What makes a great leader in todays military?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 20:44:08 -0400

Looking to see everybody's input on what they think is a great leader

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2014 8:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 20:54:34 -0400

Lead from the front, don't be afraid to do what you believe is right. Take pride in the names on the left and right of your uniform. Push your soldiers and in turn that will push you to be a better leader.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 10:50 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 10:50:07 -0400

 To me a great leader is more than a leader its a person who has knowledge he can offer that is helpful to people who are in need of assistance for things inside and outside the military and someone who not only is willing to give the assistance but actively seeks people in need of the assistance. There is something to be said about someone who has the confidence to lead soldiers in the face of adversity whether the situation is possibly fatal or not.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 19 at 2014 5:25 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 17:25:10 -0400

Being a leader to me is setting a positive example for others to follow. Never asking someone to do something that you are unwilling to do yourself. Being out in front with the people you are leading to help provide guidance when it is needed. Kind of simplistic I know, but that is what leadership is in my opinion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 11:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:13:58 -0400

There is no single right answer. Be tough, but fair. Also remember that fair does not mean equal. Everyone has a different leadership style. Find out which one works best for you and which one works best for each of your subordinates. Develop them and allow them to succeed. Do not be afraid to ask for help from your peers, superiors, and yes even your subordinates. I ask my Soldiers a lot of things. Do I know the answer ahead of time? Sometimes yes, but other times no. I do not know each step of how to conduct maintenance or operate a D7 dozer. That is their job and they joined up to do it for a reason. They take pride in it and by me showing interest in it and asking them to explain what they are doing they can share it with me and I can develop a deeper bond with them. They want to be with those who genuinely care about them. Do not be afraid to let that show.

When it comes to caring you also have to instill standards and enforce them. Do not let someone off the hook just because they are a "good person". Rather use that to teach them. Develop them and let them learn from it.

Remember not every counseling is for negative reasons. Counsel them with what your expectations are, then how they are living up to them. Allow it to be a two way conversation. You can counsel when they do great job, but you must also counsel them on the spot or as close as you can when they are not meeting your expectations. They cannot meet them if they do not know them or are not told that they are missing the mark.

You will have to take situations and people one at a time and on an individual basis. Do not prejudge. Wait until all the facts are in before you make a decision or until you cannot wait anymore due to mission requirements. Whatever decision you make stick to it until you are proven wrong. If it is wrong alter course, and make on the spot corrections. Admitting that you have it wrong and fixing shows you have character, not that you are weak.

Staying confident is trusting the training that your service gives you and constantly seeking to learn more. Have faith in the training that your service gave to the men and women around you and you will gain confidence as you grow. Remember if you are in charge you can ask for help, but ultimately it is your call.

Lastly, I recommend that you seek a mentor that is generally outside your direct chain of command that is senior and someone that you respect. Sit down and talk to them. Use them to vent and as a sounding board. But remember you still have the final call.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 27 at 2014 10:51 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 22:51:54 -0400

It means doing the right thing, even if no one is looking.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 2:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 02:26:21 -0400

The same things that have always made a great leader. There's no difference between now or any other time. The same characteristics are universal imo.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2014 9:08 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:08:10 -0400

What a great post, SPC David W.! How true, how true about Jesus Christ. I have heard something like this quote before, but this "brought it home" for me.

Today (and many days) in church we discussed the fact that Jesus was not the kind of king the people were expecting. Along these lines, Samuel, when he was selecting David (under God's guidance) to be king, was looking for one of David's brothers who was greater in stature, but God was looking at the inner man. He told Samuel to pass over all the other brothers and to choose David.

Jesus came to serve, he was a servant leader, and that is one of the traits I think great leaders should have. It may not fit into the military sense of leadership exactly, but then again, it just may. Serving could mean taking care of one's troops, watching out for them, etc. That's a trait of a great leader and basic tenet of great leadership, in my book.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 20 at 2014 4:56 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 16:56:08 -0400

The leadership traits and characteristics taught for decades are still valid today. Caring, professional, and selfless leaders are what our military and nation needs. If they meet those definitions, they will be great leaders ... at least in the eyes of their soldiers, which is what really matters most.

Response by SSG Ralph Innes made Oct 20 at 2014 5:12 PM

SSG Ralph Innes — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 17:12:03 -0400

Leadership is the ability to get someone to do something they wouldn't ordinarily do on their own by providing purpose, direction, and motivation.

Gen Patton once said, "If you let your soldiers know you truly care for them, they will follow you into the fiery hells of the battlefield."

Your soldiers have to know you have their back and that you really do care about them. You have to take the time to learn who they are and what makes them tick. Some soldiers are motivated by having you in their face while others are the type that need the pat on the back and more subtle vocalizations. However, one of the best ways to show you care for your soldiers is to actually know your shit. In order to properly give the direction, you, as a leader, have to know your job and how to perform it under stressful situations. If you can't perform your job, it doesn't matter how caring or motivating of a person you are, you have failed.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 20 at 2014 5:36 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 17:36:00 -0400

An individual who is tactically and technically proficient in the chosen career field and one that cares for his/he Soldiers. Someone who is as proficient in the combat environment as well as in the garrison environment and vice-versa. Someone who is tough but fair. But this is merely the opinion of a retired ol' Tanker.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 3:01 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:01:06 -0500

I have thought about this a lot. Especially as a new NCO myself. The day I got pinned, my 1SG invited me to each chow with him and the CSM. I sat across from sergeant major and listened. sergeant major told me I hadn't been in the service long enough to be an NCO. He also told me that if I would learn something from every leader I came across, I'd be a good NCO. It could be something TO do, or something NOT to do, but learn from everyone. The thing I took away from him, was that when you respect people, and treat them with respect, you can tell them what you need to tell them without offending them. E.G., him telling me, I hadn't been in the service long enough to be an NCO yet, and that that was one of the main things wrong with the National Guard.
So, have respect for those around you.

The first soldier that I aspired to be like, was a specialist in my Company who knew everything it seemed. Not in the know it all sense, but in the sense of being competent. He was promoted to sergeant, and I didn't doubt he earned it. As an NCO he has taken it on himself to make sure his soldiers are set up for success.

Another, "SGT SweetTea," because he was from Georgia. He was willing to stick up for his guys. He was competent, but that wasn't his outstanding characteristic. His outstanding characteristic was that he cared about soldiers. He was willing to get his dick slapped for his joes.

Another, is was a squad leader when I came in. He's now a platoon SGT. He was the kind of staff sergeant that specialists don't talk to, and privates don't look at. I admired him for his perfect military bearing, for being a soldier's soldier. He could and did teach and make you understand it.

My first 1SG. He loved being a soldier, loved soldiers, and being around soldiers. If you don't enjoy these things, why are you still around? The pay? Find a different job that you enjoy.

My first squad leader. The unshakeable kind. I didn't get the privilege of serving with him on deployment, but those that did, respected him. I don't know what else to say about him. There wasn't much this guy hadn't seen, and he wasn't getting overwhelmed by anything you could throw at him.

In short, I've had the privilege of serving under and with some of the best (I believe) soldiers there are.

My goal as a leader is to take a little bit from each of these and put them all together. And from a few that I didn't list, who I don't intent to copy, I'll learn what not to do.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jan 6 at 2015 4:09 PM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 16:09:50 -0500

You did touch on an important point, "perception is reality". A good leader/mentor is more than the words that come from their lips, it's about the subtle things they display when no one is looking.
I recall, way back in the late 80's, when I was an E-3. On Fridays, we had a general clean up of the warehouse facilities and once everything was satisfactory we usually had a burger burn and some downtime. Well, my coworkers and I half-assed the cleanup so we could get to drinking a couple beers and eating sooner.
Our NCOIC had a walk around and could tell that we slacked. Instead of chewing our asses, as he had every right to, he grabbed a broom and sweeping compound then began to do the work we had shirked. I immediately felt a flush of guilt and attempted to "make it right" and asked for the broom. He said no, I've got this, enjoy yourselves. To say I was embarrassed would be an understatement.
That was a true leadership/mentoring moment to me that I carried throughout the rest of my years of service. Not to mention, I recall finding those burgers exceptionally hard to swallow.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 17 at 2015 2:42 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 02:42:26 -0400

No single thing, but a combination of lots of little things.

Leadership, is like art. All its components are Science or Math based. You can read them in a book. However, their APPLICATION is what makes it good or bad art (leadership).

We teach fundamentals & technique (science). The person has to use intuition to apply them (art).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 4:33 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 04:33:38 -0400

The best leaders I've ever worked for all genuinely cared about their subordinates. They would take time to mentor and coach their subordinates to be successful professionally and personally. It can't be faked and there is no substitute to looking out for the welfare of those placed under your charge.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 17 at 2015 5:54 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 05:54:43 -0400

First of all, this is an awesome topic and from a young leader it makes it even better! You are on the right track SSG Private RallyPoint Member.

I am very encouraged that you have a quest for knowledge, I am sharing ADP 6-22 and believe you will find it interesting because in there it talks about leadership and courage, leaders know when to have candid disagreement, how to influence, situational leadership, leadership attributes (people of Character, Presence and Intellect). It is a great read, I actually enjoyed this book!

http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/adp6_22.pdf

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 7:19 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 07:19:41 -0400

Good followers. But, the thing is, the better the leadr, the better the followers seem to be.

As others have stated a good leader develops others to become leaders.

Give people to opportunity to shine and they will make you shine.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 17 at 2015 7:58 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 07:58:59 -0400

I have know a few really great leaders and they all seemed to be able to inspire confidence and excellence in their organizations. They also led by example and were excellent problem solvers. And they were humble, self effacing, with a great sense of humor that drew people to them and wanted to follow their directions ..

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Oct 17 at 2015 9:48 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 09:48:28 -0400

To me, aside from all of the leadership theories and traits that you'll find out there, a great leader is someone who understands two things:

1) Not all organizations need the same leadership style (for instance, a leader in a basic training setting needs to employ a different leadership style than a leader in a Special Ops setting).
2) Not all people need to be led the same way.

In other words, great leaders know how to both a) stay true to their natural leadership style while b) adjusting that style to the unique needs of their organization and the individuals within that organization. Leaders who fail are the ones with the "I have a hammer, so everything must be a nail" approach to leadership.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 18 at 2015 3:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 15:31:13 -0400

One who genuinely cares for the soldiers and finds time for fun.

Response by Cpl Micah Wing made Oct 19 at 2015 3:17 AM

Cpl Micah Wing — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 03:17:37 -0400

I believe it's taking the time to actually get to know you Mr juniors and understanding them. Know what's going on in their life and treating them accordingly. Taking the time to show them and teach them their job and not just throwing them under the bus. Respecting them like you want then to respect you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 19 at 2015 4:57 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 16:57:54 -0400

One who is creative enough to find solutions to military problems on the battlefield.

Response by SFC Robert Bennett made Oct 20 at 2015 4:51 AM

SFC Robert Bennett — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 04:51:46 -0400

A great leader finds their own way, using things learned from previous leaders to get others to do what under normal circumstances they would not. Surprisingly, my favorite leadership quote comes from an US Air Force Officer.

" Leadership is a gift. It is given by those that follow. You gotta be worthy of it."
- GEN Mark Welsh

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Apr 5 at 2016 8:29 PM

SFC Randy Purham — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 20:29:01 -0400

Knowing the difference between what is reality and what is fantasy. Not getting caught up in the subjective nonsense of your more senior leaders and taking care of your (all) Soldiers despite how your NCOER/OER is going to look. Not being afraid to hurt feelings and give a candid perspective on what's going on whether its the mission, a meeting, or counseling. Being a human being and compassionate and understanding to "life" it happens to everyone! To include Privates. Contrary to popular belief they don't just wake up and take orders - things happen in their lives and a leader who fails to acknowledge that failed at leadership from the start. Always stay humble, approachable, and relatable - even if you can't - try anyway! Always be a teacher, coach and mentor. The rest of the stuff will take of itself. Always be available, even if they don't want to bother you - make them bother you. Keep it professional, but be personable. Train them with end-state in mind. Always give the purpose, direction, and motivation. Always convince the Soldiers with 2- yeses; you are always selling the military to them. If that still doesn't work, make them have a plan and shoot holes in it (not literally) analyze it and fool-proof it with them. Treat them like adults, not like children - even when they want to act like it. Treat their families like you treat yours; with respect, honor, integrity, and dignity - most importantly with love.

Response by PO2 Patrick Prichard made Apr 14 at 2016 1:51 AM

PO2 Patrick Prichard — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 01:51:03 -0400

Someone that can lick stains off of boots in my opinion. If you can kiss A$$ then they will promote you.