Posted on Feb 9, 2017
What are ways for a SPC to develop into a good SGT?
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SGT
SPC
Promotions
Leadership Development
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 36
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Mentorship is the key. Very few people are born leaders, but most can be molded into leaders.
Surround yourself by people better than you. Anything you need to improve on: leadership, technical aspects of your MOS, PT, morals, character, parenting, etc. Find these people, get in their circles and ask questions. Take the initiative to ask the ones you respect and admire the most to be your mentors.
We are mostly products of the people who shape us. We can have an active role in that by choosing who shapes us.
Surround yourself by people better than you. Anything you need to improve on: leadership, technical aspects of your MOS, PT, morals, character, parenting, etc. Find these people, get in their circles and ask questions. Take the initiative to ask the ones you respect and admire the most to be your mentors.
We are mostly products of the people who shape us. We can have an active role in that by choosing who shapes us.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Thank you for your response. I have great NCOs to mentor me, but they are outside of my chain of command. However, I would like a better working relationship with the NCOs I work with and I would like for them to assist with my development as well. Unfortunately I do not think they are interested in my development as much as I am.
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SFC Jim Ruether
SGT(P) (Join to see) - Have you approached them and told them you admire their leadership or organizational skills and wish to emulate them? I can't think of anything more flattering than to hear such a statement from a junior enlisted soldier.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT(P) (Join to see) - it's OK. You're going to work with and for people who aren't going to be interested in developing you. Learn what you can from them. Most of the time a mentor is someone you don't work with for very long, but rather someone you develop a lifelong relationship with.
Other times, leaders don't mentor you because you don't ask. It may seem like you have everything under control or just don't want their mentorship for whatever reason
Other times, leaders don't mentor you because you don't ask. It may seem like you have everything under control or just don't want their mentorship for whatever reason
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Act like a SGT now. Go and do SGT things. Separate yourself from your peers. Go out and show them that you are ready to be a SGT and can do the job.
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There are a lot of good responses here. Here is mine. Read. Read every regulation and manual that effects your daily life. Read and know the answer before you talk to finance, or HRC, or the DFAC, or the motorpool clerk, the JAG, or the supply Sergeant. Slow down, understand how everything works and get it right. No more barracks lawyers. When you pin on the stripes, the responsibility for knowledge and Soldier welfare is yours.
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TSgt (Join to see)
Great advice, 1SG Brown! I did and do that. I am a proud "Reg Nazi." When I go to seek assistance on things, it is to get them to do the mechanical inputting/processing, because I already know what their process is; they just need to do it. I was always that smart-ass Specialist who won arguments with NCOs because I knew the regs and they did not. I am the NCO other NCOs consult when they need a quick and correct answer on policy, because they know I know the regs. If I don't know the answer, I tell them I will find it, and then I do.
I cannot remember the number of fellow NCOs who do things that are in violation of regulations or even the law because "that's how it's always been done." When confronted with regulations, most of them take it constructively, but some will be overcome with cognitive dissonance, and refuse to accept the regulation because "that's the way it's always been." I tell them, "OK, but it's your career. I hope some other reg Nazi junior enlisted doesn't call you out on it."
Knowing the regs gives you power. It means no one can pull the wool over your eyes, or baffle you with Bullsh*t. It means you know how to do things the right way.
I cannot remember the number of fellow NCOs who do things that are in violation of regulations or even the law because "that's how it's always been done." When confronted with regulations, most of them take it constructively, but some will be overcome with cognitive dissonance, and refuse to accept the regulation because "that's the way it's always been." I tell them, "OK, but it's your career. I hope some other reg Nazi junior enlisted doesn't call you out on it."
Knowing the regs gives you power. It means no one can pull the wool over your eyes, or baffle you with Bullsh*t. It means you know how to do things the right way.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
TSgt (Join to see) - thank you for your response. I am finding that many NCOs do not know the regulations and I myself need to learn them as well.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
1SG thank you for your response. I definitely need to read the regulations and learn more about the Army itself.
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I'll give you the same answer given to me....
You should always be working two levels up so now is the time to be thinking at the SSG level.
You should always be working two levels up so now is the time to be thinking at the SSG level.
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The best way is through observation and trial and error. Look around you. See how different NCOs treat their junior troops. See how the junior troops respond to their NCOs. There are good NCOs and bad NCOs. So take the qualities of the best NCOs around you and then try to incorporate it into your leadership style.
It'll be a trial and error process so be flexible. Remember, you're not just leading junior troops, you are also grooming the future NCOs.
It'll be a trial and error process so be flexible. Remember, you're not just leading junior troops, you are also grooming the future NCOs.
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If you're a good SPC/CPL just keep doing whatever the fuck your already doing. There's no big secret to being a good NCO. if all else did and your still not sure how to be a good NCO; pick one you think is a piece of shit and do the opposite.
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Based on both observation and personal experience, I'd say Specialists who get a taste of leadership generally begin to develop skills not easily found in manuals, and as an NCO, you will be leading and teaching others. Such leadership skills aren't easy to quantify, but they're vitally important. Often this taste of leadership happens if a Specialist is put in charge as a team leader, which generally means said Specialist already shines more than their peers in the eyes of the chain-of-command (or your unit is woefully short on NCOs, but hey, take the advantage as given!).
Be. Know. Do. Learn the technical aspects of your job. Know it well and understand you will be expected to disseminate that knowledge to others. Take initiative. Take the lead. If you get the opportunity to lead others, learn from the experience. These things allow everything else to fall into place, and rank will follow. Good luck.
Be. Know. Do. Learn the technical aspects of your job. Know it well and understand you will be expected to disseminate that knowledge to others. Take initiative. Take the lead. If you get the opportunity to lead others, learn from the experience. These things allow everything else to fall into place, and rank will follow. Good luck.
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SGT(P) (Join to see) Set goals on what type of leader and NCO you want to me in Army. Observe your NCOs on how they handle tasks, the mission and taking care of the Soldiers. Fully understand what it means to be a NCO and not someone who wants only a pay raise. The best NCOs mentor Soldiers to become great NCOs for the future. You will need to self-develop yourself and study for the promotion board too. Be confident and disciplined and your time will come to being promoted. Being a leader is rewarding as you have others that look up to you for guidance and leadership.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Thank you for your response, sir. I have another question. What do I do if I am actively seeking leadership opportunities within my unit and have expressed interest in career progression, but am not given the support that I need to move forward? I want to be a great NCO and mentor other soldiers. I have NCOs outside of my chain of command that help me with leadership development, but I would like for NCOs within my chain of command to assist in my development as well.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
SGT(P) (Join to see) you will need to have a meeting with your first line supervisor to discuss your intentions to further progress your career. Let that NCO know what you have observed and how you feel about taking on more duties and responsibilities. If that doesn't grasp his/her attention then you can always bring it up again with the PSG and so forth. Someone within your CoC has to be willing to listen to you. It's good to know you have others from outside willing to help however, it does seem a bit disturbing that your own NCOs are not supporting you at this time. It may take a few months for them to see your work ethics and maturity in becoming a new NCO and that is ok.
If you present yourself as wanting to learn and take strong initiative, you will be noticed by your CoC and given ample opportunities to excel. Sometimes, NCOs will quietly see how you react to situations or to see if you do take charge when no NCOs are around. I have known some that were testing to see how their subordinates would handle work, tasks and in general being a reliable Soldier first before they seriously took time to mentor. Sometimes it works out for the best. For you though, bring this up during monthly counseling sessions and show strong ambitions to exceed beyond your current rank and position. Be ready and be the best you can at your MOS. The Army needs great leaders and great leaders start from within the ranks. It won't be long until you get those stripes so remain patient, stay proactive to pursuing your goals and you will be rewarded. I started out as enlisted and earned my stripes too. On my hand, I had good NCOs and they taught me very well and very quickly too. I hope the same goes for you here soon.
If you present yourself as wanting to learn and take strong initiative, you will be noticed by your CoC and given ample opportunities to excel. Sometimes, NCOs will quietly see how you react to situations or to see if you do take charge when no NCOs are around. I have known some that were testing to see how their subordinates would handle work, tasks and in general being a reliable Soldier first before they seriously took time to mentor. Sometimes it works out for the best. For you though, bring this up during monthly counseling sessions and show strong ambitions to exceed beyond your current rank and position. Be ready and be the best you can at your MOS. The Army needs great leaders and great leaders start from within the ranks. It won't be long until you get those stripes so remain patient, stay proactive to pursuing your goals and you will be rewarded. I started out as enlisted and earned my stripes too. On my hand, I had good NCOs and they taught me very well and very quickly too. I hope the same goes for you here soon.
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