Lost Leadship Techniques

CPO Jon Campbell — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:02:02 -0400

One technique of great leaders who were admirals that I worked under was to meet with an entire unit and then split the unit up by officer and enlisted and meet separately with each group. This way, the admiral had a direct line of communication with the enlisted force and the enlisted force could speak freely and say things they would probaby not say in front of their officers. It was a technique that absolutely scared officers to death. I don't remember an admiral ever meeting with the crew after 9/11, however. Everyone got extremely busy and this type of meeting seemed to disappear. Is it still done in other branches?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 6:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:09:11 -0400

I have seen it done just like that in the Army CPO, both before and after 9/11

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 6:12 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:12:45 -0400

Our CO conducts periodic meetings, first with E5 and below, then E6, then E7-9, then O1-3, then field grade, all for 1 whole day, about every quarter. Seems effective to me

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 7:23 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:23:36 -0400

One of the best examples of leadership I experienced in 30 years of active duty service was when my company commander - in infantry AIT - stopped by my area on a field exercise and spent just a few minutes getting to know me.

To me, that is a lost leadership technique ... A commander/leader just walks around and BS's with the personnel under his/her command.

I felt like a million bucks when my company commander stopped to talk to Private Montgomery. I'm not sure if he realized what an impact that simple five minute talk had on me.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Sep 16 at 2014 5:32 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:32:28 -0400

My plt ldr then Cpt Davis M. Richardson, talked to his people and got to know them. He made sure that everyone from Lts on down were ok and had no problems at home or with anyone in the unit. I think he was one of the best COs I ever had.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 9 at 2014 10:26 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 10:26:46 -0500

I had a battalion commander that did this a few times. I obviously never sat in on the officer sessions, but he met with every enlisted person in the battalion, stood on the stage and took his BDU blouse off, and said "let's talk." At first I thought something had gone horribly wrong, then I realised what was actually happening.

I would be on point for his patrol through hell and he wouldn't even have to ask.

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Dec 11 at 2014 11:40 PM

SMSgt Judy Hickman — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 23:40:14 -0500

I haven't seen this done recently, but our Senior Enlisted accomplish enlisted calls. Our Commander recently met with our Top III Association, but I don't think that is the same as what your are talking about.

I think it is a great idea and hope to convince our CC to stay after out commander's call next week to talk to the enlisted and get their feedback (we will be holding the enlisted back anyways, to accomplish an enlisted call).

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 12 at 2014 1:25 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:25:41 -0500

This is actually pretty common in the Air Force.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 2:16 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:16:27 -0500

My current Commander meets with Amn/NCO/SNCO by themselves 1 day a week. This gets him very good, honest input from all ranks without the pressure of supervisors being around.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 11:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 11:07:28 -0500

Only when it's Command Climate Survey time.