Posted on Jan 5, 2014

Over a career, we hear from Leaders their Golden Rules or Guides of Leadership or Top 3 _______. What are yours?

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For example, I've had many a Sergeant Major or Colonel give a speech and list their Three Rules of Army Life that they've learned over their career.  It's gotten me thinking now that I'm halfway through my career, what are mine?<br><br>So far:<br><br>  >  Ask BEFORE you pounce.   As NCOs, we so often jump on a Soldier before learning the facts.  Very often, there's extenuating circumstances.<br>  >  Believe in the good of the people.  Learned this in my civilian career.  People are inherently good, meaning that the Soldier is likely not trying to get over, but more likely just screwed up.<br>  >  Know the rules of the game you're playing.  My Soldiers have heard this OFTEN.  There are hundreds of regulations, and you can't know them ALL, BUT there's no reason not to know the ones that apply to what you're doing at the moment.  If you're taking an APFT, know the rules about the APFT.  Facing overweight? Learn AR 600-9.  Curious about your NCOER?  Read the regulation AND the DA PAM.  Because for damn sure, the ones above you have.  As I am fond of saying, if you're playing Monopoly, you want to know when the banker is cheating, so why is your career any different?<br><br>So, what are your three nuggets of knowledge?

Posted in these groups: Knowledge management

Knowledge

Rules

Wisdom

Posted 12 y ago

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Responses: 17

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SSG V. Michelle Woods

Posted 12 y ago

This is definitely be a discussion I'm interested in reading. I like how you kept your comments short and to the point!

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CH (CPT) Heather Davis

12 y

SGT(P) Woods:

Respectfully you are our future and the reason I post from my heart is to ensure the next generation reaps the benefits and are provided with the tools to excel.

I am passionate about mentorship and the sky is the limit, reach for the stars!!.

Happy New Year

V/R

CH (CPT) Davis

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SSG V. Michelle Woods

12 y

CH (CPT) Davis

I appreciate your input and I take it to heart because I do love this Army. It may sound cheesy, but I want those who have come before me to feel good about leaving the Army in the next generation's hands.

Happy New Year ma'am!

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CH (CPT) Heather Davis

12 y

SSG Woods:

That is commendable and reflects a leader's heart. You are a screaming eagle, and every generation has the watch. It is vital that your generation is provided with genuine guidance.

I am proud of you and your tenacity, and be coachable, teachable, and realize it is not about you!

Happy New Year!!

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SFC James Baber

Edited 12 y ago

Posted 12 y ago

I always told my Soldiers to know their jobs, themselves and their leadership, and most of the rest would pretty much fall into place.

We as NCOs and officers know it is much more complicated than that, but it makes it easier for them to cope and not be stressed about having to know it all at the junior level, but gradually add more to their knowledge base as they mature and move up in their jobs and potential for leadership.

It is simple, but it is the base for all Soldiers, even NCOs and Officers at times as well.

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SFC Stephen P.

Edited 12 y ago

Posted 12 y ago

1. Don't treat the symptoms and neglect the cause.
2. Always be aware that I may be the cause. "When things go wrong in your command, start searching for the reason in increasingly larger concentric circles around your own desk." - Bruce Clarke
3. "Never let a promising career stand in the way of a good joke" - Peter Pace

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1SG Michael Blount

Posted 12 y ago

Being a Drill Sergeant, the answer is pretty simple and can be found in the Drill Sergeant Creed.

Paragraph Four - "I will lead by example,never requiring a Soldier to attempt a task I have not done myself"

Paragraph One - "I will assist each individual in their efforts to become a highly motivated, well disciplined, physically and mentally fit Soldier, capable of defeating any enemy on today's modern battlefield."

Paragraph Five - "First, last and always, I am American Soldier, sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic"

If you can't find the answer in one of those paragraphs, it's not worth the effort.

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MSgt (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

For me it was: Integrity, ethics and honesty.

But, I have seen quite a few good responses so far that rank up there.

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CH (CPT) Heather Davis

12 y

MSG Kerwin:

Absolutely integrity, ethics, and personal courage to the right thing regardless!!

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SGT (Join to see)

Posted 11 y ago

1. Know what battles are worth fighting for, because some are just not worth the trouble.

2. Integrity is something that you must have at all times, even when people are not looking.

3. Always be there for your soldiers under you, because they are the ones that you are training to take your spot when you move up. Teach and mentor them the way that you wanted to taken care of, because knowledge is power.

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LtCol Brent Norquist

Edited 12 y ago

Posted 12 y ago

1.  Bloom where you are planted.<div>2.  Don't forget to "fly the airplane" (i.e. don't get so involved in the small stuff that you forget what's vital)</div><div>3.  It is more important to do the "right thing" than it is to be "right".</div>

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LtCol Brent Norquist

12 y

If I could add a 4th I'd say:  The most important and rewarding job of a leader is facilitating the success of one's subordinates; (ie. use their rank/influence to eliminate obstacles and obstructions).  When each individual member is successful, the team succeeds.  When the team succeeds the leader has been successful.

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Over a career, we hear from Leaders their Golden Rules or Guides of Leadership or Top 3 _______. What are yours?

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