What leadership traits do you think are most important for Senior NCOs to possess?

Proactive vs. Reactive
The exceptional leader is always thinking three steps ahead. Working to master his/her own environment with the goal of avoiding problems before they arise.

Flexible/Adaptable
How do you handle yourself in unexpected or uncomfortable situations? An effective leader will adapt to new surroundings and situations, doing his/her best to adjust.

A Good Communicator
As a leader, one must listen...a lot! You must be willing to work to understand the needs and desires of others. A good leader asks many questions, considers all options, and leads in the right direction.

Respectful
Treating others with respect will ultimately earn respect.

Quiet Confidence
Be sure of yourself with humble intentions.

Enthusiastic
Excitement is contagious. When a leader is motivated and excited about the cause people will be more inclined to follow.

Open-Minded
Work to consider all options when making decisions. A strong leader will evaluate the input from all interested parties and work for the betterment of the whole.

Resourceful
Utilize the resources available to you. If you don't know the answer to something find out by asking questions. A leader must create access to information.

Rewarding
An exceptional leader will recognize the efforts of others and reinforce those actions. We all enjoy being recognized for our actions!

Well Educated
Knowledge is power. Work to be well educated on community policies, procedures, organizational norms, etc. Further, your knowledge of issues and information will only increase your success in leading others.

Open to Change
A leader will take into account all points of view and will be willing to change a policy, program, cultural tradition that is out-dated, or no longer beneficial to the group as a whole.

Interested in Feedback
How do people feel about your leadership skill set? How can you improve? These are important questions that a leader needs to constantly ask the chapter. View feedback as a gift to improve.

Evaluative
Evaluation of events and programs is essential for an organization/group to improve and progress. An exceptional leader will constantly evaluate and change programs and policies that are not working.

Organized
Are you prepared for meetings, presentations, events and confident that people around you are prepared and organized as well?

Consistent
Confidence and respect cannot be attained without your leadership being consistent. People must have confidence that their opinions and thoughts will be heard and taken into consideration.

Delegator
An exceptional leader realizes that he/she cannot accomplish everything on his own. A leader will know the talents and interests of people around him/her, thus delegating tasks accordingly.

Initiative
A leader should work to be the motivator, an initiator. He/she must be a key element in the planning and implementing of new ideas, programs, policies, events, etc.

I feel it's important to keep an open mind and understand that your warriors are not all the same. Each are different and have different ways of thinking. It's equally important to be able to effectively communicate with your warriors so they fully understand the mission.

I believe it is important to be able to do the right thing, even though it might not be easy. Honor, Intensity, and Pride in whatever facet of service - whether mentoring subordinates or fellow SNCOs.

I think senior NCOs should posses trust, honestly, the ability to adapt to change and understanding. I got it senior NCOs have been in the ARMY for years and years, they have seen so much coming up through the ranks but they should understand that with the many changes the Army has went through not everyone has fought the battles they had to. Instead of saying 'back when I was a private or young SGT we didn't do that' they should say I used to do it like this but can you show me the new way. You should be able to put the pride down for a second to learn from your own Soldiers all the new changes of the today's Army. They should be understanding to the fact that not everyone knows how to take care of home so it shouldn't be bad when a Soldier asks you for personal advice. Trust is a big key factor. Your juniors should be able to come to you with any and everything and know that their problems won't end up as gossip through out the organization. Not all senior NCOs are bad but their are a few stuck in the mind set of when theig came up in the ranks.