Posted on Jan 28, 2014
Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
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Do you have a tried-and-true "go-to" formula for success... is there even such a thing? If so, perhaps it was something that you learned from a coach, a mentor, an instructor, or family member that you've adapted to your military career or for military purposes? Is there a method, technique, resource, book, course or any other useful piece of information or wisdom that you'd like to share with others? What has worked for you that you'd like to pass on to those coming up through the ranks today? So, if you'd like to really make a difference, here's your chance to share those useful bits of wisdom, and help to shorten the learning curve for the next generation of service members. Please feel free to share links, photos, sound files or anything else needed to tell your story and/or describe your method... this should be great fun and highly informative at the same time; so, let's grab those keyboards and get to it, thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!
Edited 12 y ago
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Responses: 15
SSG C Ied & Irw Instructor
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1. Go to work everyday like it's your first day on the job.
2. Learn something new everyday, and make sure your subordinates learn something new everyday.
3. Don't be prideful and flashy, but remember that no one else is going to toot your horn for you.
4. Face failure with dignity and an open mind, those around you might be able to learn from how you deal with failure.
5. Sometimes false motivation is better than none, don't let your down days radiate out and affect others.
6. No matter where you are, take pride in it. Those who constantly complain and never work towards affecting change, have no pride and are what drags a unit down.
7. Stay classy.
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SPC David Wyckoff
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Major Burns,


My Pop started me out early with the rules for success. He told me there are three simple rules to being a good man.

1. You never lie. A man's word is his bond and to break your word is to be forever seen as a liar and a coward. This leads directly into rule #2.

2. You always take responsibility for your words and your actions. If you did good take the credit, if you did wrong then stand up and take the consequences.

3. Always protect the innocent. Children, elderly, mentally infirmed, and women (He is from the old school). You stand in the gap for those who can't protect themselves.
He told me that almost all of the situations I encounter in life will fall into one or more of these rules.
I have tried (not always successfully) to follow them. But I continued to hope that if I did, that someday maybe, just maybe I could half the man my ol Pop is.

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SGT Bryon Sergent
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Well Sir, I have found that a tried and true method of, being where you are supposed to be there, in the perscribe uniform, when you are supposed to be there. Keep the griping to a minium. If the soldiers stop gripping then there is an issue. Don't down grade a leader in front on anyone except, the way my SGM put it and I quote"to your poo"(the one you bitch to and work problems out to). Do what is asked, as long as a lawful order, when asked to do it. And the hardest part for me is to keep your mouth and attitude in check! The leaders where put the ahead of me for a reason. I might not like the leader but the order is coming from higher than him, so just give your gripes and drive on with the mission at hand.
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SFC Company Fsnco
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Sir,
    I've learned that the best results for growth has come from the dissemination of information and allowing the team to have input on the plan for success. I have felt that way since I began in the Army and we were told to do things a certain way. None of "Joe's" plans were accepted as a plausible solution; he just had to move out and execute. The result was that I missed out on understanding a lot of the senior leaders knowledge and thinking on how or why things should be done. So I've implemented the changes that I desired as a junior enlisted soldier within my own teams. 

   Mentoring in stride. I ask a LOT of my SGT E-5's, but, because of the responsibilities I place on them I can accurately assess their competence, leadership and ability to train Soldiers. Will they accomplish their mission before on or after their due date? Have they provided their soldiers with a clear concept of the mission and direction on the best way to accomplish it? Are their Soldiers able to accomplish tasks at and above their levels?How about that NCO; is he or she able to do the same?

  SGT Norman quoting Gen Powell is right in line with what I spoke today during training..."I need you to mess up here and now, it's okay...Here is where we can fix it and get you on the right course. Once we leave here and we have to conduct business, there is zero margin for error." Will I get in their stuff and create stress during training?ABSOLUTELY!!! But we've got to bring their focus back to the team so they can think clearly about the days events and how to improve themselves. I think a lot of our young NCO's of the OIF OEF generation, myself included, are missing that crucial piece of Soldier development.

This is a topic that could have quite a long discussion per response. You almost need to have board convene to get it out and drive the influence. It's a great topic Sir and I hope my comments can point some of our NCO's and Officers in the right direction. Officer understanding is CRUCIAL, because we, as NCO's, can only enforce the standards that our Officers direct.
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SSG Gerhard S.
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Edited 12 y ago
My Best advice is as follows.
Learn from your mistakes and take ACTIVE steps to ensure you do not repeat them.

Train your troops like YOUR life depends upon their Professionalism, Competence and Proficiency, because your life DOES depend on them.

Always do what you KNOW is right.  If you aren't sure which is the ethical choice, check your premises.  If outside influences are clouding your vision, YOU are the one who has to sort it out.  If you boil conundrums down to their basic issues, the choice suddenly becomes clear.

Don't be afraid to admit when you've made a mistake.  Tolerate honest mistakes from those you serve with.  Seek advice and guidance from your Peers, Subordinates, and your Leadership.  They all have something to offer toward your development as a Leader and as a moral person.

Keep moving forward, in your quest for knowledge, and in developing your interpersonal relationships.

Relentless positive action yields positive results, perhaps not as quickly as you expect, but more often when you least expect.
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