What is the best lesson an NCO/Officer has ever taught you?

E-9 when I was a lowly E-2, and did something stupid. "Your not Stupid, so don't act like it." Another great Quote of his "Fix the problem, not the blame".

Take care of yourself first. The [Branch of Service] will always demand more, but if you burn out you're no good to anyone. When you need to step back, or eat, or sleep, then do it. Taking care of yourself is not weakness, it is professionalism and excellence and is the ONLY way to ensure you can continue to be an asset.

My very first Plt Sgt gave me advice that helped throughout my career. He said your os have a wealth of experience and knowledge. Don’t hesitate to call on them for information and recommendations. I found this to be absolutely true but with a couple of individual exceptions my
Lt Sbt’s advice proved invaluable throughout. My career.entire career.

A wise Officer once told me to take advantage of every opportunity available through the military, whether it be education, benefits, travel, or whatever. He also told me to hold the military accountable for every injury and to keep meticulous documentation for whenever I got out. This has saved my bacon when it comes to getting proper treatment and filing for compensation.

“Sir, you might want to reconsider...."

"You attract more flies with honey then with vinegar!", COL Bruce Baker...

The NCO was my father (28.5 year CMSgt USAF). I was the newly minted 2Lt (also USAF). The Lesson (besides the very valuable experience of growing up around the enlisted members and getting to know their quality and value)? "When it goes right - it's your people's fault. When it goes wrong - it's yours. And let them see that. Do this, and they will never let you down." He was absolutely right (proven many times in my own 24 years.)

The NCO was my father (28.5 year CMSgt USAF). I was the newly minted 2Lt (also USAF). The Lesson (besides the very valuable experience of growing up around the enlisted members and getting to know their quality and value)? "When it goes right - it's your people's fault. When it goes wrong - it's yours. And let them see that. Do this, and they will never let you down." He was absolutely right (proven many times in my own 24 years.

My very first Team Leader, CPL Adam McDowell was the best Leader I ever had the privilege to work for. He taught me to incredibly valuable lessons. The first was lead by example, and he taught this to me by being an example to follow. His beliefs on leadership were soldiers will do whatever you order them to because that's what soldiers do, but if you lead by example, and treat your soldiers with respect they will take the initiative and go the extra mile for you without every being told to. The second lesson he taught me was when he sat me down one day and said "Reynolds, you're going to have good leaders, and bad leaders in the Army, learn from both. Take the qualities that you admire in the good leaders, and apply them to your own leadership style. Then look upon the bad leaders, and promise yourself that you will not lead your soldiers like that." He also taught me (quite painfully, and completely deserved on my part) that sometimes the best way to get through to a soldier is to smoke the living hell out of them, and other times it's best to sit down and have a heart to heart to try to figure out what the root of the problem is.

Patience and understanding that not everyone has the same knowledge or work ethic