What methods have you employed to deal with the new generation of Soldiers?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:27:22 -0500

So often we hear about the problems and headaches the "new generation" of Soldiers bring. Have you adjusted your leadership style? If so, what were/are your solutions?

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 27 at 2014 4:09 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 16:09:41 -0500

SSG, it has definitely required some adjustment in my leadership style. I have found that I must spend more time with my junior people, and that I have to be more complete in my explanations of direct instructions. That said, once we reach some form of equilibrium, most junior members get onboard with the mission, and are frequently more willing to offer helpful information or suggestions about how to do things better.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Jan 27 at 2014 5:22 PM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 17:22:36 -0500

It took me a while to adjust to the different types of Soldiers that we see now as opposed to years past. Training changes, and so must we. To an extent, our leadership style should be tailored to our Soldiers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 9:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:54:40 -0500

In order to reach them I use the more bees with honey than vinegar approach a good bit. I can get them to do more work and accomplish things by giving small praises along the way or pointing out things they did well with the given task. Now with that being said there is still the need to bite a head off here and there when they screw up, but tell them why and how they screwed up; then show them how to correctly carry out the task. This new generation is totally different and I know you see it as well with being an instructor. They are Special that is for sure, we just have to find out what helps them learn and understand what we are tryin to put across to them.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 28 at 2014 9:56 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:56:31 -0500

"Listen first, talk later". I try to understand their perspective before forming an opinion on an action/plan/event. That doesn't mean they always get what they want, but I don't dismiss them as irrelevant either. You never know who the next great idea will come from.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Jan 28 at 2014 5:47 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 17:47:39 -0500

One method I have used when getting a new Soldier is we set up a financial class that helps them learn to budget and balance a check book. Most think they just swipe a card and POOF money appears when in reality they have no clue. Has been very useful and has helped a lot of Soldier with command decissions on when to buy a car and used or new. Also what counseling is and how we as NCO's use it to help develope them into leaders.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 6:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:21:14 -0500

I prefer to use a battle-axe but they are so messy so I use the stun-gun.

Seriously though, each individual has to be considered as to how we approach them but with the understanding that respect for people in authority will always serve you well.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 2:03 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:03:56 -0500

I believe that all Soldiers want to be challenged. While I was a Platoon Sergeant I used a variety of different techniques to mentor, coach, teach, and train my Soldiers. With the understanding that each one of them were different and required different things, I was able to find what made each one of them tick by not only observing but talking to them. I created standards that were tough but acheivable and held their feet to the standard. It was tough because I had to meet that standard before I would even think about introducing it to my Soldiers. Sometimes we all set standards together and worked as a team to acheive them. As a leader you have to put forth the work. You can not be a 9 to 5 leader in the Army.