Posted on Jul 14, 2015
What is the best way to not feel like you are taking time away from your family and being selfish when it comes to taking care of soldiers?
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Leadership Family
Posted >1 y ago
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Balance - SSG (Join to see). Let me ask you this. Why would your Soldiers want to stay in the Army, and be like you, if you are workaholic, and don't model a balanced lifestyle. Your military career will end, and all that will be left is your family. Make time for them, and model a balanced lifestyle, because as you know, you never know when you will gone in an instant.
When I took Battalion and Brigade Command, these were my three goals in order.
1. Model a balanced lifestyle... Never work late unless absolutely necessary. There will always be more work no matter how long you work. Attend ALL school events, sports events, etc. because you can't redo them, and time flies.
2. Make a difference every day.
3. Leave the organization better than I found it.
When I took Battalion and Brigade Command, these were my three goals in order.
1. Model a balanced lifestyle... Never work late unless absolutely necessary. There will always be more work no matter how long you work. Attend ALL school events, sports events, etc. because you can't redo them, and time flies.
2. Make a difference every day.
3. Leave the organization better than I found it.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Great goals sir! This also makes it easier for subordinates to get on board because they see the example coming from the top and won't be intimidated into thinking that endless work is what the "old man" expects.
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COL Charles Williams
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca - Funny you say that... My first Squadron Commander, Vietnam Vet with an Eye Patch (scary), told us all, "I am a workaholic, I come in every day at 4 and I stay til 8. Just because I am here, does not mean you need to be. I will tell you if I need you here." Then, as a Battalion XO, my BC was also a workaholic (married - no kids) would take attendance at PT of the HHD, and then at 10 at night we would all be working... Not just me, but the Staff sections and most of the Soldiers. I would go home after PT to see my kids before school, and go home for dinner to see my family, and then go back to work... When I would leave work... I would stop and see the boss... and his attitude was like... where are you going... there is work to be done... I never wanted to be like the second example. SSG (Join to see)
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There is not really a right answer it's all about balance being there for your family and being there for the soldiers what helped me was not hanging out outside of the house on the weekend was give me more time with the family but also always being there for my sould when Ithey needed me
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Old soldier here. Work Life Balance. I spent two tours at Fort Campbell and I understand the pressure you are under. I was a Platoon Sergeant and an NCOIC. Train correctly and don't allow substandard performance. Encourage teamwork with your squad/platoon/section. Stay on task use the buddy system and leaders in your group. Share the load with the team but never give up your leadership. You work hard in the beginning and set the standards. If you are good they will follow.
Family balance is tough as we all know. I learned to come home and take off that uniform! Put it in the closet along with the issues of the day! Use all those training holidays and other time off and plan to always have something family oriented to do during your down time. It makes those long days and hours you spend at work much more pleasant when you are home. You are no longer a sergeant your dad and a husband. Almost cost me my family bring the BS home.
Family balance is tough as we all know. I learned to come home and take off that uniform! Put it in the closet along with the issues of the day! Use all those training holidays and other time off and plan to always have something family oriented to do during your down time. It makes those long days and hours you spend at work much more pleasant when you are home. You are no longer a sergeant your dad and a husband. Almost cost me my family bring the BS home.
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