Posted on Dec 8, 2013
SFC Fire Support Specialist
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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. 
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SFC James Baber
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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.
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SFC Fire Support Specialist
SFC (Join to see)
12 y
Absolutely!
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SSG Aircraft Powertrain Repairer
SSG (Join to see)
12 y
HELL YEAH PAY IT FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!
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CMDCM Gene Treants
CMDCM Gene Treants
12 y
#1 Rule is Train like you fight.  Makes no difference if that means dragging fully charged fire hoses around during fire fighting training and wearing full fire fighting equipment or donning full Camies and Combat gear to fight the Blue army in the woods of Ft. Bragg.  Train as if your life depends on it.
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SSG Aircraft Powertrain Repairer
SSG (Join to see)
12 y
I agree MCPO Treants....fight fight fight and fight some more... everyday either here in garrison or abroad as military members we are part of a greater good and expected to perform without hesitation... We are constantly criticized for our shortcomings and atrocities and underappreciated for the adversaries we take out...even now internally as a military during this downsizing we are battling one another for position and rank... this domino never-ending process is what makes the military great.  the next generation will face and endure most of the same controversies we have to date.  I t will just be somewhere else in a jungle, desert, ice cube, or forrest.
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CPT Public Affairs Officer
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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. 

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.
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MSG Michael Graham
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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.
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What do YOU think YOUR best method of motivating your troops is?
SFC Signals Intelligence Analyst
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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.
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CPT George Raileanu
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<p>After giving some thought to this question, I came up with these strong points:</p><p><br></p><p>-Treat others with respect and equality (Essentially how you would want to be treated)</p><p>-Take ownership for your element, but still delegate tasks</p><p>-Communication! We were given 1 mouth and 2 ears for a reason. LISTEN (not just hear, but understand)</p><p>-Relate to people (which leads into my next point)</p><p>-Set the standard/Lead by Example&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)</p><p>-Enforce the standard/Lead Others (Don't just set the standard, guide them and hold them accountable if necessary)</p><p>-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't achieve the next one or the next one...</p><p>-Don'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</p><p>-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</p>
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MSG Martin C.
MSG Martin C.
12 y

Great response Sir,

I see you are down in FT Gordon home of the Signal. I am a fellow signaleer, love to see we have some quality officers in our ranks.

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CPT George Raileanu
CPT George Raileanu
12 y
Thank you SFC. I am enjoying my time here at SBOLC. We have many great instructors and TACs to help us develop into strong leaders.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
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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.
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SSG Instructor/Writer
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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.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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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.
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SSG Aircraft Powertrain Repairer
SSG (Join to see)
12 y

The problem is some soldiers are horrible at PT and good at eating so I have difficulty in believing that most of the overweight force is training to standards.  The NCO is not at fault... I don't put crap down their throats after they leave for home or on weekends each individual is responsible for themselves.... Kindness is always mistaken for weakness as consistent as possible treat all soldiers fairly and the same within your blindest and then if something comes up hypocritical change it and reevaluate.

 

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SSG Laureano Pabon
SSG Laureano Pabon
12 y

SSG G. I believe you may have found the answer to your problem. I was told that the cure for a snake bit is the exact venom the snake bite you with from that exact snake. I never got a bite so I don't if its true.

However, if all they enjoy doing is eating, then turn a problem into a solution.

Problem: I will use this meaning to define problem: A counter intention of an intention.

If you where in a room and you where stuck in the room with ceiling a floor and 4 walls that has a door, would that be a problem if you needed to get to the other side of that room?

To some it is a problem, but if you busted the door open, then the problem has a solution and therefore its not really a problem.

However if you were in a room with 4 walls a ceiling and a floor with no windows no doors, and you were told to get on the other side, then you have a real problem. Specially if all 6 sides were concrete.

Since eating is something good and required, the best approach is to target not the amount of food that is eaten, rather how much carbohydrates are consumed. Perhaps I'm may be putting too much on anyone whom for anyone who may not be interested, but it can be done.

This requires the NCO who wants to help to get highly educated in this area, through research to get facts first and be prepare to  educate in such a way that those involved will enjoy it.

First when all you need is gathered, be prepared to teach, don't call the course a weight lost program, rather call it a Self Improvement Program, it sounds nicer.

The program consists of lite exercises, a class on what carbohydrates do, and why avoid them. After the lite exercises, its too the gym to hit the sonar room. In the sonar room, they will stay for 15 mins intervals, drink allot of water and vitamins then go back in for about 15 mins, they can take a shower to and come back in until 1 hour is up.

Questions like what kind of food to avoid that contains these carbohydrates will be asked and needs to be taught to they can be aware. Each member must set their goal target as to how much weight they want to loose. within 90 days. But lite exercises and the gym is a must as well as getting their weight on a daily bases. The NCO can introduce different types of food which is basically anything excluding carbohydrates.

The NCO can promote you don't have to starve to loss weight, as a motivator, but most of all have fun.

I figured that if food is the best thing anyone has, then why not help them by first educating ourselves first so anyone who is having a hard time can benefit and at the same time meet the requirements the Army has.

This requires an NCO that may have to acquire a skill above anyone in the Army arsine, become and expert in what they may never get rewarded for or acknowledged for except for those few participants.

Day 1 take the weight on day 90 look at day 1 to see what where the results.

NCO: Enjoy it, motivate each member of your Self Improvement Program, know it works, trust them and tell them you trust them.

have fun with them. As each day goes by they will feel better about themselves and know that someone cares about them.

That is how you cure a snake bit..

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PO1 Construction Mechanic
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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.
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SSG Recruiter
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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?
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SFC Fire Support Specialist
SFC (Join to see)
10 y
We all have or had different leadership styles and our leaders do/did as well. Personally, I "got my hands dirty" all the time with my Soldiers. I helped with every task that I had the time to help with. Not only does it get the job done more efficiently, it was also a time to bond and train with Soldiers. I was of the mind set that the more they saw my willingness to assist, the more effort they applied. It's good for your Soldiers to see that you are both willing and able to do what you are asking them to do. Your leadership is correct. Our job as NCO's is to supervise and teach/coach/mentor our Soldiers, however, the reasons I stated above are valid methods to do so. Supervision doesn't necessarily translate to standing around and watching. One can supervise while assisting in the completion of the task as well. My recommendation is to approach your leader with proper military bearing and state your reasons for wanting to assist and perhaps mention the things I've stated above. At the end of the day, your leadership style is your style. So long as it isn't detrimental to the good order and discipline of the unit, doesn't violate any regulations or policies, doesn't violate any orders. Your leader is giving you a lawful order to stand and watch. Lawful, not necessarily common sense and frankly, a little silly. Without telling you to directly violate the orders of your leadership, I'll say this, I seriously doubt that any PSG, 1SG, CSM or Commander would advocate non-judicial punishment for assisting your troops in completing a task, so you have to decide which is more important to you, assisting the troops or not getting the "stern talking to". I have to recommend that you follow the orders of your leadership, but, just talk to them/him/her and explain your position in a proper professional manner and adhere to the final decision or request to speak to THEIR leader to assist you in resolving this very minor conflict. Good luck and, in my personal opinion, good job!
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SSG Recruiter
SSG (Join to see)
10 y
Thank you SFC, that particular leader has since left my section. But the steps above are similar to what I did, and my troops responded with a high motivation level. Thank you for the post.
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