What is the best advice you would give to an individual getting ready to be promoted to Sergeant?

Always remember that just because you out rank someone doesn't mean you can't learn something from them.

First a Sergeants responsibility is to their Soldier! Learn the NCO Creed and work to embody its principles. It tells a story, and at the same time provides key words and phrases that should compel you to study and research local and Army policies/regulations. As a Citizen Soldier you will find it harder to embrace the total Army concept, not that you do not care or have the same level of dedication as that of active duty, but you will face additional challenges; a civilian job, leadership that works in and around the organization (Techs, AGR etc.) in different roles. You will have to learn to understand work life balance, this is vital. Respect those above, lateral and below. Seek out those leaders that appear to have it figured out and ask for their coaching and mentorship. If you embrace the Creed and remember, Duty, Honor, Country you will enjoy your career and have the respect of those around you.

Please never refer to your Soldiers as Joe's, or by any other name than "Soldier"!
God Speed and good luck!

Communication with your troops is vital, get to know them and build a trust so they will come to you with any issues they have instead of their battle buddies who cant help like you can. Expect more of a workload, "I dont know" doesnt fly anymore, put yourself above your peers now that you outrank them. Also live by the Creed!
Welcome to the Corp!

Don't spend all that extra money in one place

Do more listening than talking. Ask more questions until your secure in your believe you know the task, purpose, commander's intent and what mission success is recognized as. Its not true until you have read it. Trust but verify.. so when that fellow squad leader, platoon sergeant, first sergeant tells you the company policy is, the division standard is, the army regulation says. Say Yes Sergeant, and follow it up with " what reg, (policy, SOP) covers that so I can educate myself better?
Leading and taking care of Soldiers does not equal being a friend, it is not exclusive of it either.. but it's "Leadership" not Likership. ,

Find a good NCO in your company and do what they do. Keep a leaders book and always lead by example. (Your not a member of the E4 Mafia anymore be a NCO)

Seperate yourself from the e4 and below they're not your friends anymore you don't hangout with them, you lead them by example. Act like a Sgt set a standard and hold yourself and your joes to it. Most importantly put joes first, but understand the limits of this; meaning do not bend for for joe if mission needs completing then inspire them to complete the task with your leadership do not let them slack by making excuses. Be a team with your other NCOs the backbone doesn't stand without all the other columns. Support your battles and be consistent with each other try not to argue or contradict each other especially not infront of the joes.

New Sergeant, contrary to your own opinion, you DO NOT know it all. Rely on the advice and counsel of your peers and never be afraid to ask for an opinion of someone whom you trust.

I've said this before, be the kind of leader that motivates you people to enjoy their job and want to stay in, not the kind of boss that just pisses people off and makes them hate the Service and want to get out. You won't win every soldier over but you can be a great leader to even the ones getting out all the same.

Don't forget where you came from, but the Jr Enlisted are not your buddies anymore. You need to form a new circle of friends, your fellow Non Com's. I always thought a PCS was the best way to start out as a new E5.