Posted on Feb 2, 2020
SSG Squad Leader
14.1K
77
25
9
9
0
What to do when a SL and TL cant seem to have cohesion, have huge different views on things, and can't see eye to eye? Ik some solutions but would like some extra guidance on the matter. Also on what to do when your SL cannot uphold the same standard as you do as a team leader?
Avatar feed
Responses: 18
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
LTC Jason Mackay
9
9
0
Great news! Unless it’s illegal immoral dangerous or just plain stupid, SL wins everytime. Army of the Potomac Poker rules apply.

Otherwise need some examples.
(9)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Maj John Bell
7
7
0
As a subordinate, you do the best you are able with the soldiers under your command. Unless the Squad Leader gives direction that is illegal, against command policy, or counter to the commander's intent the Squad Leader is the problem of the Plt Sgt and the Plt Ldr.
(7)
Comment
(0)
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
^This^
First Sergeant approved!
(3)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Retired
7
7
0
So is the SL just big headed and not doing things to standard/doctrine? An “example” would help.
(7)
Comment
(0)
SFC Retired
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
SSG (Join to see) yeah it’s hard to get a SL to do something when they already made up their mind. Regardless if it’s training or real-life, everything needs to be treated as it’s really happening. That type of attitude is counter-productive and could leak onto other subordinates. Then when the time comes for real-life and they blew the training off, they will freeze up or SMs could get hurt or worse. I’d bring it up to the PSG/PL. if I was the PSG/PL, I’d want to know that and squash it immediately. There’s zero room for that kind of attitude in a PLT.
(3)
Reply
(0)
SFC James Cameron
SFC James Cameron
>1 y
SSG (Join to see)

Personality clashes are going to happen throughout your career. There is no way to avoid that. Learning how to work through that kind of personal conflict will only help you in the future.

Fraternization needs to be brought to the attention of your PSG, but needs to be legitimate and lack any pettiness that may exist due to the earlier mentioned personality conflict.

The mission mindset is pretty clear as you have a METL and a Commander’s Intent. If the SL is meeting both and is effective there isn’t any room for compromise.
(4)
Reply
(0)
1SG First Sergeant
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
SSG (Join to see)
Those are areas where “different views” just aren’t acceptable. That’s not a difference in leadership styles, which happens and is usually okay, but a difference in professionalism. That needs to be fixed ASAP.
(2)
Reply
(0)
CPT Daniel Cox
CPT Daniel Cox
5 y
SFC James Cameron - As a 1LT, S-2 for an Artillery BN, my Battalion Commander and I really clashed. I don't know if it was me or the fact that I was a Chemical Officer filling an Artillery Officer's slot. As I learned, LTC's and 1LT's do not have Personality Conflicts. He was the Personality, therefore, there was no Conflict.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Avatar feed
What advice do you have when a squad leader and team leader are not on the same page?
SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
5
5
0
Is your standard the benchmark, or is the Army Standard? It is an important distinction. Influencing a leader from a subordinate position is an art, but first, know that "following" is the foundation of Leadership. Most conflict that I see in young leaders is that they approach the relationship from an adversarial perspective, rather than a cooperative perspective. Try being the best "six" that a leader can have, even if the current Squad Leader does not appreciate you having his/her back, others will see it. It may take a while, or never happen. The only control that you have is over yourself, outside of that, you only have varying degrees of influence.
(5)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
5
5
0
Squad Leader has more stripes, so tact is needed.
Best approach is to make your team rock solid and competent. It helps him, it helps you, it helps the unit. Some times you can talk to each other about what works and what doesn't; sometimes you can't. But results speak volumes.
(5)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
4
4
0
Continue to practice and express the Army Values, and do not complain to subordinates and peers - simply ask for their advise and input (like this thread). Two leaders not on the same page can create a disturbed atmosphere where all members are just counting hours and minutes until COB. Considering the SL is in a position of greater responsibility, remain tactful at all times. However, do not be afraid to give your opinion, execute orders with precision, and lead by example. If the SL’s decisions are unethical, immoral and puts someone’s’ life at risk, then immediately stand in. Your chain of command will support you. If the SL is just inexperienced and immature, then guide him/her in the right direction (others will notice). However, they will also notice if you purposefully let him/her fail. If you have presented yourself as a true leader, those behind you will follow suit and back you up. Now, if the SL and TL just don’t see eye to eye on some matters, remember he/she is in a position of authority and you will have to execute given orders. Voice your concerns using facts and supporting information that’s displays an alternate decision/action will be better for the group or Soldiers. Don’t simply go against decisions just because you would attack a problem set a different way. I would always approach it in a ‘Rule of Three’ manner. If I don’t agree with a decision, I would approach a leader with supporting information on how we could address a situation a different way three times always using safety, security, ethics, and morals, sprinkled with doctrine, policy, and regulation. This can work in any setting. If the SL wants to drive-on with the initial plan, then make the best of it. Try not to insult or degrade the plan in front of others, but simple ask your subordinates and peers how could it be better and then give examples. One on one disagreements can go sour with a superior, however, if presented by a group, the SL or any leader will be more open to change.

Hope this helps.
(4)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG David Hoogendorn
3
3
0
Request from him/her a sit down and start over fresh. If you are the subordinate to the Squad leader in question then his/her goals and priorities are yours as well as long as they are moral and ethical and in line with tdd he unit. If that doesn't work request a meeting with the PSG to work out the issues.

To answer your second question, it's not your job to judge your superior's performance. If you are upholding Army and unit standards then simply continue to and the rest will eventually work itself out. Good luck.
(3)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC James Welch
3
3
0
A squad Leader is the Platoon Sgts problem!
(3)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG(P) Squad Leader
3
3
0
Honestly depends on the situation, but examples would definitely help.
(3)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Squad Leader
2
2
0
Be adults and find a common ground depending on the situation
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

How are you connected to the military?
  • Active Duty
  • Active Reserve / National Guard
  • Pre-Commission
  • Veteran / Retired
  • Civilian Supporter