SENIOR NCOs & PSGs: What qualities and actions do you look for in a young LT?

The willingness to make the meetings while your Platoon Sergeant is with the platoon making the mission happen. I was a Motor Sergeant, and the best platoon leader I ever had would take care of things like convoy clearances, drivers training ranges, and other logistical issues while I was getting our vehicles prepped and ready for the missions. He would attend the majority of staff meetings so that I could be in coveralls with my mechanics servicing and repairing vehicles, or doing some maintenance related training. When there was time, he would borrow some coveralls and pitch in. Wasn't afraid to get a little grease on his hands. That is a mechanic's perspective of a great platoon leader.

Moldable. I know that isn't a word, but if my LT's were not moldable, then there were problems. Not just with me, but later down the road. Secondly, they are not really your soldiers. Don't start your first day off with, I want to...with MY soldiers. They are in fact Mine. :) I also had great success when my LT's understood what their role within the platoon/company was. It was not to reshape/redefine the US Army. I know you have great ideas about fixing all the broken parts, but coming in like you are the next best thing to sliced bread, is not the way to go about it.
Above all, listen to me. respect my opinion and if you have a difference, and it's that important, then let's talk about it. Let's pull to the side (if the situation allows) and work through it. Otherwise let me run the platoon and help you look good. I don't mean to sound cocky or arrogant, but I always thought part of my job was to help my LT secure a good OER out of the gate. I have stories of those that came in, respected the NCO's, learned to work within the system, and understood their position, that turned out to be GREAT CO's and Field Officers. I also have a few where the LT came in with a chip on their shoulder and like 1SG Jim said talked down to me like I was inferior. I had to teach them that being a subordinate does not mean inferior. Some learned, some didn't. Those who didn't had a hard time earning respect from the soldiers and ended up being the kind of officer that you do not want to become.
I would say you are off to a decent start by simply asking the question. Good luck and rock steady young LT.

The BEST young Lieutenants that I have been around are the ones that have been through the enlisted ranks before getting commissioned. I know that is just my opinion but after 20 years of military service I have seen both.

Willingness to listen, good general book sense, common sense , eagerness to assist, know when to help and when give instruction, understanding of UCMJ and how to enforce , understanding he or she doesn't know everything , willing to stand behind decision whether right or wrong

The senior non-coms are a wealth of knowledge. More so than any text book you may have read. They've been there and done that. Don't let your rank override common sense. Listen to them. Watch them and try to emulate them for they will be the best teachers you'll ever have. There was a time when all newly commissioned officers had to watch a video by MG Starre (hope I spelled that correctly). If you haven't seen it, try to get a copy and watch it. My last assignment in the Army was as a First Sergeant in an OBC Battery. After having to deal with 3000+ 2LTs, I know what you are facing. The fact that you would even ask this question says a great deal about you.

I always thought the best 2LTs were the ones that listened and involved their platoon sergeants. Remember, you do out rank your PSG but he has several years of experience that is priceless. You and the PSG are supposed to be a team. If you are ever in disagreement, don't have that discussion in front of the troops. Handle that behind closed doors. If you don't, it will lead to leadership concerns from the troops. Just as an NCO has to respect "Officer business" you need to remember to respect "NCO business". It's all one team and you support your PSG as he will support you. Make sure to know your Operations orders. PSG helps with beans & bullets but you have the rest. You will pitch the Op Order but your PSG will be their to support you. So don't come off as chewed up to the troops when pitching it. Your confidence in knowing the mission helps your troops confidence in the success of the mission. Finally, remember that soldiers quit bringing you problems/issues/questions when they no longer have faith in you to have an answer, get an answer or care. A side from that, I wish you the best and thank you for your service.

A mouldable brain....laffs and a bendable will, a strong desire to do bad for good reasons....

The Army Train is yours LT, I lead, train, and mentor the warriors on this train. You plot the course and it will get us close to victory without magic. " You and I have a rendezvous with destiny to keep it running for the American people"

Understanding that They are in charge, but they have no Experience, Me and My NCO's have the experience and given the opportunity we will train them and move this plt or company forward with group as a focus not individual as a focus. Without That Understanding they may move forward but it will be with rough and slow movements and may cost many dollars and troops along the way. They may fail. We as a group will not fail.

The best quality I ever saw was one that was willing to listen and willing to learn. A brand new Lieutenant with no enlisted experience still has to learn the ropes and exactly how to get things done. Learning in school is fine but it doesn't always have practical applications out in a unit. That's where the experience of the Senior NCO's comes into play.