SFC Private RallyPoint Member 17480 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Doing something because you have to and because you want to are two different things. How do YOU as a leader best motivate your troops to WANT to follow you? For me, it is by being tough but fair. I have found that even though I am very demanding of my Soldiers, I have demonstrated to them that I am also fair and will fight for them. This has been the thing that has brought the most positive feedback from my Soldiers, past and present.  2013-12-08T14:43:21-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 17480

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Doing something because you have to and because you want to are two different things. How do YOU as a leader best motivate your troops to WANT to follow you? For me, it is by being tough but fair. I have found that even though I am very demanding of my Soldiers, I have demonstrated to them that I am also fair and will fight for them. This has been the thing that has brought the most positive feedback from my Soldiers, past and present. 

2013-12-08T14:43:21-05:00 2013-12-08T14:43:21-05:00 SFC James Baber 17641

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was taught long ago, lead from the front, never ask your soldiers to do anything that you wouldn't do works much better than do it because I told you too, if you show them you are capable and willing to do the dirty jobs that you eventually task them to do, they will have more respect for you and be willing to do them without complaint. I would say this was probably true for about 90-95% of what I dealt with in my career.

2013-12-08T19:43:28-05:00 2013-12-08T19:43:28-05:00 MSG Michael Graham 17668

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Leading by example. Every time I PCS'd, withing the first week of taking over a new AO (motorpool), I would stay late/work over the weekend and rearrange and clean the entire office area myself. When the Soldiers came in on Monday I would explain that this is the new standard and I expect it to be maintained. Never had any issues.

2013-12-08T20:40:15-05:00 2013-12-08T20:40:15-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 17690

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One way of getting a person to elevate their game (so-to-speak) is to find something that they are good at.   They compliment on that and ask what they think it their biggest weakness.   Make this a pro-active process.  It does work.

2013-12-08T20:55:14-05:00 2013-12-08T20:55:14-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 17697

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Fear with a touch of bluntness, humbleness and humiliation...train, train, and train some more.   Break the walls down and build the troops necessary for future conflicts/endeavor's.  The rest that cannot hack it should be sent packing and given a attrition check of 3k cash thanks for playing but you don't fit the need we are trying to fill in the military.

2013-12-08T21:03:53-05:00 2013-12-08T21:03:53-05:00 CMDCM Gene Treants 18115

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My Sailors and Marines know that I always had their backs and was always willing to fight for them against any injustice.  At the same time, they knew I expected the best that they were capable of giving in everything.  Like you said SFC, tough but fair at all times and in all things.  I never walked by a working party without pitching in or coaching as needed to make it a smother operation.  I was also never too busy to take a minute to listen to a Shipmate in trouble or in need of a ear to bend,  Just being there for my Sailors and Marines made all the difference in the world for them and for me.

2013-12-09T18:45:11-05:00 2013-12-09T18:45:11-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 18530

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You can't inspire someone to embrace their mission if you don't show them how and why. My Soldiers have always managed to grasp that I have their best interests at heart, and they cheerfully do what I ask because they know I am good at filtering out all of the exteraneous bull. (I didn't know they felt this way until several told me.) You really have to get your hands dirty and participate in the less-desirable tasks that some leaders avoid so that you 1.) Make sure it's done correctly, 2.) don't forget where you came from, and 3.)don't take for granted what your Soldiers do.

2013-12-10T12:40:30-05:00 2013-12-10T12:40:30-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 18669

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I maintain a candid, open but professional relationship with my Soldiers. I am always "loving" anything that is going on...showing that I can smile through adversity. I take care of my troops, and I work hard for them. Due to this, they are invested in me as well and they seem to work hard to accomplish the tasks and missions that I assign. They know that I have their best interests in mind and they understand that if I am providing guidance, that it is because the mission needs it. They trust me and my leadership, so they trust what I put out. They also seem me out there working next to them when I can. They see me running my tail off in the office to take care of them. They know that they can pull me aside at any point and talk to me if they need help. They know that I there to help them, to lead them, and to take care of them....and they work hard to take care of me too. <div><br></div><div>That is one of the best things about the military: we can develop such a strong bond that we will go through hell to ensure that we succeed as a team and as individuals. Once you develop that cohesiveness, magic happens and amazing things take place. It is amazing to see what a team will accomplish when they are motivated and dedicated to the team.</div>

2013-12-10T20:29:31-05:00 2013-12-10T20:29:31-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 18691

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;After giving some thought to this question, I came up with these strong points:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Treat others with respect and equality (Essentially how you would want to be treated)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Take ownership for your element, but still delegate tasks&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Communication! We were given 1 mouth and 2 ears for a reason. LISTEN (not just hear, but understand)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Relate to people (which leads into my next point)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Set the standard/Lead by Example&amp;nbsp;(If soldiers can relate to you and see that it is possible for you to achieve a task, it shows that it is possible for them to achieve it too)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Enforce the standard/Lead Others (Don&#39;t just set the standard, guide them and hold them accountable if necessary)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Set SMART goals and keep it recorded. Through time, people will be able to see progression. If we were able to achieve these goals, what is to say we can&#39;t achieve the next one or the next one...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Don&#39;t forget to award good behavior. Holding people accountable is good, but if you award good behavior, it will not only inspire others to avoid bad decisions, but give them courage to perform good decisions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-Somewhat tied with communication, but on a group level instead of one on one. Remember that TEAM is critical. Feedback and healthy discussions can only improve the TEAM&lt;/p&gt;

2013-12-10T21:25:00-05:00 2013-12-10T21:25:00-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 18695

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There are different kinds of fear, I guess.   One kind of fear might be called 'an edge, a heightened sense of awareness and responsiveness.    Competitive jitters like a controlled burn.   Just a thought.

2013-12-10T21:29:14-05:00 2013-12-10T21:29:14-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 18840

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Never be afraid to get get your hands dirty and show your troops that you are not that far removed that you cant pitch in from time to time and get a little work done....always respect your troops and explain the bigger picture and the role they play. Value their time and if they have fulfiled their obligations and there isnt anything else to do...let them go home or take care of personal issues they would not otherwise be able to do. Last but not least.....do NOT ask your troops to do something that you yourself as a leader wouldn't otherwise do.

2013-12-11T07:45:20-05:00 2013-12-11T07:45:20-05:00 MSG Martin C. 18865

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"> Great question, I<br />personally believe in being 100% involve, no great unit was ever lead from<br />behind a desk. <p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">These are some of the things that had made me successful,<br />and I am no expert as I constantly continue to learn and seek growth.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">1. Believe in the mission. If your troops don’t see a genuine<br />interest from you, do not expect them to care neither. Remember if it’s<br />important to you it will become important to them. <p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">2. You are a Soldier first. We must instill pride in being a<br />SOLDIER. The way we look, walk, talk, behave etc. Live the Profession of Arms.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">3. Short term goals as a team or individuals, I like to use<br />the term mile stones. Something they can achieve within a quarter, semiannually<br />and annually. Not to be confused with the long term goals immediate<br />satisfaction tends to motivate the individual to pursue their ultimate goal. “Military<br />goal 20 more push-ups and sit ups and 1 minute off run within the 1st<br />quarter”. Civilian goal one class  towards<br />a civilian degree a quarter”. <p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">4. As a Platoon, section, squad, challenge them to completed<br />their assigned SSD’s getting the PLT 100% completion during 1st quarter.<br />During 2nd quarter focus on crew drills, EIB prep etc. Think outside<br />the box find what drives each individual in your team, be creative remember<br />this is not the Army we grew in and these Soldiers are definitely not the same<br />generation you know.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">5. Be adaptive mission will change, uniforms will change the<br />environment will change. Learn to adapt be consistent and follow up. Never said<br />you are doing something for them and forget about it.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">6. In a sense you must become a family. Why family? Family goes<br />beyond a team. Accept all of your Soldiers for who they are. Be tough on them<br />but always be fair. Do not a have favorite Soldiers all should be treated the same<br />with dignity and respect.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">7. Set the standard, never lower the Army standards for them.<br />Notice I said the Army standards not your own. Be realistic with your<br />expectations and be ready to correct the same deficiencies 1000 times.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">8. Never make it personal. They are humans they will make<br />mistakes and when they do you need to have mercy and kindness the same way you<br />would like if you were in their shoes. Be forgiving.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">9. Care for them and I mean everything they do you need to<br />know. Do not try to run their lives but be engaged. Don t assume cause you love<br />football they all love football. Whenever the opportunity present itself for a<br />team building event don’t plan it accordingly to what you and most of the guys<br />or gals like. Every post has a Museum start by doing an outing teach them some<br />local unit history and allow them share how they feel about their impact in the<br />unit and Army as a hole. This will give you a great source of information about<br />who they are as individuals.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">10. I save this one for my last and most important to me. “Lead<br />from the front” If they are cold you need to be cold, if they are doing PT you<br />need to be doing PT. Amazing things will happen when you show them that you are<br />with them all the way. Do not ever abuse your position as leadership roles are<br />a privilege not a right. You are not bigger than the Army be humble and thankful<br />for the opportunity to lead Americas gift. Remember this are someones love ones treat them as if they were your own.<p></p></p><p><br /><br /></p>

2013-12-11T09:33:09-05:00 2013-12-11T09:33:09-05:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 624788

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Build up their morale. If soldiers work the weekends I give them comp time. I had no shortage of volunteers. Surprise them, if they are all working the gates, I get on the detail with them for several hours.

2015-04-28T10:30:01-04:00 2015-04-28T10:30:01-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1006491

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am a new NCO, however I have been a leader for some time. The big difference in me and the leadership I had is that I would strive to have my soldiers know everything that I do. I hope that one day they will out perform me. That is when my job will have been complete. But seeing as I continue to learn and grow I can never relax. The struggle that I have is that my leadership doesn't want me to do the tasks with soldiers but rather to supervise ( aka stand around and watch.) If I see something that needs to be done and I'm tapped on man power I'll do it myself then later receive a stern talking to. My nco's belief is that nco's only supervise and not help complete the task. The way I see it. If we get the day to day stuff knocked out. That's more time I can spend training my soldiers. How can I approach my leadership about this?

2015-09-30T16:05:24-04:00 2015-09-30T16:05:24-04:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 1044744

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think leading by example is a great way to start, show them you have the knowledge and motivation to do the job and that will earn you respect that is irreplaceable. Get to know your guys, strengths and weaknesses, family ect. And take a genuine interest in their successes. I got what I would call a black sheep/ problem child crew at one point and I found that treating them as adults, taking interest and giving concrete expectations was key. They learned that I would be the first to drop the fear of God in them if they fucked up but I would also be the first to put my ass on the line for them if they needed it. I guess in easy terms they knew they were "my guys" which meant a higher standard than any other group but also a hell of a lot of thank yous and pride in being the best.

2015-10-16T10:42:28-04:00 2015-10-16T10:42:28-04:00 2013-12-08T14:43:21-05:00