What qualities does it take to lead?

2014-06-03T12:11:29-04:00

I left my path to be an officer and decided to enlist in order to gain experience and time in service before becoming a platoon leader. As a Cadet though, I would always ask the NCOs and officers around me what the best qualities in a leader were. I received many answers, a lot very different. I'm generally new to RallyPoint and was curious as to the thoughts of the community.

What qualities in your leadership made them successful? What qualities made them ineffective? How did you use them to build your own leadership style, and how did they affect you?

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jun 3 at 2014 12:57 PM

2014-06-03T12:57:54-04:00

Daniel, great question. I have three attributes that I believe are the qualities of great leaders.
1. Humility. Nothing distances a leader from his/her troops quicker than a leader who is cocky and narcissistic. We don't need that and subordinates, peers, and superiors alike see right though it.
2. Courage. This isn't a death-defying, reckless attitude. It's a trait that demonstrates meticulous thought as to how to attack a situation, regardless of the opposition - or how it may make you look.
3. Servanthood. Serving your troops is the best way for them to appreciate your leadership.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 10:21 PM

2014-07-14T22:21:46-04:00

I would say a tenacity for success. Not for your success but for the success of your men. They will make you or brake you. You must lead by example and serve your men when needed. I used to think that the Leader made the difference in the success of the mission. I was only partially right. The leader makes the difference by enabling his soldiers to be successful. If your soldiers are not successful it may not be their fault. I learned a long time ago that soldiers are a direct reflection of their leadership.

.....and all that stuff they teach you in Ranger School. RLTW!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2014 6:03 PM

2014-07-21T18:03:07-04:00

That's like asking what qualities it takes to find inner peace. Being a humble, courageous, servant as LTC Strickland lays out would certainly be a good place to start, but if you were also a suck-ass who was all about pleasing your boss and you put that primary concern into those other three buckets, you might be one of the worst leaders ever. Don't get me wrong, I'm a LTC in the US Army, and I believe in doing what you're told, but there's a difference. I think intent has a lot to do with it and that's really hard to measure. WHY are you serving? WHY are you leading the way you are? That will drive WHAT you do. I recommend reading Marcus Aurelius' "The Meditations." Hell, he was Caesar. He probably has some decent things to say about leadership. He talks a lot about being humble...so that's probably spot on. Other thoughts...to be a good leader you still have to be a good follower - do what you're told and don't go off on your own tangents because you've always wanted to do "this" when you were a leader...care about the profession - I mean REALLY care about it. Find something to believe in and let people know about it. It gets to the WHY you do what you do. I know why I serve and I am vocal about it. I'd say you have to inspire people. People didn't join to flip burgers...well, except maybe the cooks...seriously though. Who wants to do this kind of job and just hear drivell from their leaders? They want to believe in something, to be part of the winning team, to be told that they are the sexiest bunch of knuckle dragging man killers on the face of the planet. Inspire people. Be visible. Treat everyone like their life is meaningful. Realize that they are more important than you are. Realize that IF you are good enough, IF you are inspirational enough, IF you treat people like grown-ass men and women, that maybe, just maybe, you will impact their lives and the lessons you impart on them, will be imparted on others...and others...and others as those people take on leaderhip roles. In that way, a real leader will live forever, their legacy passed down from leader to leader until the Army ceases to be.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2014 2:12 PM

2014-07-23T14:12:59-04:00

Along with everyone else here, keep it real and remember all the problems that you had when you were young, nothings changed, unless you change it. You as a leader can make it or break it for your guys. Here are a few tips for you:

1.Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers.
2.Duty - Fulfill your obligations.
3.Respect - Treat people as they should be treated.
4.Selfless Service - Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.
5.Honor - Live up to all the Army values.
6.Integrity - Do what’s right, legally and morally.
7.Personal Courage - Face fear, danger, or adversity [physical or moral].

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Feb 9 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-02-09T14:43:57-05:00

I was groomed to be a NCO that represents six key points:

1. I will provide Purpose. Meaning I will make the mission make sense when time allows so soldiers will feel a sense of purpose and gratitude for the taskings asked of them.
2. I will provide Direction. Apply the concept that the only stupid question is the one unasked. I struggled here a little because this takes work daily and sometimes can become repetitive as a NCO, but when a soldier finally grasps my vision there’s no better feeling.
3. I will provide Motivation. This is my favorite by far especially on Monday morning during PT. As a SPC I loved being the loudest and highly motivated soldier in formation. It helps set the tone for those that are sluggish especially when it’s cold and we’re told to downgrade.
4. I will not ask you to do anything illegal. My job as a NCO is to ensure that we are IAW Army regulations not only through our actions but with our verbal guidance and directives. I am the type of leader that if I honestly do not know I will research it. I have also learned to bring what I find to my seniors and if the guidance contradicts to CM and bring it during the AAR or if it’s severe enough run it up the COC and support channel.
5. I will not ask you to do anything immoral. Morality is important so soldiers don’t feel like they are losing parts of themselves.
6. I will not ask you to do anything unethical. Teaching young soldiers that have the drive to get the mission done and utilize their critical thinking skills is key here. This way soldiers don’t feel they are becoming “corrupt”.

These are the top points I try and emulate on a daily basis. They are not the easiest concepts to groom due to mental blocks persons come in with, but once they are groom some of the most consistent, motivating and well-rounded NCOs I’ve ever worked with.