Senior leaders, what advice would you give junior leaders regardless of commissioned/ noncommissioned or branch of service?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 09:44:47 -0400

I tend to seek out knowledge and wisdom of senior leaders across the military as I am never done improving my leadership style and abilities. I figured this might serve a chance for senior leaders can provide wisdom and advice to junior leaders around RP. I know this isn't the first post of it's kind on here but I think it will be very informative.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 9 at 2019 9:47 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 09:47:54 -0400

1. Know what you are talking about
2. Listen to everyone; virtually everyone has something worthwhile to offer
3. Don't lose your common sense or your sense of humor
4. Give respect to get respect

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 9 at 2019 9:51 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 09:51:05 -0400

Use your junior leaders in the capacity they were trained for, give them the tools and ways to get the mission done.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Sep 9 at 2019 10:59 AM

1SG Frank Boynton — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:59:50 -0400

If you're in charge you're completely responsible for your people. Take care of them. It's the little things you do that get noticed. Your responsibility doesn't begin with the morning PT formation and it's doesn't end at reveille. It's a 24X7 job.

Response by SN Donald Hoffman made Sep 9 at 2019 11:15 AM

SN Donald Hoffman — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 11:15:32 -0400

I am 30 years removed from the military. So my advice is from a small business owner.

Know your strengths and limitations.
Build your team For success.
Remember it’s a team, don’t let your ego get in the way.
Have mentors that want you to succeed.
Have fun building, growing and succeeding.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 11:38 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 11:38:44 -0400

I have been in for just over 14 years, NCO going on 5 in November....not quite senior but the best advice I've followed:

1. Never assume your rank means more than someone having to stand at a certain position to address you

2. Always ask for feedback when giving a plan of action

3. Hear everyone out

4. Never give more work than you would have been willing to do yourself

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 12:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 12:32:01 -0400

1. There is no one size fits all leadership style
2. Learn as much from bad leaders as good ones
3. Learn the difference between an order you CAN give and an order you should give
4. Yelling, with rare exceptions, just makes you both mad
5. Know the difference between “why is this task necessary?” - a good question - and “why do I have to do this?” - an insubordinate question
6. You owe your soldiers much more than they owe you
7. If you have to make a murky judgement call, choose what is best for the joes and the mission

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Sep 9 at 2019 1:02 PM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:02:23 -0400

Find a mentor that can be a guide for you. Don't focus on how that person can get you promoted, rather focus on how that person can guide you to earn those promotions via performance and integrity; how to be a leader people want to follow.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 2:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:46:58 -0400

"Treat your men like children, they will follow you to war. Treat them like your children and they will follow you to hell."