Leadership development: does a good productivity bail a soldier out of cultivating a good character?

2015-02-09T22:45:05-05:00

Many believe performing beyond and above the standards allow them to fail from cultivating a good character that is although more essential to the maintenance of unity and cohesion within the team. What are your opinions about this matter RPs?

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 10 at 2015 4:37 AM

2015-02-10T04:37:54-05:00

I believe character can be improved. A person can develop empathy and active listening. Those traits are probably harder to develop than getting a max PT test though.

But yeah, getting the job done does not excuse the alienation of your teammates.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 5:02 AM

2015-02-10T05:02:59-05:00

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around your question? I find it hard to believe that someone could perform above and beyond standards without good character.

Character is the base attribute in the leadership model. It encompasses the Army Values, Empathy, the Warrior Ethos and discipline. I personally do not believe you can be a good leader without first cultivating your character.

Character can be improved and you should work hard everyday to ensure you are building it to the best of your ability.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 5:45 AM

2015-02-10T05:45:50-05:00

Every NJP ever answers this question. There may be isolated incidents where the system failed to punish the lack of character among the ranks, but the resounding answer is: you are always responsible for your actions. If there are character issues, they must be fixed or excised from the service.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 10 at 2015 7:49 AM

2015-02-10T07:49:19-05:00

Let's look at this from a basic Proficiency (Performance) & Conduct (Character) standpoint. This was the standard the USMC used to judge junior Marines (E1-E4).

Since we use "statistical information" to promote through E5 (the point where your question has the most weight), and Pro & Con make up 1000 points (lion's share) of that, I can say in no uncertain terms that "no, performance will not bail out bad character" at least by regs.

If a Soldier or Marine is lacking on the Character/Conduct side, this is something that needs to be addressed CONTINUALLY & CONSTANTLY by those in positions of leadership. We train away weaknesses, because as the old adage goes, we're only as strong as our weakest link.

Whatever that piece of character that is lacking... it will bite the SM eventually. It may bite the unit as well.