What makes you a good leader?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 18:02:10 -0400

Besides the ranking structure and titles. What do you feel make you a good leader?

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Mar 28 at 2020 6:05 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 18:05:09 -0400

Mentoring, guiding, setting the example, delegating, then trusting your subordinates to do the tasks assigned.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 6:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 18:57:14 -0400

The Golden Rule and corollary ——> “treat people right and they will return the favor”

Rev/edit addendum ——> 24 carat only (not pyrite)

Response by PFC Michael Korach made Mar 28 at 2020 7:01 PM

PFC Michael Korach — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 19:01:58 -0400

For me its They are clear and concise at all times, they are decisive and, once they have made up their mind, they don't hesitate to commit and lead, with Courage, Passion and Humility. they should listen to their people, give them feedback. They have to have some emotional awareness of themselves how it affects them and those around them as well, plus they have to know how and when to delegate. these are is just a few of the things that a good leader should have

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 7:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 19:32:47 -0400

Not being a Prima donna by thinking you are the star of the show. "People first, Mission always." Putting ego aside and actually showing your subordinates that they are of value.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Mar 28 at 2020 8:24 PM

1SG John Highfill — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 20:24:21 -0400

Mission first , Soldiers always and safety every day ; was my motto

Response by PO2 Charles Brey made Mar 28 at 2020 8:25 PM

PO2 Charles Brey — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 20:25:34 -0400

I see a good leader as being able to inspire those assigned below them to eventually replace them. Show them the right way, correcting them as necessary, and allow them to find their own solutions to the problems they are assigned to resolve.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 9:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 21:28:22 -0400

Caring for soldiers more than how your promotion packet and NCOER will look

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 10:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 22:20:38 -0400

Addressing my Soldiers needs and giving them time to accomplish their personal stuff. Taking the time to go and visit them in the barracks, offering rides to the px and commissary (in Korea at the moment), asking how their families are doing back stateside, and giving them resources that are available to them within the Army, that they wouldn't otherwise know of.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 10:33 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 22:33:26 -0400

What started it was all of my horrible leadership in my first unit, I never realized it until j was at a later unit when a great SFC told me yij can learn from everyone.. the good ones you can see and learn what they are doing right, and the bad ones you and see and learn what they are doing wrong and make sure you never act/do those things.

Ever since he told me that, I knew I would never be/act how the toxic leadership and people i had treated me.

After that, simply caring about your people, I'm in a joint area now where I actually dont even have any army personnel. Only airforce and navy, but i took the time to learn about their branches and the information that comes with it to know about their promotions, pt tests, etc. Shows I care and want to see them succeed.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Mar 28 at 2020 11:51 PM

SSG George Holtje — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 23:51:40 -0400

That Creed you recited every day in WLC(PLDC for me), think about the words you say there. Understand them and live by them. Be the example of what you want your soldiers to be.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Mar 28 at 2020 11:59 PM

TSgt David Holman — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 23:59:56 -0400

Integrity. Compassion. It goes beyond just getting the mission done, your entire team has to know that you have their backs in tough situations. Sometimes, being a leader means having the hard discussions with your troops that no one else will. I have found that being there for the team, with the team, and having a true attitude of "You don't work for me, I work for you" always helps as well. Recognize high achievers, praise them in public. Realize poor achievers, and counsel them in a way that they feel the desire to do better.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2020 4:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:32:50 -0400

It’s all about the Soldiers. Their failure is my failure. What I do wrong? How can I make them better? I do everything I can to keep them from making the same mistakes that I made, and give them everything my leaders and mentors gave me. They are the reason I get up and lace up my boots everyday.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2020 11:03 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 11:03:50 -0400

On top o what everyone else listed and said....I'd have to include coffee

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Mar 29 at 2020 11:47 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 11:47:21 -0400

I always tried to treat my troops like real human beings. They have their own opinions based on what they know and have seen. That opinion may not always be aligned with mine. Respect that as much as possible. If you take the time to explain why we are doing what we are doing, they will absorb it quickly and likely start to think similarly.
Secondly, you must know your people. You must be approachable. If one of your team members has a sick mother/baby/baby momma, etc., and they don't come and tell you, something is wrong.
You will come across several examples in a career. Learn from all of them. Even if that lesson is what not to do. Hope this helps.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2020 12:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:20:15 -0400

I don’t think rank structure or titles = good leaders. There are people that promote or are placed in leadership positions that aren’t the best leaders.
I’ve seen an E4 lead better than an E8... the quality she possessed was willingness to learn, work, and share her experience. Good leaders build up other leaders. They provide opportunity to encourage growth. Good leaders listen and are not quick to judge or make decisions.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2020 12:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:24:41 -0400

Being a good leader is subjective to diferent individuals.

Now, being humble, empathetic, passionate in your teams growth, mentally/physically fit, adaptable, proactive/reactive problem solver and receptive to listening and feedback is a good foundation.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 29 at 2020 12:58 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:58:19 -0400

Rank and titles do not make good leaders ever. Caring for, training for their survival, patience and dedication is what makes a good leader, as well as standing up for them. You are a teacher, trainer, counselor and priest.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2020 4:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 16:11:52 -0400

Rank is not necessary for leadership. We all know leaders that are junior in rank and eagerly watch for their promotions.
A good leader does their best to make everyone around them successful. They may define success differently than their leader does, and that's OK (unless it's illegal, immoral or unethical...)

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Mar 29 at 2020 6:03 PM

SGT Robert Wager — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 18:03:32 -0400

A good leader is someone that does not have only one style of leadership in their toolbox. An authoritarian style of leadership works sometimes when the need for fast response and discussions will likely get someone killed or harmed. (Take that hill now!) A participative style of leadership works when input and innovative ideas could potentially lead to great ideas on getting the mission done. (We need to get the unit’s vehicle OR rate up any ideas?)

A good leader has empathy for those he leads. He understands that the people he leads are someone’s son or daughter, mother or father. He understands that good order and discipline does not mean you sacrifice a soldier’s dignity to achieve that goal.

A good leader understands that leadership is a both a privilege and a burden. He understands that his success is totally dependent on the success of those he leads. He would rather recognize the success of his soldiers than receive recognition for anything he has done.

A good leader mentors his subordinates to replace him. He never lets an opportunity for his soldiers personal or professional growth pass by. Their careers are just as important to him as his own.

A good leader spends as much time attempting to catch his subordinates doing something right as catching them doing something wrong.

I could go on but this are some of the things I have learned leading soldiers in the military and leading civilians I’m my civilian career.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 29 at 2020 7:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 19:32:58 -0400

This is generic. A good leader adapts leadership commiserate with the environment. Conducting a hasty attack is much different than running a finance unit.

Response by 1SG Tommy McGee made Mar 29 at 2020 8:03 PM

1SG Tommy McGee — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:03:53 -0400

Always hold the standard.! Always keep your Military bearing.! Be honest, Be kind, Be supportive, Be fair, Be a teacher and a mentor, Be stern, Help your troops succeed in the military and in life, pick them up and encourage them when they struggle, and above all else put your troops and their families first, take care of them. Once your troops respect you they will accomplish any mission for you.!

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Mar 30 at 2020 11:52 AM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:52:46 -0400

In a word; experience

Response by SSG Robert Peterson made Mar 30 at 2020 12:45 PM

SSG Robert Peterson — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:45:57 -0400

My guys always new I had their back

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Mar 30 at 2020 4:50 PM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 16:50:48 -0400

Good question SGT McNeil. And it's complicated since one size doesn't fit all (meaning one leadership approach won't necessarily work in all situations). From an individual point of view, it may be best to learn about the various styles and approaches to enable you to select the "right" one for the situation you happen to be in at the time. For example, the style used by a fire chief fighting a fire might be more of a "command and control" approach, but back in the firehouse, the style may (should?) change to a more friendly style. There is not a lack of books on the topic and maybe too many which complicates the learning process. An author named Benard Bass wrote a handbook on the topic but it's over 1500 pages, although it does cover the topic well. I've written a shorter book that covers the essentials ("Management Matters")

Response by SrA Brett Stratton made Apr 5 at 2020 4:39 PM

SrA Brett Stratton — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 16:39:24 -0400

A good leader is someone who can be impartial and rational at times. They don't just give lip service about caring about their subordinated, but prove it with actions. Listening, and especially understanding, when spoken to is also critical.

Response by MSgt Steven Harris made Apr 27 at 2020 2:16 AM

MSgt Steven Harris — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 02:16:10 -0400

Integrity first is one the most important signs of a good leader. I have seen senior leaders and junior leaders make the same mistake because they cared too much about penalizing their troops careers and not enough about the truth of their troops performances compared to the military standards of their branch of service. That is compromising their entire leadership oath from that point on! Your are setting a lower standard for the favorites in your units squadrons divisions or battalions, giving the poorer performers an added advantage over those who actually worked harder to get their promotions and job type does not matter either! I have heard that BS and garbage that one job is more important than another in the military. They deserve more pay due to risk! We all volunteered in modern US Armed Forces and have same opportunity for increase in rank and positions by time and performance and trust in the systems implemented by our supervisors! We pledge to do our best at all times at whatever position, in which we are promoted into above 3 level as a journeyman and trainer upward. The authority and power to get tasks done is in our hands and we are expected to it legally, in a timely manner and safely with all our teams. No team should get preference over another. But we see it happens quite often! The competition between groups is to motivate not divide units and personnel. In the end the whole unit whatever size depends on each member be willing risk injury or die to get the mission done as ordered in accordance with the laws. we must set the example & enforce all regulations! That means you are in charge of people and resources purchased by Congressional funds each year. So we as supervisors owe our best to the officers and civilians who provide all the supplies and training materials and educational resources so we can go out every day and night and do our missions whatever they are for all. Everyone takes the same entry oath and promotion oaths as they climb the ladder of leadership. If we fail in integrity then we fail in all the other areas cover in the leadership regulations for officers and NCOs of any branch. It is unfortunate that our politicians were able to interfere and lower the UCMJ standards of leadership by bringing in social and religious issues which were irrelevant prior. I saw what it did to our units and the credibility of our leaders as they decided their personal habits and desires were more important than the integrity of our Judicial system and codes of conduct, including personal appearance compromises that kept all the branches on equal ground! That is where it all holds together are falls apart, a small compromise here and another there to appease a certain population in the society. We are in the war business not for profit or social acceptance to the privileged in Washington DC or our states. Even our veteran orgs are divided for the same political reasons . It is appalling to hear the garbage that goes in those once honorable charitable orgs. Who is our brother or sister in arms anyone who wore the uniform or those who kept their oaths and served with honor and integrity? That is something we must think about because many did not serve honorably and even targeted good soldiers for political and religious reasons and got them fired or retired early biasedly! That was allowed for decades before and after I retired. It is the new reality of our beloved armed forces. I hope that the integrity returns. Service before self is part of doing it right. Caring about your troops should be automatic, but not if the rules are bent. There is little excellence achieved by lowing the standards so it appears better than it is! It is a lie that those other important ideas given by SFC Palmer. I saw other comments all about working toward a better future for subordinates. But that is apparent desiring their child get the best of everything in life which should be earned including learning from failures. We have seen how some parents get the best for their children in our corrupted societies. Is that what our military has become another section of the not EOT communities we all came from? No, the US Military is suppose to be the best EOT society in the world! Is it or has that ship sailed already along with all the other values; they taught the older generations of American soldiers and citizens, who believe in the old UCMJ and American Constitution and civil rights for our legal family members. Not perfect but fair and honest as we can make it in our lives and activities, as exemplary example for others to follow without compromises. Mistakes are allowed too if we learn form them!

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Sep 15 at 2020 8:00 PM

SFC Chuck Martinez — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:00:05 -0400

Common sense, the ability to make good decisions on the battlefield or CONUS, keep your soldiers physically fit, well trained in their primary and secondary MOS, the ability to solve or correct problems at your rank level, definitely continue your education, always lead by example and never send a soldier to do something you would not do yourself, especially in combat. Amen!

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 11:37 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 23:37:26 -0500

Outside the military I have been HR, a business owner, I've ran crews in construction and worked in the oil field.... my best results came when I got dirty with my guys. When they saw that i would never ask them to do something i wasnt willing to do myself, when they saw the blood, broken bones, sweat and tears but still, i stood beside them, when i demanded perfection, expected mistakes and counseled with love.

At first they will do what you ask because it's your title and their job, but through time, trust and respect, they will go above what you ask because they want to make you proud.