Leadership - How have YOU improved your organization?

2015-12-27T03:58:13-05:00

Many know that leadership is "the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission AND improve the organization."

How have you improved your organization or influenced others to do the same?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 4:26 AM

2015-12-27T04:26:12-05:00

I haven't yet, but I have thought about walking off my TB in Afghanistan in order to point out the flaws in my organization's leadership. I've considered taking a 5 year vacation on the Afghanistan countryside in hopes that when I get rescued the Army will promote me to CW5.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 9:03 AM

2015-12-27T09:03:40-05:00

SGM, great topic. I have been exposed to leaders who are effective by way of accomplishing the mission, but toxic by way of the negativity the imparted on the unit. I have, and always will, counter this negativity by always being grateful to all contributors in the unit and to not condemn or "bad-mouth" those of who I disagree. I'm not perfect and I'll be the first to let my Soldiers know this, but I am humble and try to get everyone to work as a team towards solutions, not just focus on the problem.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-12-27T10:30:43-05:00

SGM Matthew Quick I am unsure what is on you chart I cant pull it up to a size to read it. Leadership is always a great topic. for your question how have you improved your organization. Me I try to set the example every day. I try to look ahead at problems. I fight hard for my soldiers. It is not about the big events or the great plans it is the little things that we do everyday.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-12-27T11:32:05-05:00

As I was in the process of out processing I made it a point to personally thank those who had served under me.

One man in particular stands out. I viewed him as an outstanding NCO who had contributed much to our mission. When I thanked him his comment was that he always fely like he needed to do a litle more to live up to my expectations.

It was a great compliment to me.

I am also proud that with every assignment I left there was another who stepped up to lead and do an admirable job.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Dec 27 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-12-27T16:49:19-05:00

The key word I see is "improve". It's always been my practice to keep the bar high, because if you lowered the standard, that becomes the new standard. Don't just talking about it, but be about it. You must set the standard and keep them high! if you say you're going to do something, do it! Soldiers want to follow a leader that not just talks the talk, but walks the walk!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 27 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-12-27T18:42:14-05:00

Interesting topic, yes. The chart is typical "Army" as well as others who copyright Seven Whatevers, Quadrant Games, etc. It's more of where you fit on the continuum, recognizing what it is about you that really says leadership and recognizing the things you're weak in. We're all weak in many things. So make sure you look at the eye chart and pick 2-3 to work on, preferably with mentoring help. The rest can wait. Trying to balance 50 things at once is a non starter. Remember great leaders are hated as well as loved. I don't think anyone would call Patton "Mr. Warmth". What worked for me was paying attention to helping my people be better. Notice I didn't say faster, safer, more complex, etc. People need to get better with an aspect or two of their makeup before they can get better at other things. It opens doors. So use this chart as a buffet and look to export the nuggets that are needed now to yourself and others. Results will vary.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-12-28T16:05:05-05:00

Making sure that the Company has a solid counseling program in place to help identify pros and cons of each NCO and their leadership. Making sure NCODP is effective and the training is to the standard and not just a class to check the box on ATMS (DTMS). I do a lot of stuff to hold my NCOs accountable and it works for the most part! NCO Creed, ADP 6-22.1, ADP 6-22, Ar 623-3, and a lot more doctrine! As a leader you have to make it important and make it know to your leaders how important they are and their value to the organization and mission!