What is a particular problem with poor leadership in the Army? What approach or plan can we take to improve it?

Leaders need to hold Soldiers accountable for all their actions. For example why are units still making their NCO's go to the barracks every morning to wake their Soldiers for PT?? Last I checked our Soldiers are grown men not at summer camp. We treat the lower enlisted like children then we get upset when they act out. We need to go back to the basics and teach them responsibility. Make them earn their promotions not just give it to them for time in service. We are so worried about getting SHARP and EO complaints that we can't tell the Soldiers if they are all ate up. We need to take the time to mentor and counsel them properly for their success and failures. This is the only way to create better Soldiers.

My service was 40+ years ago. What I am observing today scares me shitless. I see a bunch of commanders more worried about having manicured lawns and being politically correct. I want commanders who can do the job and not be scared of the repercussions from some bloody politician with stars on their shoulders. The alleged leaders of today appear to me to be more concerned about being a yes man than being a leader. Leaders do say no when the commander is wrong and are able to back it up.

Leadership (at all levels, even the E2s in charge of the E1s) should start following regulation a little more closely, and not be so lenient.
I was actually sat down by my leadership (up to 1sg) about six or seven months ago and was told that the E4 and below were complaining that I follow regulation to closely and they(the leadership) felt I should be more lenient, I look at the 1sg I was working for and just said, "No."

One word....discipline! Tighten the shot group at boot camp, AIT, and advanced NCO schools!

SFC (Join to see), this problem has been going on for the last 10-15 years in my humble opinion and it won't correct itself overnight. Don't get me wrong if you ask most Soldiers to perform their combat related duties, then they will do well but what happens in the garrison (train up) environment? It all starts with the Command Teams from the Division or Corps levels all the way down to the Company level. The Command teams have to be ONE. Commanders and CSM's or 1SG's have to provide command guidance and intent on training, discipline, safety, maintenance and all other aspects of a successful unit. Next, the XO's and Platoon Leaders have to figure out ways to positively allocate resources and time to support the Command Teams visions and training objectives. Those Officers have to support the NCO's with anything they need to lead. The Warrant Officers need to become more of the team. They are without a doubt the SME in their specific area, but they need to uphold all standards and assist the Command Team, Officers and NCO's with setting the standard and training Soldiers. The Senior NCO's need to provide mentorship to the junior NCO's on every aspect of leadership. Most junior NCO's want to lead but don't know how. The junior NCO's need to break away from the Soldiers and stop being their friends. Taking care of Soldiers is not a popularity contest. Upholding the Army standards and training readiness is what saves lives when it counts. NCO's as a whole need to become ONE and enforce the same standards. Soldiers need to know that SGT A, SSG B and SFC C all speak the same language on all aspects of the unit. Once the Soldiers realize that the standard is the same across the board, they will have one or two options, succeed or ship out. Motivation, dedication, determination and hardwork is needed from all individuals towards one goal, one team and one fight.

Leaders need to do exactly that lead. When it is done right you will have team leaders training their teams, squad leaders enforcing the standards, and PSG and PL protecting the time for the soldiers to train. I have seen to many soldiers sit around all day and accomplish nothing when there can always be something to learn and be more proficient at.

We have to put forth the effort into being mentors to troops , hearing this new Army stuff really is starting to show. It seems as if we are training to time and not to standard.

DBPP! Death By Power Point! Too many leaders rely on Power Piont presentations! Real leaders lead by example! Practice what you teach!

Leaders who are not self-critical and don't call out that they could have approached a situation in a better way. We all make mistakes. Being self-critical is a principle of leadership IMO.

We have to lead by example, it's almost like raising your children sometimes. You have to be hands on with the trying and not pass it down the line to the buck Sargent to do it. You have to talk with your soldiers and see what there doing and if they are having problems with anything. Lead by example and not use the do as I say and not as I do rule.