Senior NCOs: What's your advice to help us stay motivated?

2014-09-13T03:09:09-04:00

I have a question for the Senior NCOs on this forum. How can I stay motivated and not feel discouraged? I have been 14 years in the military and since coming up as a PVT I remember seeing good leadership and bad leadership. I learned from both, well I still earn from both on what to do and what not to do. I always strive to do my best on everything I do yet sometimes I feel as if my efforts aren't worth much because I see substandard performers (either peers or seniors) getting promoted. Junior Soldiers always ask me "well SGT so and so always walks around with their hands in their pockets" or "how come people are overweight?"... just to name a few examples. Some people don't really care about taking Soldiers and are just collecting a pay check and guess what? still get promoted. I am sure I am not the 1st or last having this feeling and I always promised my self that while I cannot change the Army I can definitely make a difference one rank at a time in my sphere or influence. So.... What can I do to keep striving? I am not feeling down at this moment but just in general

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 4:15 AM

2014-09-13T04:15:56-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member can you get with your key leaders on the NCO side and see if you can get a sensing session with the CSM? I guarantee it isn't just affecting you. In my old school opinion there needs to be some fire and brimstone breathed back into your unit. Please stay on your game and make this your mission. If the Officers beat you to the punch and believe it is on them to fix the problem, then your unit will suffer a serious confidence problem in the NCO leadership. My troops knew I loved them but they also knew that I could shoot lightning bolts out of my eyes! Get hot SSG!!!!!!! Bring down the thunder and apply as necessary. That rocker you are wearing is so you can lasso those CPL's and SGT's around you and put the fear of GOD back into those soldiers!

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Sep 13 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-09-13T09:12:31-04:00

First of all, don't worry about what others are doing or not doing. Many times it's not even true.

Seek out a mentor, take care of YOUR Soldiers by setting a good example (be a good mentor) and follow AR 600-25 (NCO Professional Development Guide) for your career field.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 11:26 AM

2014-09-14T11:26:00-04:00

The best way to stay motivated is to constantly work on your character. Many of us worry about what people think and we get side tracked with what is important. The great UCLA head coach John Wooden once said " be more concerned with your character than your reputation, while your reputation is what people think about you, but your character is who you are".

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Sep 25 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-09-25T12:15:25-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member My friend! Take heart! You are right! You are not alone and you face the same challenges that we all have! And continune to face... even as a DA Civilian! I can say that knowing that I have heard this numerous times and on a few occasions felt it myself until I could "dust it off". The big one your doing. Lead by Example.

1. Regardles of your surroundings, lead by example... and be the "good example"... after awhile you'll notice that some people will correct themselves when you approach... that is a powerful thing. You now have "informal influence" over people that really have no reason to "impress you". That's when you lay on the 'charm" ..... "see stud... I knew you were a great soldier. Already learning to self police yourself! Great job!" At that point you don't even have to say a word to the "offenders"... they will beging to correct themselves.

2. Know that you can control only what you can control or loosely speaking your "area of influence". Yes you can make on the sport corrections. Yes you can get aggrevated by those around you that "blow off" the standard... or minimally adhere to it. But know that "you" can only control what you can control... and influence the same. The rest of it is truly out of your hands... and if you worry about it you will lose your mind.

3. Those questions you are asked... be very mindful of the answer you give. This is a test. Seriously. Be honest with your assessment... but be respectful. Why? Simple! Soldiers talk and word gets around. Try to maintain your position on the "high ground" as often as possible. Example:

"Hey Sarge? Why is "chuncky love" still a team leader?" "Smith. honestly I don't know... I don't know if he is overweight... but really that is not my concern. My concern is our team here and our mission. Let's focus on that. Check?" "BTW, if the situation was reversed, and that was you? Would you want anyone talking about you like that? Let's be respectful and be professional! Check?"

Now, there will come a day that you need to provide a blunt assessment. When that happens... keep if proffessional and don't get personal.

"your right. He is over weight and the corrective action is in the hands of the CO and 1SG... not mine. Now focus on what we are doing... not that."

4. Know "why" you do what you do and why motivates you! This may seem easy... but it's tricky. The sooner you know the "why" then the others around you won't irritate you.... as much. :o) Because they really don't matter.

Sorry for the long windedness... but maybe it will help.

Charlie Mike