Posted on Apr 17, 2016
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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What are a few resources that you'd recommend to any individual to become a better leader at any level?

What type of training would recommend above and beyond the normal military training?

How important is it to gain insight into becoming a better leader at any level?
Edited 8 y ago
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Responses: 31
SSG Warren Swan
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I hope everyone gets this. Standing under here and listening. Very informal, but extremely important, You would be amazed at the knowledge that is given under these limbs, some retained, most disregarded. When I was at Riley, they actually had posters up telling NCO's and Soldiers to go out there and talk and learn. They ACTUALLY did this. You would see Soldiers and NCO's on the hill under various tree's talking (some smoking and joking too), but they were there. Oak Tree counseling is an effective tool even in the civilian world (if they understood it's use), as a means to bring up subjects that are touchy, sketchy, and questionable, and get feedback that is honest and not humiliating. I think in the civilian world this would be seen as an "off site", and due to costs, wouldn't be implemented often.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
8 y
SSG Warren Swan Awesome! Thanks for sharing this!
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SPC Nathaniel O.
SPC Nathaniel O.
8 y
I cant even begin to express how true this statement is. Ive gained more knowledge and nco professional development sitting down and talking to a group of Soldiers and NCOs in an open environment fostered to the creation of the most professional soldier one can aspire to be. I know i gave many lectures to soldiers how awards get processed, how you get promoted, ect. I learned alot about cls and first aid from medics, tactics from the infantry sergeants, and military history and tradition. It made me a better soldier and a better human being.
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MSgt Rena Schmidt
MSgt Rena Schmidt
8 y
We have a smoke pit
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SSG Infantryman
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S.L.L.S. Stop. Look. Listen. Smell. You can judge a lot about a person when you give them "power". See how that person is able to interact with his Soldiers. How he gets them to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that power causes people to forget where they came from. They forgot the day when they said " I will never be like that!". Look at the Leadership styles and figure out what fits you best. Adopt some, adapt some and learn what gets your subordinates attention. People appreciate the Leader that can personalize his styles to his Soldiers and still demand the same standard. It creates a professional relationship not a systematic chain of command.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
8 y
SSG (Join to see) Excellent advice - thanks for the great response!
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LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD
LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD
8 y
Bingo...Not everything OLD is bad and not everything NEW is good! It simply depends on the situation at hand...and the wisdom to use either tactic to complete the task. Further, when you lead thinking along those lines you develop others and they will love you for it...fact!
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LTC Retired
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LISTEN
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SPC Melonnie Covington-Pryor
SPC Melonnie Covington-Pryor
8 y
Most important skill is listening
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
8 y
LTC (Join to see) Excellent advice!
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