in my career to have Leaders that prepared and encouraged. When I was a SSG I was frustrated and my CSM encouraged me to go Warrant.

True leaders build the next generation and leave a legacy.

SFC Jeansimon:

The development of the
next generation of leaders is vital due to the upcoming drawdown. It is essential for growth in our ranks that our
next
generation of leaders understands the dynamics of team work. It is vital that they know their regulations. I applaud you for your dedication and efforts.



When Desert Shield and Desert Storm had their drawdown, it was clear that junior leadership was impacted due to not having the mindset of decision making and planning.



I was an E-5 at that time, and the experience that left our Military was irreplaceable.

SSG Woods:

 All leaders stand on the shoulders of those who came before them. Great leaders honor the past. When the paradigm shifts expand your vision and share your insights.

Education is the key ingredient to expanding your experience and becoming a competitive leader.  It is vital that you have the ability to express your needs to your leaders to ensure that frustration does not deter your full potential.

As a former NCO who went up the ranks and now retiring as a LTC, what was important to me is to "listen" - "critically think" - "turn task into objectives" and to "produce" results.  To move up in a draw up or draw down is only one of many indicators of "you" -  it's how you stand out.  Do you stand out as a complainer?  Do you stand out as a "yes" person?  A "yes but not reliable"? it's the culture and atmospherics of the organization you're in.  Do you know your first line supervisors "habits"?  Especially if he/she is a first rate leader?  Also, I do not agree about one post on here ("stop telling me about the past, etc.") .... I promise you, the past is how that individual got here and one day, you will do the same.  I remember thinking the same way when I was a PVT, SGT, and LT.  The Vietnam vets were right!  It was harder as you can't really compare the leadership requirements of different generations.  A LT had an average one month in 'nam and he was dead .... an Infantry mid level NCO (Plt Ldr) had 4 months.  That was what he was dealing with.  No cells, no computers, etc ..... yes, it was harder.  Take those away and see if you can survive in your present state for more than 48 hours.  Now, reverse it and realize how hard it is for these "oldies" to work in todays constant changes.  So, my point, great leaders adjust and overcome and great followers listen to the past generation to ensure the next generation after they retire also learns from history.  The small tokens of the past (spit shine shoes, starched uniforms, open bay barracks, etc., etc.,) .... well, they are the ones who changed it for the better today for this generation.  Instead of complaining on how they "talk about the past", maybe we should thank these leaders who made it better for todays generation (but then again, Soldiers are Soldiers - young and old - and WE WILL COMPLAIN no matter what).  No offense and sorry it's long!