What are some character traits that a great NCO/Leader should have? And do you have any advice you would like to share?

The single most important thing I learned was never ask your people to do something you won't do.

To be short and concise: If every action you both take and consider motivated is for the benefit of everyone other than yourself, then you'll be a great, effective and highly valued leader. It's all about servant leadership...putting the needs of others above your own. Easy button.

I retired 20 plus years from the army, served in the USMC National Guard and last the US Army where I retired in 1974. Leadership is the most important part of ant organization bar none. Leading from the front and setting the example for others to follow. John Maxwell states that if you look behind you and no one is there you are out for a walk in the park. Be first in and last out in anything you do whether Family job military etc. Trust , train, educate others up and down line so you do not have do over what should have been done right the first , ROY J. TAYLOR, CW2 US ARMY RETIRED. RVN VET TWO TOURS.

Part of the NCOs creed, as hammered in the NCO Academies world-wide is to Set the Example. LTC Charlie posted some great points too. But by setting the example, you should excel in your military appearance and decorum, follow the rules and regulations put forth by Army and your unit, and most important, lead your squad and platoon members with absolute integrity and faithfulness. Admit your weaknesses to yourself and fellow noncoms, but don't apologize to the troops. Simply improve yourself in all facets of your MOS and the non-commissioned corps.
When promoted to Sergeant E5, volunteer to attend an NCO Academy ASAP.

No matter what rank you have, you're still a soldier, get down and dirty just like the rest of your soldiers under you, No Fraternizing, treat all your soldiers the same! I've had plenty of toxic leaders always playing rock, paper, rank. Everything you need to know is in the Nco creed.

I had several CO's during my time in the service, the ones that performed the best in my opinion, were the ones that came up through the enlisted ranks.

Serve those you lead by looking after their training, equipment, and well-being.

Praise in public, correct in private.

Extend credit to others when things go well.
Take blame when they don't.

Admit your own mistakes.

Above all, serve your team.

A good NCO's defining trait is whether or not they place their subordinate's well being before their own. As a leader your priorities of work should be: mission, subordinates, self. Generally speaking, an NCO or officer who follows that usually ends up doing the right thing. If you'd like specifics, the NCO creed is actually a mission statement saying what an NCO should be. Remember, there are lots of sergeants in the army, but NCOs are harder to find.

1LT (Join to see) A good leader makes mistakes like everyone else. Learn from your mistakes, and do not make the same mistake twice. Listen and observe from the great leaders that you have observed and emulate their actions. Good luck.

1LT (Join to see) I don't think you need to reinvent the wheel for traits:
- NCO Creed
- Army Values

How you employ all that is the magic in the sauce and makes the NCO. Some thoughts
- take care of your soldiers. This means positive and negative. Sometimes they need an article 15.
- accomplish the mission. NCOs are the difference between success and failure in the last 100 yards, literally and figuratively.
- if you raise an issue, have a recommendation to fix it. There is enough admiring of the problem in the world.
- give accurate and sober assessments of situations. Don't blow things out of,proportion but at the same time don't sugar coat it.
- make the routine things the routine. Inventories, inspections, checklists, PCCs, PCIs.
- know that when you tell an officer "I got it", they believe you and will wander off to the next thing. Don't let them down or they will manage you.
- be the subject matter expert on your MOS and additional duties.