What's the Best Leadership Advice You've Received?

2022-03-07T09:43:28-05:00

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Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Mar 7 at 2022 9:56 AM

2022-03-07T09:56:30-05:00

I read it.

“Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it.”
-Colin Powell

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Mar 7 at 2022 10:41 AM

2022-03-07T10:41:49-05:00

Don't give an order you aren't willing to follow yourself!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2022 11:09 AM

2022-03-07T11:09:17-05:00

..."Be the leader you would want leading you" this was told to me early on in my years of managing and leading people and it still speaks truth today.

Response by SGT Charles Whited made Mar 7 at 2022 11:44 AM

2022-03-07T11:44:17-05:00

Be, Know and Do!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2022 12:11 PM

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Do it. You can apologize later if needed.

Response by SSG William Jones made Mar 7 at 2022 12:21 PM

2022-03-07T12:21:23-05:00

"Be sure you're right, and then go ahead."
Col. David Crockett ~ 1786-1836

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Mar 7 at 2022 7:25 PM

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Take care of your soldiers.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Mar 8 at 2022 9:29 AM

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"Better is the enemy of good enough." It's not about mediocrity; rather, it is about energy/resource conservation and efficiency.

Response by Capt LLoyd Spanberger made Mar 9 at 2022 6:13 PM

2022-03-09T18:13:21-05:00

Always do what's right, take action when necessary, and take responsibility for your actions.

Response by Capt Robert Willis made Mar 9 at 2022 6:18 PM

2022-03-09T18:18:12-05:00

I think the best leadership advice I received as a young non commissioned officer was to talk less and listen more. We often want to be the first to speak when we get put into a leadership position, however, to understand the situation and your troops it's often beneficial to ask smart questions and sit back to listen to others speak. This helps you gain a broad perspective and offer meaningful advice when your time comes to provide input.

Response by SGT Frankie Goudy made Mar 9 at 2022 6:38 PM

2022-03-09T18:38:31-05:00

Drill Sgt. Stephens told the entire 4th platoon, in regards to personal hygiene " if your not going to wash your feet, at least wiggle your toes under the shower water".

Response by SPC Greg Shiner made Mar 9 at 2022 6:42 PM

2022-03-09T18:42:40-05:00

Communicate and lead by example.

Response by PO3 John Smale made Mar 9 at 2022 6:53 PM

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Son, I don't have to learn how to get along with you but you'd dam well better learn how to get along with me. Chief Radioman at my first duty station.

Response by TSgt Karen B. made Mar 9 at 2022 6:57 PM

2022-03-09T18:57:28-05:00

The best advice I was given is something I still use today....lead by example. A leader MUST be willing to do whatever he or she is asking a subordinate to do. Also...if they see you doing it, they are less likely to be disgruntled when you ask them to do the same thing.

Response by A1C Gregory McCain made Mar 9 at 2022 7:03 PM

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Serve rather thin be served.

Response by A1C Gregory McCain made Mar 9 at 2022 7:04 PM

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Serve rather than be served.

Response by SGT Jerry Howard made Mar 9 at 2022 7:17 PM

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As a leader be honest and listen to other opinions when time permits if not remember your the leader. Sgt. Jerry Howard

Response by SFC Cory Smith made Mar 9 at 2022 7:56 PM

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You learn from every leader, what works and what doesn’t .

Response by SGT Tom Mccann made Mar 9 at 2022 7:59 PM

2022-03-09T19:59:33-05:00

FROM John J Flanagan Vietnam Vet, "Be opened minded when meeting new people, or a new situation in your life, just be a giving person and don't run and hide when things change or don't go well!

Response by Sgt Candy Ayres made Mar 9 at 2022 8:05 PM

2022-03-09T20:05:04-05:00

When learning or teaching someone something:
See one, do one, teach one

Response by SPC Cecilia Wilson made Mar 9 at 2022 8:15 PM

2022-03-09T20:15:23-05:00

Show gratitude. Never underestimate the importance of the words 'please' and 'thank you'.

Response by CPL Gary Eggen made Mar 9 at 2022 8:22 PM

2022-03-09T20:22:46-05:00

All the way!

Response by 1stSgt Terry Mone made Mar 9 at 2022 8:28 PM

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Take care of your troops and they'll take care of you. Help them get promoted and they'll help you get promoted.

Response by 1stSgt Terry Mone made Mar 9 at 2022 8:29 PM

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Take care of your airmen and they'll take care of you. Help them get promoted and they'll help you get promoted.

Response by CPL Jason Blackwood made Mar 9 at 2022 8:30 PM

2022-03-09T20:30:04-05:00

Embrace the suck. And, it still applies as a civilian.

Response by PV2 Calvin Richardson made Mar 9 at 2022 8:38 PM

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Never ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do. Lead by example.

Response by SGT C Reed made Mar 9 at 2022 8:40 PM

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As soon as you learn something new, teach it to someone else.

Response by CPL Michael Phillips made Mar 9 at 2022 8:43 PM

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Know what you intend to do and do it.

Response by MSgt Haywood Reed made Mar 9 at 2022 8:45 PM

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If you can see it in your head, it can be done, and you can do it. MSgt, USAF

Response by MSgt Haywood Reed made Mar 9 at 2022 8:47 PM

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If you can see it in your head, you can do it.

Response by SSG Mona Swearingen made Mar 9 at 2022 8:49 PM

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"If you don't have time to do it right, do you have time to do it over?"

Response by PO3 Kenny King made Mar 9 at 2022 8:52 PM

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An old gruffly Senior Chief in his rough raspy voice walked up to me and said, “King, what does Navy stand for?” I replied, “Don’t know, sir” Chief, “Never again volunteer yourself, N A V Y” Then he told me I was a natural leader and get ready for a life of leading others. He was right!

Response by SGT Karissa Roudebush made Mar 9 at 2022 8:53 PM

2022-03-09T20:53:47-05:00

Work from the bottom up so you have an appreciation for everyone under your command, and know the jobs of the people directly above and below you!

Response by Cpl Andrew Miller made Mar 9 at 2022 8:59 PM

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Be Humble

Response by SA Joseph Vreeland made Mar 9 at 2022 9:00 PM

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"Never order someone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself" CWO4 Eason, MineFlot/LosA/LBch Bldg 144

Response by PO1 Raymond Vickers made Mar 9 at 2022 9:00 PM

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Best ever? From a OSCS who told me you can make up your mind to get something done, just don't be afraid to listen and change the plan if called for.

Response by PO3 William Wyatt made Mar 9 at 2022 9:04 PM

2022-03-09T21:04:11-05:00

After the service while working at my new job with Shell Oil Company I ask my Manager when I would be advanced to the next level, he replied "and if you tell someone I will deny it" you need to go to college to get promoted. A week lated I was enrolled in college under the GI Bill. Best decision I ever made (next to joining the US Navy).

Response by COL Terry Rowe made Mar 9 at 2022 9:05 PM

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Find out who your boss is, find out what the boss wants, and give it to your boss.

Response by SSG Josh Nestler made Mar 9 at 2022 9:09 PM

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Fear no one, respect everyone.

Response by Capt Heather Brown made Mar 9 at 2022 9:17 PM

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Looking back on it all now, I could say the best leadership advice turned out to be a random comment from a fellow cadet about a possible moto for me. "Do it your own damn self."

Response by PO1 Victoria Cameron made Mar 9 at 2022 9:20 PM

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Never expect your troops to do something you're not willing to do.

Response by SPC Javier Sabi made Mar 9 at 2022 9:22 PM

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TEAM. Together everyone achieves more

Response by SMSgt Rosabelle Davenport made Mar 9 at 2022 9:32 PM

2022-03-09T21:32:02-05:00

Never ask of your subordinates what you are not willing to do/give. Davenport, R. M. (SMSgt, USAF, Ret.)

Response by SMSgt Rosabelle Davenport made Mar 9 at 2022 9:36 PM

2022-03-09T21:36:21-05:00

Most lessons are "caught", not "taught"! Let your subordinates "catch" you always doing what's right!

Response by SFC NPaul Castro made Mar 9 at 2022 9:44 PM

2022-03-09T21:44:26-05:00

You are auditioning for leadership whenever you speak…
Lt Cindell Camp Casey , Korea 1973

Response by FN Yolanda Thompson-Bojang made Mar 9 at 2022 9:47 PM

2022-03-09T21:47:35-05:00

If you can control yourself for one minute, then you can control yourself for the rest of your life.

Response by SSG James Oliver Nathan Jr made Mar 9 at 2022 9:58 PM

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Stay true to your men? 1SG James O Nathan Sr. 90-91 DS/DS.

Response by PO1 Phillip Buszek made Mar 9 at 2022 10:00 PM

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Remember where you came from because we all started from the bottom.

Response by CMDCM George Wilson made Mar 9 at 2022 10:19 PM

2022-03-09T22:19:07-05:00

The best leadership advice I ever had was, "Don't forget where you came from, and develop your own replacement!"
George Wilson, HMCM(SW), USN (Ret)

Response by SGT Michael Brand made Mar 9 at 2022 10:36 PM

2022-03-09T22:36:07-05:00

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Response by AB Timothy Ursch made Mar 9 at 2022 11:00 PM

2022-03-09T23:00:23-05:00

Lead by example and lead, follow or get out of the way!

Response by SSgt Thomas Gleason made Mar 9 at 2022 11:01 PM

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When you realize the lifestyle you want to have, you then work backwards to discover the kind of work you have to do to achieve that lifestyle - then do it!!!

Response by PVT David Sanchez made Mar 9 at 2022 11:17 PM

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Don't load on your shoulders with what only God can do. Put what you have no power to do in God's inbox, leave it there, don't take it back out you wont be able to lift it then either. Now say thank you and forget about it because its taken care of. Believe it. (Bible and Alanon Teacher)

Response by SP5 Harry Logan made Mar 9 at 2022 11:26 PM

2022-03-09T23:26:02-05:00

Don't tell me it can't be done unless you have tried

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2022 11:48 PM

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Put your mind in gear before you put mouth in motion..

Response by SPC Joseph Garcia made Mar 10 at 2022 12:13 AM

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Never follow anyone who’s not willing to do what he expects everyone to follow !

Response by Lt Col Philip Bailey made Mar 10 at 2022 12:28 AM

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Listen

Response by 1LT Arne Dahl made Mar 10 at 2022 12:36 AM

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When I was in OCS , at Ft Benning ,an Army Major addressed me. We standing outside, next to Infantry Hall , next to the statue of the soldier saying ' Follow Me". I remember him saying "There are no statues for after you". 1LT Arne Dahl

Response by PFC Dana Hutson made Mar 10 at 2022 12:43 AM

2022-03-10T00:43:07-05:00

It's not how far you get but how many you bring with you.

Response by SPC Julianna Martinez made Mar 10 at 2022 12:57 AM

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Everyone , should know how to take over the next persons job, with that being said, show up ready to work and learn to take over my job, or don’t bother showing up.
SSG Ramon Tirado

Response by CWO2 John Shaner made Mar 10 at 2022 1:06 AM

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If you can't get out of something, get into it.

Response by SSgt Gerald Borromeo made Mar 10 at 2022 1:18 AM

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As I was transitioning into becoming more of a supervisor and leader when I ranked up to E-5/Staff Sergeant, I received the following quote from one of my greatest mentors after telling him I was worried about becoming a bad leader:

"Remember and take all your experiences with the bad leaders you've either been under or encountered. Just don't do those things that you wouldn't appreciate yourself. Also remember and take all your experiences with the great leaders you've come across. Incorporate their behaviors into your leadership style. Become someone you would want to follow. Part of being a great leader is having the ability to actually lead and not just take command or order people around."

Response by PO3 Patrick Armstrong made Mar 10 at 2022 1:28 AM

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NeverAgainVolunterYourself

Response by HN Jeanie Morshead made Mar 10 at 2022 1:36 AM

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Be aware of your team's individual strengths and weaknesses.

Response by Maj Giogi Chiappo-West made Mar 10 at 2022 1:38 AM

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Prior to issuing discipline for something someone's done, think 1st if you yourself have done that same behavior, understand, and give discipline with compassion.
Col. Mark Hughes

Response by FA James Bradford made Mar 10 at 2022 3:06 AM

2022-03-10T03:06:51-05:00

You are going to make judgement calls that turn-out to be mistakes but you can’t stop the fire will only get bigger recover the moment and move forward put the wet stuff on the hot stuff and we all go home.
Remember, never make the same mistake twice there are plenty more to make but remember recover is everything.
James Bradford Captain

Response by SFC William Lucas made Mar 10 at 2022 4:19 AM

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As new Soldier I was sent to the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. My squad leader told me on day one to volunteer for everything. Advice may seem simplistic, but I literally had raised my hand as soon as I heard "We need volunteers". Not even knowing the task.This led to many benefits such as: 1. Forced me to learn on the fly as some tasks were rather advanced for a private. 2. Kept me busy and away from trouble in the local bars. 3. Showed I had initiative. 4. Was wavered for every promotion up to SGT. 5. Fantastic training events such as mountaineering in Cheju Island. 6. The list goes on.
You see we were all forced to stay in Korea a couple extra years. Many of my friends were not doing well and were demoted, while I went from PVT to SGT in a short time frame.
I owe all this to my squad leader and his very first piece of simple advice. I followed his advice and I will bever forget SGT Egolf for getting me off to a great start. God Bless him and may he rest in piece, A Soldier's Soldier.

Response by SSG Jeremy Lucier made Mar 10 at 2022 4:34 AM

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Don’t tell your Soldiers to do anything you would not do in fact let them see you volunteer for things and put it work and they will not only follow you but respect you

Response by MSG James Reynolds made Mar 10 at 2022 5:21 AM

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The best leadership advice I have ever had was having COL. Avery Brown ask me,"What does it mean to be in CHARGE?!"
He wrote the word on a whiteboard. I gave him my best answer and then He took the H and G out be out of the word charge and it spells CARE.
7452 UAMTF. If you're reading this, please know that are patience is requested everyday and every day in the medical field. Go hunt the good stuff and stay Resilient.

Response by SFC Terry Goddard made Mar 10 at 2022 6:27 AM

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Even tho you don't like something pretend you do,

Response by PO1 Mario Suarez made Mar 10 at 2022 6:31 AM

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"Know your personnel, everyone is different and you, not them, need to understand that. A good leader knows and understands his or her personnel."

Response by SSgt Donald Cameron made Mar 10 at 2022 6:39 AM

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"If you don't have time to do it right the first time, where will you find time to do it right the next time?"
MSgt. Claude E. Gray

Response by AN Daniel C Begay made Mar 10 at 2022 7:10 AM

2022-03-10T07:10:18-05:00

"I Believe in you." was the biggest advice I got from my 'sea daddy' when he put me in he charge of 7 fellow sailors. 'Sea Daddy' being an affectionate name for a mentor in a Senior position while I was in the Navy.

Though assigned this position out of respect, I pissed off a fellow sailor who thought he should have been in that position. That fellow sailor poisoned the water for me the next two years with his charm and influence. I survived and arose above him in so many ways thanks to my original mentor.

Response by SCPO Steve Thompson made Mar 10 at 2022 7:10 AM

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"If you're on time, you're late."

Response by SSgt George Paris made Mar 10 at 2022 7:13 AM

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we are not one but, we are together as one. Chuck Yeager 1988

Response by SSgt George Paris made Mar 10 at 2022 7:16 AM

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We are one team. Not a one person team. lunch with General Chuck Yeager at Bitburg AfB Germany 1988.

Response by SSG Danny Jones made Mar 10 at 2022 7:18 AM

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One Man doesn't make an Army

Response by SPC Jensen Parr made Mar 10 at 2022 7:32 AM

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According to Harvard Business Review Resilience emotional intelligence, the way we separate criticism from the crititic is by asking for coaching. Criticism is never easy to receive but coaching is different. Coaching improves performance reviews by inspiring humility, respect and a passion for excellence.

Response by SrA Samuel Whipps made Mar 10 at 2022 7:34 AM

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Common sense goes a long way!

Response by SGT Vance Janes made Mar 10 at 2022 7:44 AM

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Don't be afraid to fail. Seek out new opportunities and new ways to do things, and always work in a way that is beyond reproach.

Response by SPC Robert Serini made Mar 10 at 2022 7:45 AM

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"When it comes time, do not hem and haw, make the best decision using the best info you have at the time. Whether it is right or wrong, be decisive."

Response by Cpl Douglas Duggar made Mar 10 at 2022 7:49 AM

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Simple, "Learn to listen".

Response by LtCol Barry Fetzer made Mar 10 at 2022 7:52 AM

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If someone in your organization fails, the first place the leader should look is in the mirror because chances are the failure occurred due to lack of training (leader's responsibility), lack of guidance (again, the leader's responsibility), or lack of proper tools or equipment/supplies (also the leader's responsibility).

Response by PV2 Kristie Wyant-Byington made Mar 10 at 2022 7:53 AM

2022-03-10T07:53:13-05:00

This advice came after service. A person I admire very much put up a story on our leadership board at work. This story spoke of many starfish being beached after a terrible storm & low tide, unable to get back to the water. Many people were standing along the beach watching a little girl picking up each starfish and placing it gently into the water. A man asked her why she was doing it, she obviously couldn't possibly help every single fish. She said "I may not make a difference to all of them, but I do for some." This advice helped me to see that we may not "change the whole world", but we do change someone's world, even with small actions or thoughts. Since leaving the Army, I made a proud career as a School Bus Driver & was a "rolling teacher". The Army values were taught to many children, the examples I had carried me through some times that required a deeper patience. Being in the Army, no matter the injury, was one of the best decisions of my life.

Response by SPC Benjamin Nail made Mar 10 at 2022 8:41 AM

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Always be willing to do something that you want someone else to do. Meaning if your not willing to walk a half mile to get fuel for the "genny", then tink twice before you ask someone.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2022 9:00 AM

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"Don't create rules/policy that you can't enforce. It will make you look weak or incompetent"
-Darnley Hodge

Response by PO3 Juan Gonzales made Mar 10 at 2022 9:02 AM

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Treat your troops as you would like to be treated.

Response by CPL Cesar Vargas made Mar 10 at 2022 9:14 AM

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I didn't lie to you, the truth just changed.

Response by Sgt Eury Fernandez made Mar 10 at 2022 9:16 AM

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shut up and do as you're told

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2022 9:20 AM

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The best leadership advice I have ever received was to learn something from everyone you meet. There are people that are not good leaders, teach yourself not to be like them. There are people you can emulate their leaderships skills, so learn to be more like them.

Response by CPO Joeseph Gieser made Mar 10 at 2022 9:30 AM

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Be Honest, Be humble, know your people, and never expect anyone to do something you wouldn't do.

Response by A1C Hope Williams made Mar 10 at 2022 9:33 AM

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Be the leader you would want as your leader.

Response by PO3 Andrea Lyons made Mar 10 at 2022 9:45 AM

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Sometimes the greatest lessons can be learned from someone who is lower ranked, younger, seems to be less intelligent, or less educated. Self actualization is a myth as we should be always striving to improve on our current self.

Response by Lt Col John McMahon made Mar 10 at 2022 9:51 AM

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Make large investments in small groups of people, have them do the same. The dividends will be at a higher yield than you could ever do yourself. It's an amalgam of multiple pieces of advice and personally implemented practices, not from any one person.

Response by Sgt Stacy Johnson made Mar 10 at 2022 10:05 AM

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You are Outstanding! But you don't stand out!

Response by Sgt Stacy Johnson made Mar 10 at 2022 10:06 AM

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You are Outstanding! But you don't stand out!

Response by SrA Jeaneth Helton made Mar 10 at 2022 10:49 AM

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Do what you do best and enjoy doing it. The rest will follow.

Response by Cpl Joseph Betz made Mar 10 at 2022 10:59 AM

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The degree of desire is always measured by the intensity of pursuit. Once my formula is integrated and understood you will never be beguiled by appearance.

Response by COL Tom Monahan made Mar 10 at 2022 11:10 AM

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"You'll never be a success until someone calls you an a**hole."
"What you do in the dark will come to light."

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2022 11:28 AM

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Lead from the front. Also leading by example is similar to this - setting the example for others to follow.

Response by Cpl Efrain Aguirre made Mar 10 at 2022 11:43 AM

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"Make sure brain is engaged, before mouth is in motion" Author unknown
basically think, before you speak!!

Response by PV2 Ronald Foremen made Mar 10 at 2022 12:24 PM

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Always stand when shaking somebody’s hand.

Response by Cpl Steve Stuart made Mar 10 at 2022 12:27 PM

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CPL Steve Stuart
I was an accident investigator @ camp Pendleton. I was told to make sure that I talked to everyone involved & get all the facts before turning in my report because a bad report could change the outcome of the event.

Response by PO3 Kimberly Colinger made Mar 10 at 2022 12:27 PM

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Always lead by example.

Response by SGT Lisa Wu made Mar 10 at 2022 1:32 PM

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Although it is all about team work in the military down range, you must always keep in mind that people will naturally take care of themselves before other. Just think about it, how can anyone take care of another if their lives are a mess? Hence, take care of yourself, keep documentations, fight for things you know are right/beneficial to your career path and know your regulations, in order to support your reasonings if things occur.

Response by PO1 John Starks made Mar 10 at 2022 2:11 PM

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Learned to be both a good leader by being a good follower. When I asked an NCO why he got paid so much more than myself (he appeared to be doing nothing at the moment) he replied, "You get paid for what you do. I get paid for what I know!"

Response by Sgt Jean Knot Gene made Mar 10 at 2022 2:14 PM

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"Sargent, never wash my coffee pot or I will court martial you." Colonel Waterbury, 456th Wing Commander, Beale AFB, CA 1968

Response by PO2 Robert Lade made Mar 10 at 2022 2:25 PM

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That was good.

Response by MAJ Nunya Business made Mar 10 at 2022 2:26 PM

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"People won't care how much you know until they know how much you care"

Response by SFC Stephen Thomas made Mar 10 at 2022 2:37 PM

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SFC Stephen Thomas

As a leader you should always be fair but just so that you will earn the respect of subordinates and others. Lead by example, what your soldiers see or hear you do they will do. They are always learning and it your job/duty to be the example/instructor.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2022 2:48 PM

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"As a new officer, you won't know or understand anything until your a Captain!"

Response by CWO4 Ray Fairman made Mar 10 at 2022 3:10 PM

2022-03-10T15:10:21-05:00

"Commanders have subordinates and lead by virtue of authority... while leaders have followers and command by virtue of respect, and the Marine Corps has far too many commanders and not enough leaders"... My old Sgt Instructor @ WOBC back in 81 when I transitioned from Gunny to Gunner.

Response by COL George Patrin made Mar 10 at 2022 3:24 PM

2022-03-10T15:24:55-05:00

"Call It What It Is." Address each situation or problem openly and honestly. Ask for honest input from all involved, then address the real core issue(s). Bad news does not get better with time. Once you have all available information, given time constraints or demands, act on it stating what has happened and what all stakeholders need to do to improve the situation to achieve mission success.

Response by SPC Thom Welch made Mar 10 at 2022 3:25 PM

2022-03-10T15:25:54-05:00

Starting out I was told to make mistakes and learn. The mistakes you make are your own. As you gain climb in management the mistakes you make can affect everyone.

Response by PO2 Dennis Klinger made Mar 10 at 2022 4:22 PM

2022-03-10T16:22:24-05:00

Those who can't lead and won't follow are of no use to anyone

Response by SCPO Tim W made Mar 10 at 2022 5:27 PM

2022-03-10T17:27:37-05:00

Remember where you came from
Take care of your sailors
Be a leader, not a boss

Response by PO2 Blake Hightdudis made Mar 10 at 2022 5:42 PM

2022-03-10T17:42:33-05:00

It is not that makes you better, it is that which those around you better

Response by Lt Col Kathy Bush made Mar 10 at 2022 6:18 PM

2022-03-10T18:18:11-05:00

If you work for someone - by dam - work for them.

Response by SGT Richard Vance made Mar 10 at 2022 6:48 PM

2022-03-10T18:48:48-05:00

By investing in those under your leadership, you will multiply your effectiveness.

Response by SPC Benjamin Prouty made Mar 10 at 2022 9:11 PM

2022-03-10T21:11:09-05:00

"Embrace the Suck"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2022 11:24 AM

2022-03-11T11:24:29-05:00

The best leadership advice I've received was from my CW3 when I was a PFC. He told me to become the NCO I wish I had. He said to remember what NCOs did not do for me and make sure I did do it for my troops when my opportunity came. Can't go wrong with that.

Response by Maj Malcolm Miller made Mar 11 at 2022 12:45 PM

2022-03-11T12:45:17-05:00

Listen to your NCOs, they know more than any second lt.

Response by SFC JoAnn Roberts made Mar 11 at 2022 1:57 PM

2022-03-11T13:57:55-05:00

When there is a mistake made, what matters is how well does the person recover from the mistake to make thing right!

Response by Amn Robert Watt made Mar 11 at 2022 2:19 PM

2022-03-11T14:19:50-05:00

Lead from the front. Don’t tell someone else to do a chore you would not do yourself.

Response by MSgt Richard Lucero made Mar 11 at 2022 2:40 PM

2022-03-11T14:40:26-05:00

Be consistent, it is key to integrity

Response by Cpl Jay Lytsell made Mar 11 at 2022 2:51 PM

2022-03-11T14:51:48-05:00

It takes less time to do it right the first time than to have to go back and correct it latter.

Response by CPT Don Jenkins made Mar 11 at 2022 3:03 PM

2022-03-11T15:03:58-05:00

Listen and value the feedback given by those you command.

Response by SMSgt Terry LLoyd made Mar 11 at 2022 3:35 PM

2022-03-11T15:35:45-05:00

As long as you are not lazy, you'll be a good leader- at the same time, take care of yourself and your family and don't burn out.

Response by A1C Lynwood Atkins made Mar 11 at 2022 4:27 PM

2022-03-11T16:27:51-05:00

ALWAYS BE FAIR, TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED. MY DAD ALWAYS SAID IT COST NOTHEING TO BE NICE.. WHEN I WAS IN AIRMAN 1ST WAS HARD BECAUSE WE WERE SHIFT LEADERS WITH A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND LONG HOURS. IN THE FAR EAST DURING VIETNAM TIMES MEANT STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE EARLY ON AND TAKING THE LEAD. VERY REWARDING IN THE LONG RUN THOUGH.

Response by Sandra Smith made Mar 12 at 2022 7:52 PM

2022-03-12T19:52:58-05:00

Wait for the answer to your question. Don't assume you know already.

Response by CWO2 John Shaner made Mar 12 at 2022 8:24 PM

2022-03-12T20:24:43-05:00

As you climb the ladder, don't step on the fingers and toes of others.

Response by SFC Donald York made Mar 13 at 2022 6:03 PM

2022-03-13T18:03:32-04:00

Mission first, people always.

Response by SFC Donald York made Mar 13 at 2022 6:04 PM

2022-03-13T18:04:35-04:00

Mission first, people always.

Response by Cpl Frank Birkemeier made Mar 14 at 2022 9:18 AM

2022-03-14T09:18:32-04:00

Best advice I've received is do not blow your deployment money on things such as a new car, but instead save it, and use on long term investments such as a house.

Response by 2d Lt William Widenhouse made Mar 14 at 2022 9:19 AM

2022-03-14T09:19:47-04:00

As a new 2nd Lt, I was assigned as a field maintenance officer for an aircraft maintenance squadron in 1967. I was responsible for about a dozen shops and 80 enlisted personnel and really had no clue how to "manage" this group of specialists that knew so much more than I did. Somehow, I found myself visiting each of the shops once or twice a day just to meet the specialists and see what was happening. I later coined this management process as MBWA - Management By Walking Around.

Response by 1LT Jon Rogers made Mar 14 at 2022 3:41 PM

2022-03-14T15:41:26-04:00

NEVER DO ANYTHING ILLEGAL, IMMORAL OR UNETHICAL.

Response by SGT Patrick McCauley made Mar 15 at 2022 5:02 PM

2022-03-15T17:02:56-04:00

“Your active duty. You’ll move a lot. Make friends, but don’t get in trouble because of them. CYA. Give trust to those who deserve it. Stay back from those who don’t. When you get out lean on those who you trusted because you may need them…and they may need you also. Never lose contact with the ones you care about as even a text can keep you together, and have fun even in the shittiest of times.”

Response by PO3 Patrick Armstrong made Mar 16 at 2022 1:46 AM

2022-03-16T01:46:56-04:00

step back and watch

Response by 1stSgt Rick Warner made Mar 16 at 2022 3:19 PM

2022-03-16T15:19:57-04:00

First in line for shots, last in line for chow. Very similar to Steve Jobs' philosophy of taking care of employees so employees take care of the business. Lead from the front and care for their needs to get the support of those we are leading.

Response by A1C Joseph Copeland made Mar 16 at 2022 7:12 PM

2022-03-16T19:12:28-04:00

My first Postmaster told me to stay 5 steps ahead of my enemies. My 1st wing commander told me to never let no one knows what i was thinking. I told him that DON CORLEONE. HE told me watch the Godfather. It was educational.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 18 at 2022 2:57 PM

2022-03-18T14:57:52-04:00

I was OIC for Single Soldiers' Day at Ft Hood. It drew 30,000 people. I was given the advice to look at the event as a battlefield. A sector sketch of sorts

Response by CPO Melvin Miller made Mar 18 at 2022 5:03 PM

2022-03-18T17:03:41-04:00

Do not try to be every ones friend. You are in charge. The ball stops at you and lead by example. Set the example. Dress and act the part

Response by MAJ Norm Michaels made Mar 23 at 2022 10:03 AM

2022-03-23T10:03:36-04:00

Managers do things right; Leaders do the right thing.

Response by Col Robert Lucania made Mar 27 at 2022 11:00 AM

2022-03-27T11:00:18-04:00

What you tolerate will happen.

Response by LCDR Timothy Karges made Mar 27 at 2022 3:38 PM

2022-03-27T15:38:10-04:00

I was moving into a demanding department head position while still relatively junior for the position.
Knowing that I was a total Workaholic, & tended toward the "It's best if I do it myself" my CO called me in & handed me a copy of the Harvard Business Review article "Who's Got the Monkey?" https://hbr.org/1999/11/management-time-whos-got-the-monkey Pure gold! Helped me immensely for the rest of my career, and after retirement as a civilian leader/manager.

Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?

The burdens of subordinates always seem to end up on the manager’s back. Here’s how to get rid of them.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Mar 28 at 2022 12:14 PM

2022-03-28T12:14:05-04:00

From various mentors as I rose in rank. Never say "We have to do this because so and so said to" always say because I said so. Explain what, where, when and how if needed. For why, refer to the previous sentence. Never ask your people to do anything that you won't do yourself. And the best one of all, IMHO, is don't do stupid shit, and don't fuck up.

Response by PO3 Steven Rehder made Mar 28 at 2022 7:15 PM

2022-03-28T19:15:42-04:00

I was at my E4 frocking ceremony and made a sarcastic comment about the way the ceremony was set up. My Senior Chief turned to me and said, "Too many times, people are perceived to be ignorant or more or less an idiot. It is always better to be perceived that way than to open your mouth and remove doubt of it."

Response by PO2 Paul Reeve made Mar 28 at 2022 7:51 PM

2022-03-28T19:51:17-04:00

Lead by example. and when you turn to see who is with you, there will be a long line.

Response by SPC Robert Millan made Mar 30 at 2022 10:17 PM

2022-03-30T22:17:19-04:00

my captain told us to "never give up, and never surrender" and I have used those lines always in every aspect of my life.

Response by SPC Anthony Braye Sr made Apr 1 at 2022 8:16 PM

2022-04-01T20:16:22-04:00

The best advice I have ever received was from a E7 while on tour at Ft. Steward GA. He said, don’t work where you live and don’t live your work.

Response by RallyPoint News made Apr 4 at 2022 10:58 AM

2022-04-04T10:58:06-04:00

Congratulations to TSgt Karen B., Cpl Andrew Miller, SFC Private RallyPoint Member, SSG Jeremy Lucier, and CPO Joeseph Gieser. You've all won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

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Response by CPO Joeseph Gieser made Apr 7 at 2022 8:08 AM

2022-04-07T08:08:13-04:00

Thank you for the win!

Response by SSgt Tom Neven made May 6 at 2022 3:34 PM

2022-05-06T15:34:41-04:00

Nobody's smarter than all of us.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made May 18 at 2022 12:38 PM

2022-05-18T12:38:42-04:00

"You can delegate authority but you can't delegate responsibility"