What is the best way for a new 2LT to counsel a platoon sergeant?

Senior rater (probably company commander or higher) should be available to assist the PL with preparing the form and off the PLs initial counceling should be able to base the NCOs 2166-8-1.  It should be a open discussion format with ability to adjust duties and daily scope with the PSG.  The last NCOER should be available along with the ERB so the PL can understand the daily scope a bit more of the PSG.  It's going to come down to the PL caring about doing a good job; if a good job is done by the PL then the PSG will probably take them a bit more serious.  So the Senior Rater has to play a part and now leave the PL flapping and learning on a curve.  As a PSG my PLs never took my checklist to heart and had a issue building bullets in a Army style of writing format.  Commanders should look to their 1SGs or SGMs to improve upon the junior officers ability to counsel the Senior NonComs in the formation that they are in charge of, personnal I believe most new LTs run to the XO who has a few NCOERs in his background and not an expert on it.  I wish commanders would look more at their counterpart to produce more officer development in the formation when it comes to working with the enlisted side of the house.

During a thirty year career on both active duty and National Guard service, I was on both sides of this coin. After six years of enlisted time (active duty MP and NG recruiter, attaining the rank of SSG), I got commissioned as a 2LT in the Infantry. Seeing how I was going into CA from CS and CSS branches, I realized I had a lot to learn. I was fortunate to have two good PSG's in my first company who mentored me. Often I took their advice as they were both Vietnam combat veterans. We did disagree at times but they were professional and realized I also had to follow command guidance. As I moved up from PL to XO then company commander, I continually sought out experienced NCO's to vet my decisions at every level. Later, after reverting back to the enlisted side, I had young officers to mentor myself. I always let them know that I walked in their shoes at one time, but also that any ultimate decision or order was their responsibility. As an NCO again, I generally had very good relationships with my officers based on mutual respect. There was only one instance when I had to tell an officer what to do when when I was company 1SG and I had a less than 2 year TIG 2LT as acting company commander at annual training. There was just no way of getting around his inexperience than to take him aside in private and admonish him for something he did or a decision he made. I was always respectful, but firm, and explained to him the bad things that would happen if he did things his way. In any case, mutual respect is the key.

Small Unit Leadership; A Commonsense Approach - By Col. Dandridge Malone, US Army.

The Last 2 Lt's That Counseled Me in 99... Were Not Even Born When I Has 5 years in the service … They had the company commander do it … he had been my team leader 3 years earlier...... Thanks for the Share

I meant me, typo....

We had a MSgt in my unit who'd been RIFd going for major, trust me, he counseled ms, though ji obv perceive your question of course....

Humbly!

As a medical platoon leader, I notmally andwered to the company executive officer, but on the few occasions where a 2Lt was involved, I always tried to meet him/her half way. Have regular meetings to dicuss shortcomings, achievements, or corrections needed. I must say that most respected the knowledge and experience I had, though not always agreeing, normally was settled to everyones satisfactions. Some just say, "I am in charge so I give the orders", that was when problems seemed most likely to occur.

I never lead a platoon, but I have seen excellent examples of leadership. In Vietnam, we didn't have many 2LTs but a Sergeant was usually the go to guy for just about everything. Only after being kept alive by him for a while did they learn what was necessary to take care of himself and his men. Experience teaches a good school, it gives the test first and the lesson afterward. It was always better to use known experience over guesswork. An officer who masters the art of listening usually gains an advantage. As far as actual counseling goes, rank is recognized but not necessarily respected by all. Leadership is recognized and respected by everyone. It cannot be demanded, only commanded.

Sir, I feel what worked best between 2LTs and I was a two-way interactive conversation. One I remember most is when the LT asked me was my vision and goals were. Then, he told me his. we taught about areas we have an impact to contribute to the battalion.

I think the key is to have a partnership approach. Having an attitude of together, we make things happen and a mutual respect is huge.