Posted on Dec 5, 2014
What guidance do you have on shaping the legacy we leave behind?
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This is pretty much an all-encompassing thread.
As current service-members and vets, what is one thing that you wish you had done, as a leader, to impact your soldiers?
Alternatively, as a future leader, what examples have you encountered that are influencing your potential style of leadership?
The military, as a whole, is undergoing changes, both internally and externally. Our future leaders are learning by example, and the course of future attitudes is determined by what they (and we) are doing now.
So, what guidance do you have on shaping the legacy we leave behind?
As current service-members and vets, what is one thing that you wish you had done, as a leader, to impact your soldiers?
Alternatively, as a future leader, what examples have you encountered that are influencing your potential style of leadership?
The military, as a whole, is undergoing changes, both internally and externally. Our future leaders are learning by example, and the course of future attitudes is determined by what they (and we) are doing now.
So, what guidance do you have on shaping the legacy we leave behind?
Leadership
Mentorship
Knowledge
Legacy
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 8
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I am going to quote myself...
"It is better to leave a legacy of people than a legacy of things. Things will get old, break and eventually be thrown away. People grow and pass those good things they have learned from you on. In this way, when you grow people, you are really ensuring that just a tiny part of you will live forever."
"It is better to leave a legacy of people than a legacy of things. Things will get old, break and eventually be thrown away. People grow and pass those good things they have learned from you on. In this way, when you grow people, you are really ensuring that just a tiny part of you will live forever."
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SGT (Join to see)
Terrific philosophy, TSgt Joshua Copeland. I believe we have lost sight of the concept of legacy...and underestimated the influence we have on other folks sharing our distinction in service, from Private to General. Great advice!
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1SG Steven Stankovich
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal...
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Great question SGT (Join to see). I just went over 24 years time in service a few months ago and I have experienced numerous examples of what right looks like and what is nowhere near right. I think the important thing to remember as Leaders is that we are always in the spotlight. Soldiers are always watching to see how we react to whatever situation we are placed in. I believe that the most important rule to live by is, while it may seem cliché (to borrow from CW5 (Join to see)), to always to the right thing no matter who is, or who is not, looking over your shoulder. If you do and say right all the time, then the legacy that you shape will speak for itself and it should resonate throughout formations to come.
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SGT (Join to see), it may sound cliché, but I would be more of a servant leader. I see now, after 30 years of active duty and nearly 10 years as a DA civilian that "serving" subordinates is a great way to lead and to leave a legacy.
https://greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/
https://greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/
Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world.While servant leadership is a timeless concept, the phrase “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in…
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SGT (Join to see)
CW5 (Join to see), I tend to agree here. In the current military environment, I definitely sense the need for more authoritative approach, rather than authoritarian.
I have heard of the "servant as leader" philosophy, and think this would be asset in mentoring up and coming leaders. Thank you for revisiting this concept.
I have heard of the "servant as leader" philosophy, and think this would be asset in mentoring up and coming leaders. Thank you for revisiting this concept.
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Be Know Do. It describes why the NCO exists. We hear buzz words and phrases thrown around so much we get numb to them. That doesn't mean that some of them don't have worth. If I'm not remembered for my character and knowledge, I've failed as an NCO.
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To new SMs (aka future leaders) I would say: do your job to the best of your ability, all of the time; recognize your strengths and weaknesses and try to improve your weak areas; don't just do your job for awards or recognition.
To current leaders (and future leaders) I would say: think about how you would want to be treated by your superiors and utilize that to treat your subordinates accordingly. Be an advocate and a mentor.
To current leaders (and future leaders) I would say: think about how you would want to be treated by your superiors and utilize that to treat your subordinates accordingly. Be an advocate and a mentor.
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Be less critical of my subordinates and provide them with honest and sincere appreciation. In addition I would've seek more mentorship from my superiors and provided more mentorship to my subordinates.
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