What are some overlooked traits of a good leader?

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 12:27:32 -0400

I think we all agree that there are many different factors that makes up a good leader. Tactical and technological knowledge, the ability to remain claim under pressure, the list goes on and on. Today, I saw this image on LinkedIN and it got me to thinking. As leaders in the military and those of us continuing to lead efforts in our different areas we call home; we have all been in situations were some would find it easier to just complain (thinking back to that post the other day about the Marine complaining about only getting 2 hot meals a day while in Afghanistan). Some of the best leaders I served with were able to say "yes the situation sucks but..." and pushed the team to improve the situation when possible.

This is one trait within a leader that I sometimes think gets overlooked. We like to focus on the tactical and technological stuff which is great and needs to be focused on but what other things do you think get over looked? Any examples of how those things were put into practice by a certain NCO or officer you served with?

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 12:36 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 12:36:06 -0400

Response by CPT Kyle Schembechler made Jun 12 at 2014 12:38 PM

CPT Kyle Schembechler — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 12:38:51 -0400

I think the quiet professional image is important. I'm not a big fan of all this yelling and "false motivation" that some rely on. Certain people just have that charismatic demeanor that draws people to them and makes them want to follow them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 6:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:24:01 -0400

Every leader has their own ways of doing things. Some might think it is wrong others might think it is right. Setting the example and having an atmosphere where Soldiers want to be a part of the team is very important. As NCO's it is not about us, it is about taking care of Soldiers and building a intelligent, competent, technical, and tactical Army of the future. We have to be smarter and prepared to do more with less.

Response by CPT Keith Tully made Jun 12 at 2014 7:12 PM

CPT Keith Tully — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 19:12:08 -0400

Nice.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Sep 8 at 2014 1:45 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 01:45:33 -0400

I haven't read your post at all but I like the picture however while it can be leadership it can also be a disgruntled Marine who just has no F(*Ks to give anymore.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 24 at 2015 3:02 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:02:22 -0400

I was a Squad Leader. I tried to lead; not only by example- but by joining my soldiers in their endeavors. ( (I brushed-with a toothbrush-in between those tiles in the latrine.)
I let my Squad members go to sleep; and then I buffed the hallway floor; for the IG Inspection.
By leading by example, I mean that my room was always 'stracked' (in perfect order) and my uniform and boots always came up to par.
I am and was a Christian, so thus I tried to lead with good moral values; and with a positive attitude.

Response by SFC David Drury made Mar 30 at 2020 1:35 AM

SFC David Drury — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 01:35:05 -0400

Lead by example. Know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to run, lol..be strict but fair, them bastards are trying their best to kill all of us. Show compassion when needed, be forceful when warrented. If something is broke, dont bitch about it unless you come forward with a salution.. every now and then, take a breath with your soldiers and look around at your surroundings and where in the world you might be. Those 20 years go by fast