What does it take to lead by example out of uniform?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 00:25:22 -0400

As a reservist, I've been around enough soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors. I can usually tell who has served, no matter in what capacity, when we are in the civilian world. For instance, I currently work at a hospital in my town, and I thrive on being the best I can, giving 110% and still keeping that military bearing. For that, I have gotten many positive feedbacks from nurses, doctors and various staff members. Some have even asked me if I served in the military because of my bearing I carry over when I'm not in uniform. It works both ways too. There's a few prior service nurses and a doctor who usually are one step ahead in getting things done more quickly, yet efficient than others. It's an attribute we all share as current and former members of the Armed Forces. What is it that YOU do to lead the way outside of duty hours?

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Apr 27 at 2016 1:00 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 01:00:39 -0400

I don't let military life drag me down. I'm big on networking, securing close friends, and doing things outside of my on post community. A couple friends and I have gone on day trips to the beaches, lakes, etc, just to get our families out there interacting with each other.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Apr 27 at 2016 2:45 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 02:45:34 -0400

I carried my prior service experience into law enforcement. Teaching and training became the most important thing to me.
Later, after 9/11, I was able to volunteer to help soldiers in their training and deployment preparations. I have extended that into helping new DOD recruits prepare for Basic/Boot. I want to make great soldiers and even greater veterans by living a life of good conduct and service.

Response by SSG Eddie “JD” Brown made Apr 27 at 2016 7:07 AM

SSG Eddie “JD” Brown — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 07:07:19 -0400

Doible edged sword:!! I carry it too at my career as an Occupational Therapist. It worked well for me one side and cut me the other. Bosses loved it so did supers however some of my subordinates and even superiors were angered by it and it cost me several jobs because I was out working others and making them look bad! Not that I was trying to just that I have been taught by my mother and by the military to dress for the job ya want NOT the job you have amd work the same way. And wjen you working circles around others getting doc done daily, wkly, monthly and askjng for more pts sorry patients then roomers start to fly! Im hyper and energetic because im on drugs, ive hit on someone, been cussing around patients etc; Ive tried to slow down many times to be at same soeed but hell it tires me more to lag around than to go full tilt! Hate to say it but the medical
Field in many aspects has been dominantly female now that us men are busting in the doors to great careers with short educational times and great pay they become angered because its always said by many NOT ALL women that men excell faster just because theyre men.. Ive heard it many ways but thats not true or fare if a woman works hard they too can excell heck most my bosses have been female and I have zero qualms about it! But when you bust your tail as we were drilled to do and lose your job that stinks! America is really teaching our kids wrong currently! With this kind of work ethic

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2016 7:46 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 07:46:10 -0400

DO you know your Army Values? Do you know how to apply them to your life? There's your answer. Lead by example by behaving and living your life in such a way that you want to see your closest relative emulating.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2016 8:29 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:29:50 -0400

I still wear the uniform, even if I'm in jeans and t-shirt. I provide an example in how I address people, offer support or help. I can't help that's who I am. Even before the military, I had the same aspect; the military just gave me the extra "oomph" to excel.

Response by SPC David Christiansen made Apr 27 at 2016 1:32 PM

SPC David Christiansen — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 13:32:46 -0400

Leadership comes through service to those under your command, it's not just giving orders.

Without empathy there is no leadership.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Apr 27 at 2016 3:32 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 15:32:03 -0400

I fill 4 full time management positions with my company. I am the Head of Maintenance and Purchasing, also the Safety and Personnel Manager. It is the same reason that less than 1/2% of our population serve. Most people just want to slide by just doing the minimum amount to get by. Dedication to any job you do is one of the best quallitys you can carry away from your military service. Most people just walk by a problem never even taking the time to attempt to fix it, not their problem so they just ignore it. Always taking that extra step is what sets us apart.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 5:03 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 05:03:58 -0400

Lead by example out of uniform?
As corny as it sounds; follow the army values.

Don't drink and drive, beat your wife, kids, or dog. Don't beat your neighbor. Don't do drugs or get arrested. Everyday you live you should do something that betters you as a person. Are you advancing your civilian education? Reading articles for job profiency? Learning a new hobby? Are you there when your battles need you? Are you a positive impact for your immediate community?

That's about it?

Response by SFC Gloria Kotska made Oct 11 at 2019 1:06 PM

SFC Gloria Kotska — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:06:18 -0400

Volunteer in community roles, for example.