Servant Leadership: Taking care of Soldiers... Senior and Subordinates

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:13:06 -0500

Team,

This subject has been kicked around a few times; however, I'd like for anyone that wants to answer/respond/share to read the article at the link

http://ncojournal.dodlive.mil/2013/10/04/the-nco-army-leader-servant-leader/

and then provide their thoughts on the subject and whether you believe this is what military leadership is about? Consider also that Servant Leadership, amongst other things, is a leaders ability to "turn the rank pyramid" upside down and help ensure the team succeeds.

I'd also appreciate if some of the team would share stories of good servant leaders that you have served with... I know their out there and we just have to let folks know... we all know those who aren't... they need not be mentioned as they are not even worth the time to type.

Also, while it was centered on the NCO Corps when I wrote it... it actually applies to all leaders... and if you want to critique the article that's cool also.

Thank you.

Cam

The NCO: Army leader, servant leader | NCO Journal

Servant leadership and the servant leader are powerful sources of inspiration in our Army today, and examples can be seen throughout time. Servant leaders,

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 6:36 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 18:36:38 -0500

Bravo, 1SG Cameron M. Wesson, excellent article. I started my career in 1975, and I heard throughout my 30 years of active duty service that a good leader must know how to be a good follower (first), a point you make in the article.

And I agree 100% that if Soldiers think you care as a leader, they will be more willing to follow your lead, respect you, learn from you, etc. If you're just going through the motions and "in it" for yourself first, Soldiers will see through that quickly.

I found it interesting that you used the term agape love. That's a biblical reference, and Jesus Christ is often cited as the essence of what a servant leader should be.

Thanks for sharing your excellent article with the RallyPoint community.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Dec 13 at 2014 5:28 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 17:28:20 -0500

Thank you Chief! Let's see if we can get anyone else to chime in! :-)

Response by SSG Warren Hall made Apr 21 at 2015 4:27 AM

SSG Warren Hall — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 04:27:30 -0400

When I was a SSgt, I tried my upmost to follow the NCO Creed to the letter. I recently put a post on here which I think directly links to this. "Has anyone else been demoted for standing up for or taking care of your troops either in the rear or out in the field". When leading my guys as a Team Leader, then as Squad Leader, I always put my guys 1st. I tried my best not to order my guys to do things, rather I asked them if they could help the rest of us. I was the first to pick up a broom, or mop, if I had time. I absolutely refused to let a subordinate clean my weapon. I led my guys with the respect they deserved and in turn I gained theirs. I never reprimanded a soldier whether Team Leader, or Squad/Team member in front of the others, it was none of the others business. When it came to planning or formulating a plan of action, I would gather them up and ask for their suggestions, how would they accomplish the task if they were in my position. I wanted all of them to be a part of it. it was, I suppose, my way of team building, and letting them know that they were an integral part of something bigger. This also granted me the opportunity to learn from them. Some ideas were silly at times, but for the most part some were exceptional. A good NCO can learn many things from his troops if he is open minded enough to listen.
I will get off my soapbox now. I am glad you posted this, and hopefully others will read the entire article.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Apr 21 at 2015 7:05 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 19:05:15 -0400

SSG Warren Hall Warren... Solid point all. No I was not demoted. I was once threatened with a relief...I stood by my position and when the DISCOM commander found out... I remained in my position... while the other person didn't. Others may gloat... I felt that I let the officer affected down... As I was not able to explain my position in a manner that let him take a step back with grace... He took it that I was being insubordinate... Not understanding the complexity of the situation nor the mission... And started a series of events that did not bode well for him. I was trying to care for soldiers and a mission... He was just trying to accomplish the mission... I hope he learned... As I learned... To make your case BLUF why!... And the ramification of other actions.

Response by SFC David Hickman made May 1 at 2015 8:33 PM

SFC David Hickman — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:33:42 -0400

Interesting read. I agree with you. I wrote the attached link "Leadership Effects" a few years ago. A good deal of leaders seem to have become more "self focused" rather than Soldier focused. They seem to only be concerned with their own careers and the next OER/NCOER bullet. Though it's not all leaders, those that are doing what's demanded of leaders when tending to the wellbeing of Soldiers cannot attain the end state of the organization on their own. Regarding the care of Soldiers, the human perspective requires leaders to be "quiet servants", often never being recognized for their efforts and sacrifices. And leaders must be comfortable with this. https://commandperformanceleadership.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/leadership-effects-a-guest-blog-post-from-the-front-lines/

Leadership Effects (A Guest Blog Post from the Front Lines)

A Comment in Response to BookLink ~ The U.S. Army Leadership FieldManual The Command Performance Leadershipblog has enjoyed some early success in its less than three months of existence, with wee...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 2 at 2015 11:20 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 02 May 2015 11:20:04 -0400

I loved taking over as a commander as I set priorities to leadership. The 1SG and I will understand the needs of all the soldiers. Every leader will monitor subordinate NCOs and take care of the troops. The E-5s were especially in charge of helping the soldiers. Everyone will grow professionally and personally. Prepare subordinates for success, and genuinely care for the soldiers and NCOs. The troops will accept a negative action a lot better if they knew the 1SG and I fought for them.