What are some ways I can improve my command presence?

2019-06-14T02:07:17-04:00

I am leaving for advanced camp in a couple weeks and to be prepared, this is one of my weaker areas I would like to develop. My reserved quiet nature works against me. However, I believe I can still work to my strengths by using the principle of "be brief, be bold, be brilliant, and be gone" in my interactions. I want to become an inspirational leader, but I don't want to come across fake by trying to be someone I am not. That being said, I am willing to change.

Response by MAJ Terry LaFrance made Jun 14 at 2019 4:14 AM

2019-06-14T04:14:51-04:00

You're a cadet, you have no command, just a bunch of other cadets just like you (some looking to get ahead of you). Just listen, learn and never put yourself ahead of your soldiers. The rest will come, don't try to be someone you're not, the troops will spot it in a second.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 14 at 2019 6:09 AM

2019-06-14T06:09:05-04:00

Many good leaders, even great leaders are reserved. Just as you are planning, find a given situation where you have that aha moment knowing you can help guide the group and simply speak out professionally and controlled providing your input. They follow it and you are right-winner, hey follow it and you are wrong-it happens. The point is to always choose your words wisely, try not to get exited (outwardly) and be humble with the result. Of course what you do need to do is find your Hoooah, when you and your Team overcome obstacles, either mental or physical. Thank you for your future service.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jun 14 at 2019 6:49 AM

2019-06-14T06:49:05-04:00

Best of luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2019 7:11 AM

2019-06-14T07:11:06-04:00

b u

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jun 14 at 2019 7:48 AM

2019-06-14T07:48:06-04:00

Robert-Most of the "inspirational" leaders I've experienced were made so more by circumstances than any intentional effort on their part. God willing, you'll serve out your future career having no more harrowing challenges than retention, logistics, and politics. However, if, as for so many, your skills are tested in more applicable circumstances...always remember that what your Soldiers are looking for is cohesion between your decisions, and the NCOs leadership. If you're the "Quiet Man", but they see that things get done, get done well, and with as little SNAFU as possible... the presumption is that all is as it should be. I used to meet with my Chief as soon as he and I had both left our perspective morning briefings. I'd lay out what the CO wanted, and he'd let me know what was needed to make it happen. We'd agree on a course of action... and that was what we passed down to the guys. Big speeches and bravado don't accomplish anything but putting the focus on yourself...and that's not where you want to be.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2019 8:42 AM

2019-06-14T08:42:49-04:00

So the Command Presence is something that is taught to Drills at DSS that are in the same boat as you. I have never had the problem with this but I have encountered others. Work on pushing through your diaphragm and be confident on what you are saying those are the 2 biggest things. In front of formations is usually when you see junior leaders get nervous and speak soft, but remember that person in the back wont hear your directions if you are leading a platoon or greater.

Response by COL Gary Gresh made Jun 14 at 2019 8:50 AM

2019-06-14T08:50:26-04:00

Some of the best commanders I ever had were “Quiet Professionals”. In fact. A study held at Fort Leavenworth back on the 80’s labeled most successful leaders as introverts. It’s not that they were holding back but rather they were deep thinkers that weighed their decisions before stepping forward. Knee jerk command action is often poorly thought out. Be yourself. Your opportunity will come. Trying to force a “Command Presence” is only seen as arrogant. Special operations do not call themselves the quiet professionals lightly. They mean it. Think, analyze, study, then “Act” with solid performance.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2019 9:46 AM

2019-06-14T09:46:14-04:00

I am prior service, but that doesn't change one basic fact. We're cadets and no one expects anything of us... because we're cadets.

There's no trick to developing presence. It takes time. If you absolutely must do something, practice your D&C in the shower. Back in the day I memorized the NCO Creed by screaming it during my showers.

I would also build off the great advice others are saying here and mention that when you get to camp, as you start making friends, find a way to mention that you struggle with that leadership attribute and would like some help developing it. They might help you. And 5 weeks in the shit is the perfect place to come out of your shell if you so choose.

I leave Monday for camp, see you in the woods.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 14 at 2019 10:54 AM

2019-06-14T10:54:39-04:00

Openly show support to your NCO's. Don't be afraid to stand up for those you command. Remember,, you can't please everyone and respect is earned. Do right by your people, keep them safe and they will follow you anywhere. I Respect the fact thet you asked the question.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jun 14 at 2019 11:28 AM

2019-06-14T11:28:07-04:00

You are talking about leadership presence. Be yourself. Just the fact you’re doing self reflection of your own strengths and weaknesses has you on the right path to success. There’s a time to be proactive and a time to be reactive. At camp other cadets are thinking the same thing you are right now. Be confident when placed in charge. Make a decision, stand by it, acknowledge and learn from your mistakes is how you’ll earn respect of others. Don’t develop any fancy or cute phrases. Knew a cadet that started every OPORD whether he was in charge or not with the same personal catchphrase, “lets kick ass on this.” Perhaps it motivated him but it annoyed the rest of us.

You’ll be fine. Enjoy camp. Make friends cause you could run into them again down the line.

Response by SFC Cynthia Eyer made Jun 14 at 2019 11:39 AM

2019-06-14T11:39:23-04:00

“Command Presence” doesn’t mean you are a “commanding” or boisterous or extroverted individual. Excellent Commanders lead with a presence of being “present” in the situation at the time WITH the Soldiers they are in stewardship to command. No matter a culture, people ( Soldiers) don’t care what you know or about your presence until they know you care about them and the situation they are involved with, with your whole being. It allows all to recognize and respect our own and others humanity. Quietness requires us to “lean in” to receive

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Jun 14 at 2019 11:41 AM

2019-06-14T11:41:28-04:00

Great question and “command presence” can come in many forms and be demonstrated in many ways. Some good, some not so good.

Critical to successful leadership are 2 words - Trust and Integrity. These are the only “gifts” a person can give themselves and are likewise the only ones you can take away from yourself.

Always be trustworthy. Give trust and always be honest in all your actions, in front of others and in private.

Trust and your integrity can be broken in so many ways:

1) Sticking to wrong decisions because you are too embarrassed to admit a mistake.

2) Promoting mediocre performers because you “like them” at expense of talented ones so as not to endanger own position. (Also known as “playing favorites.”

3) Not caring about own subordinates, not defending them, not looking after them.

4) Asking subordinates to earn your trust. As a leader, it is on you to give them trust first, and then take it away if they do something to lose it. Trust, and you will be trusted. You must “earn” their trust first.

5) Making false promises to get someone to do something.

6) Various forms of dishonesty.

7) Misrepresenting your own accomplishments to make oneself look better at expense of others.

8) Blaming others for your own mistakes.

9) Setting up people to fail and other forms of dirty politics.

10) Avoiding responsibility like a root canal.

Trustworthy leaders:

1) do the right thing even when no one looking.

2) Do the right thing even when under pressure to do otherwise.

3) Do what's right no matter what.

"Honesty is an expensive gift. Do not expect it from cheap leaders." Warren Buffett

Response by SFC Cynthia Eyer made Jun 14 at 2019 11:41 AM

2019-06-14T11:41:34-04:00

Oh, and the fact that you are asking this question is indeed a commanding presence! Blessings in all your future endeavors, Fine Sir

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Jun 14 at 2019 11:59 AM

2019-06-14T11:59:22-04:00

Which reg?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 14 at 2019 12:13 PM

2019-06-14T12:13:30-04:00

Know infantry contact drills, the priorities of work, and writing an OPORD.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jun 14 at 2019 12:20 PM

2019-06-14T12:20:25-04:00

James Mattis espoused the value of reading everything you can get your hands on. Look to the ones you want to mold yourself after and read everything you can about them.
You will be in charge by the authority of your commission. Don't tell your men who you are, show them. Be humble but firm. Be patient while demanding results. Uphold the standards.
You have 2 ears and 1 mouth. Listen twice as much as speaking.
The fact that you are willing to admit your areas needing improvement is impressive. You seem like you are going to be okay.
Good luck.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 15 at 2019 12:26 PM

2019-06-15T12:26:27-04:00

Honestly, that is one of the worst principles I can think of for leadership, and it's only marginally better for addressing folks up the food chain.
To start with, boldness and brilliance aren't things you can choose to have. Most of the time, you will have very few clues as to whether you're being bold or foolhardy, or whether your brilliant idea is incredibly short-sighted. Instead, focus on being tactfully honest, informed and effective, both when asked your opinion and when tasked with being the decision-maker or the point of the spear. If you do that consistently and well, your reputation will reflect it and you may not be known as a brilliant leader, but being the leader that folks up and down the chain know they can rely on in a crunch gets you more opportunities to excel than you might think. And when you do excel, don't waste time worrying about who gets the credit -- it's amazing what you can accomplish when people don't think you're in it to claim the glory.
Second, don't be afraid to delegate. You're surrounded by cadets every bit as competent as you - use them as the resource they are. The cadre will, knowingly or not, pressure you to handle everything personally, but you can't. Herding kittens is nothing compared to getting a company of cadets to make their SP times consistently. So delegate and spot-check instead. In advanced camp, on the eve of my day as company commander, I spent less time (by far) briefing my platoon leaders than standing back in their platoon briefs, listening to ensure that they fleshed out the details I hadn't, and did so in a way that fit my overall guidance. Those platoon leaders were happy to run their platoons without being micromanaged, although I did get some good-natured razzing from a Tac NCO when he realized that my guidon bearer and I were really just hoofing it down the trail ahead of 3 platoons marching semi-independently to the same destination. One other tip about delegating: pass credit and accolades through to the folks you delegated to, but be the face taking the blame for problems and tasks not accomplished.
Another tip, specifically for advanced camp: Find some way on the first day, while everybody is arriving and getting settled, to gather your squad and introduce yourselves to each other. Learn (or choose) good-natured nicknames which reflect your individual character (preferably with a touch of sardonic humor). Done right, it will get you started as a team with character and cohesion, both of which will make your squad more visible in the eyes of others.
If you're still reading, go look up "The 'Eathen" by Rudyard Kipling and pay attention to the last half - it's poetically condensed essence of military leadership, with color. Actually, reading almost any Kipling is guaranteed to add some color to your attitude once you learn the stories behind the poems -- the next to last verse of "Soldiers and Sailors" takes on more gravitas if you know the story of the HMS Birkenhead's final voyage and the troops' final muster (the "Birkenhead drill"). Military leadership especially needs color, because otherwise it's a damned grim business to be in.
Lastly, always keep in mind the words of Montrose's Toast:
"He either fears his fate too much,
Or his desserts are small,
Who dares not put it to the touch,
To win or lose it all!" — James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jun 15 at 2019 1:42 PM

2019-06-15T13:42:26-04:00

Most cadets and young officers face the same question you are facing. The best advice I can give you is: BE YOURSELF. Your troops will see through any charade you put on. Who you are got you into school, and got you through the program. Your troops won't care if you are a quiet guy or the 2nd coming of Patton, they care that you explain the mission to them, make sure they have the tools to get the mission done, and are consistent in your attitude and leadership. Best of luck, it is one of the greatest rides you will ever take. Enjoy it for all it is worth because, in all honesty, there are a lot of us here that would love to take that journey again!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2019 2:19 PM

2019-06-15T14:19:51-04:00

Remember some of those in your command are people first. Many under you get paid way less to to a lot of stuff and are asked to work endless hours especially in maintenance jobs so remember they are people commonly overworked and underpaid.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jun 15 at 2019 5:23 PM

2019-06-15T17:23:23-04:00

At Advanced Camp and really all the time keep your plans simple and if your platoon is like mine was you will likely have some experienced former enlisted soldiers In my case we had a Ranger E 5 and in my company we had an SF E6 as well as several former infantrymen. I watched them like a hawk especially during their briefings since they had done it for real. When you take over your first platoon get to know your soldiers and take care of and fight for them. Watch and read Band of Brothers and look at how Maj Winters led E Company as opposed to Cot Sobel If you read the book all the men say Winters was harder on them than Sobel but he was hard to make sure the came out alive and accomplished the mission. He also trained right alongside them and led by example. He also was quite and a thinker and because he didn’t drink some weren’t sure about him till Normandy and they found out that his plans worked. Learn your job and your knowledge and experience will translate into authority and command presence

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Jun 16 at 2019 1:41 PM

2019-06-16T13:41:33-04:00

Never allow your Soldiers know that you are mad at them. It's okay to be dissapointed in them, but anger must remain a private emotion. Be thoughtful when you speak. Nothing is more powerful than their respect of you.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jun 18 at 2019 10:32 PM

2019-06-18T22:32:21-04:00

My advice... go to a VA hospital and talk to the Vets...look at them and listen...then walk a VA National Cemetery , bigger the better...pay close attention to the war dead....each tombstone tells a story.....in the end we get a little flag....on memorial day....A sunny day of training in a split second can turn into fire and death....you have to live leadership...you cannot learn it....slogans mean nothing...when...your holding body pieces..and your friends are the ones gone....reflect why you want to be a leader....it comes from within.....I had it ....but lost it.....inspiration...forget it....everyone's alive... that's talking....

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jun 18 at 2019 10:33 PM

2019-06-18T22:33:02-04:00

Quietly.. cut the brass band effect..

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2019 1:04 PM

2019-06-19T13:04:07-04:00

Loudest guy in the room is often not the smartest, or best leader.

Response by MAJ Bruce Davie made Jun 19 at 2019 2:21 PM

2019-06-19T14:21:44-04:00

Be a team player 1st! Be yourself. Listen to your peer critique & ROTC cadre reviews. Good luck & God speed. MAJ.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 19 at 2019 5:05 PM

2019-06-19T17:05:02-04:00

Step 1 Listen to professionals, regardless of rank or social standing or billet.
Step 2 Observe what goes on around you
Step 3 Read about the profession of arms, military military, and philosophy
Step 4 Think about what you've heard, seen and read.
Step 5 Avoid the company of jackasses
Step 6 Make small corrections early, rather than big corrections late.
Step 7 Never act in anger, frustration, or out of emotion
Step 8 Never worry about if you shine, help your subordinates shine.
Step 9 When you screw up, and you will screw up, own it.
Step 10 Gracefully allow your subordinates to take calculated risks and make well-intended mistakes.
Step 11 When it is raining $#!*; smile, embrace the suck, and soldier on.
Step 12 Go back to step 1.

Response by SSgt Rachel Shelley (Cook) made Jun 19 at 2019 7:15 PM

2019-06-19T19:15:34-04:00

I am a Learning and Development Professional who managed our Leadership Development Program, Manager Training Program, and Employee Development Program. My one piece of advice is this: A reserved quiet nature is actually a strength (even in the military) when you know how to use it. Always having an opinion isn't leadership. Being extraverted isn't leadership. Being loud isn't leadership. Being aggressive isn't leadership. Your quote on being brief, etc, is perfect. You can desire to become an inspirational leader, but you cannot force it. Be who you are and be consistent. Inspiration follows respect. Don't lose that. It takes time, sometimes more time that you planned on, but that's ok. Focus on your job now. Do the best that you can do. Then when you get promoted, do that job damned well. That is all you can hope for, and believe me the long hard hours of being consistent and true to your nature will pay off in the end. You can work on your weaknesses, but it's been found working on your strengths is actually far more beneficial, because that is where most of the action happens. Good luck!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 20 at 2019 12:22 PM

2019-06-20T12:22:31-04:00

Leading peers can be a pain in the ass. Hopefully everyone plays nice.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2019 10:39 AM

2019-06-21T10:39:46-04:00

I feel your pain. I am a very reserved leader. I feel like I have great command presence despite not saying much. I lead from the front and don't ask my company to do anything I wouldn't do with them. I'm also tactically proficient so they trust that I know what I'm talking about. All of that is great but it takes time to build that trust. In a place like advanced camp, where you just show up and have to lead your peers, it's hard for guys like us to stand out. But you still can. I have found that in places such as advanced camp and Ranger school where leadership is being graded, a large part of your success will be based on how well you follow your peers when they are in charge. You do well for them and they'll do well for you. That's the key.

But as trite as it sounds, always be yourself. If you come across as fake, it will be obvious.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jun 22 at 2019 2:20 AM

2019-06-22T02:20:55-04:00

Geez, your too early in the program to be worrying about most of that stuff. Just be yourself and learn as you go. Don't act up or act out which you already stated you know you would be spotted as a fake. Just be yourself. Two of the best Infantry CO's I had. One was a Potato Farmer in the ARNG and the other was former Special Forces at the 101st. Their strengths were they didn't turn into a "Sam the Eagle" type or any other acting role. They realized Army BS when they saw it and called it out. They stayed real. Your probably quiet and reserved because you have not really had a command yet of subordinates, you have only commanded equals. Huge night and day difference right there. Trust me when you stand in front of a formation and some Joe is having a side conversation while your talking........your going to get pissed naturally and then you will exercise your leadership appropriately. Or if your on a PT run in the company and your former star soldier falls out and starts puking on the roadside your going to be disappointed and express it later. Or my favorite, your standing at the rear of a honor formation and you notice private snuffy reaches around and picks his ass while standing at attention (and you think to yourself Jeeeeeusus, you have to do that now during a pass and review?)...........always a favorite of Officers and NCO's alike.....heh-heh. Ah, some days I miss being in the Army, ha-ha.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 22 at 2019 12:49 PM

2019-06-22T12:49:53-04:00

1LT Private RallyPoint Member https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/new-officers-listen-up

New Officers, Listen Up. | RallyPoint

As a newly Commissioned Officer, or as a Cadet aspiring to become an Officer, you may be asking yourself many questions as you get closer to leading your first Platoon. How will I rise to the challenge? How should I “come in”? The first thing you need to adjust is your mindset. Unless you have prior enlisted experience, you have to adjust to the fact that you will not be leading peer Cadets. Cadets are great and wonderful people. They are...

Response by Sgt Tee Organ made Jun 24 at 2019 10:52 AM

2019-06-24T10:52:18-04:00

Understand the material, understand the situation, understand the process to gain insight on both. The rest falls into place.

Response by MAJ Terry LaFrance made Aug 5 at 2019 4:39 AM

2019-08-05T04:39:53-04:00

Let us know how it goes

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Aug 18 at 2019 10:25 PM

2019-08-18T22:25:03-04:00

Set the example. Don't try to be someone else.

Response by MAJ Norm Michaels made Aug 19 at 2019 1:31 PM

2019-08-19T13:31:59-04:00

I found it best to be fair but firm. I rarely spoke, but when I did, they all listened (for that reason). I learned to emulate leaders that I respected, and eventually I developed my own style. Always remember that you lead by example. You are not there to be friend, but a leader, a mentor. Being nice is not the same as being a friend. Be consistent and firm; they prefer consistency over all else. Be honest. Be loyal. Be Godly.