What Training Creates Great Leaders?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:05:47 -0400

RP Members what are some the very best training methods or classes that will create GREAT leaders?

Share your thoughts and experiences

What's overrated and what's not?

What's missing in today's training for leaders?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 4:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:08:56 -0400

Great question COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 23 at 2016 4:14 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:14:01 -0400

Crawl, Walk, Run phases are excellent for training. You reiterate this with repetition until all the contact drills are done instinctively. Leaders have to work much harder considering they have one or more elements to direct. Some of us studied the theory and applications of war to try to understand the nature of war.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 4:20 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:20:44 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Sir, training and experience are good, but mentoring by someone that cares helps develop great leaders.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 23 at 2016 4:25 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:25:41 -0400

Leaders tend to have some innate character which helps them weather storms COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Training can help us learn to function under incredible stress but it usually is field experience which develops leaders and make them shine even in the mud, dense brush, and/or darkness.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made May 23 at 2016 4:35 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:35:56 -0400

Experience and mentorship create great leaders. Classes only provide a "possible" foundation.

Response by MAJ Andrew Ready made May 23 at 2016 4:43 PM

MAJ Andrew Ready — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:43:24 -0400

standard military training is fine, but i don't feel that the military has a good handle on it still. The specific type of training used depends on the audience and what is being taught. The adult learning model (ALM) is great for senior level training. However, it should not be used for Privates in Basic Training.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 23 at 2016 4:49 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:49:01 -0400

I might know the methods or classes that create great leaders if I were one. Or if I had ever seen one come into being. Sadly, I can't trust the biographers of great leaders to know inasmuch as I never knew of a biographer who was a great leader and might recognize that spark which illuminated the great leaders they wrote of. To be perfectly honest, I have a deep rooted suspicion that great leaders aren't always great leaders, that they rise to a challenge and are great leaders only in that moment. For example, what great thing did Lincoln do before faced with the challenge of preserving the Union? Therein lies another discussion, doesn't it?

Response by SPC Corbin Sayi made May 23 at 2016 4:59 PM

SPC Corbin Sayi — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:59:25 -0400

Menorting is unique from the rest. Experience is the long way to being a great leader, but if someone who already possesses experience has mentored you, it's likely you will apply his/her experiences in your decision-making.

Mentorship opportunities are also lacking in the military, and are being supplemented with brief PowerPoint slides and courses (*cough* SSD), which simply isn't effective.

Try having PFC Joe do a "job shadow" with the company commander once or twice a year, and SSG Blow do a job shadow with the SGM. Results may inspire people.

Response by SPC David S. made May 23 at 2016 5:41 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 23 May 2016 17:41:55 -0400

I have to say other as I think its a little bit of each - I've always believed the ability to influence others is grounded in psychology - knowing yourself and how your personality plays a part in the interactions with others. If you look at effective leaders they often have an immense network of both professional and personal relationships. Understanding personalities helps in managing these relationships as well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 6:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 18:54:53 -0400

A leader cannot be developed by just watching and following. At some point you have to lead and learn. Schools do offer some opportunities for identifying strengths and weaknesses, as well as filling your toolbox with things you can use to refine your own development or augment your efforts to develop leaders, but nothing beats allowing juniors opportunities to get their hands dirty with coaching and mentoring.

One of my units took advantage of short FTXs to plunge future leaders into the leadership waters. In the months prior to the exercise (think Reserves) we would ask junior soldiers (promising SPCs and new SGTs) to plan training events. They would be put into squad leader positions for parts of the FTX and be expected to take the reigns. The sNCOs would observe and mentor as appropriate.

These kinds of opportunities are the kinds of experiences that I think are valuable in leadership development. It is a "safe" environment to test abilities and make learning mistakes.

On another note, I have seen too many instances where NCOs are more concerned about how well their ability to be a leader, is reflected on their NCOERs. Perhaps more emphasis needs to be put on what they have done to develop the future leaders falling under their charge. Do we put the right kind of emphasis and value for Leadership bullets?

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made May 23 at 2016 7:23 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Mon, 23 May 2016 19:23:32 -0400

I believe that reading and retention of material once it's read is a training skill that is becoming a lost art.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made May 23 at 2016 7:49 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Mon, 23 May 2016 19:49:35 -0400

I think all of them are good for building good leaders, myself I preferred to be taught by a good Sr NCO. You can't be a good leader by going to school you need hands on also.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:00 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 20:00:21 -0400

Someone years ago said " Leaders are born, not made " I'm almost inclined to fully support that but smarter minds have concluded that proper training and understanding human nature are key in development of leaders Any society that relies on fear to be the primary force that compels a man to respond favorably to commands is not intent on creating a leader of men, but an enforcer of laws that maintain freedom, not out of respect but fear. Instilling TRUST in followers while at the same time teaching that the need for leadership is one of the most sought after character traits in society. Someone has to have the awareness of what progress means to society as a whole. Identifying traits that are absolutely critical to leadership is only possible when advances in society can be measured against goals established. Trust, Awareness, Confidence, Respect & Spirituality.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:02 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 20:02:14 -0400

IMO Excellent example.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made May 23 at 2016 8:18 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Mon, 23 May 2016 20:18:37 -0400

1. Home Training
2.Spiritual Training
3.Life Training
Whatever you learned under those 3, that is what you will bring to the table when you sign up for military service.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 24 at 2016 12:28 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 24 May 2016 00:28:42 -0400

The best leadership training environment is in the shadow of a great leader.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 6:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 06:29:52 -0400

Ranger!!!!!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 8:38 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 08:38:25 -0400

I personally don't believe you can teach leadership in a classroom. You can provide a background for someone to develop in...but experience is the best teacher. A "good" leader has made mistakes...and learned from them.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 6:48 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:48:45 -0400

learn it and use it right away. then it becomes automatic... do they need to ask me?

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 25 at 2016 12:33 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 25 May 2016 00:33:42 -0400

If I were CSA, I would make ALL 2LTs go to Ranger School.

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made May 25 at 2016 9:06 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Wed, 25 May 2016 21:06:03 -0400

It has been my experience that Coaching and Mentoring from a Senior Leader have been and remain most effective for me. I have been blessed to work with the finest of the finest. Those that are in the position to lead do so by just being themselves and passing on the knowledge that they have been blessed to have been provided, from their mentors. The key is choosing the right one.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made May 25 at 2016 10:14 PM

SGT Edward Wilcox — Wed, 25 May 2016 22:14:55 -0400

Experience is the only way to make a good leader, if one can learn from their mistakes.

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made May 26 at 2016 6:11 AM

SPC Kenneth Koerperich — Thu, 26 May 2016 06:11:55 -0400

OJT all the way. Seen to many book smarts that knew diddly squat in the field. Seen way to many field smarts, but passed over due to no book smarts. OJT/hands on is the best. Mentoring comes in second, as it goes hand in hand w/ OJT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 7:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 07:42:45 -0400

Experience in any field can make you a leader, but having a good mentor that helps you develope is what makes someone a "GREAT" leader!

However, in order to be a "GREAT" leader, a mentor that dedicates time to your

Response by MAJ L. Nicholas Smith made May 26 at 2016 9:00 AM

MAJ L. Nicholas Smith — Thu, 26 May 2016 09:00:42 -0400

It is not one specific thing but a combination of many. In the military, there must be some degree of military education in order to understand, gain proficiency, and eventually become an expert in a respective field. Coaching and mentoring are also important as it develops trust and addresses the human element. I've know several very intelligent leaders who had not ability to empathize or connect with his troops.

A leader must also be challenged and tested under difficult and strenuous conditions in order to not only know his unit and soldiers but also himself and his own limitations. I think we lose this when we try to replace real training with simulations.

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made May 26 at 2016 11:18 AM

SSgt Boyd Welch — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:18:37 -0400

Great leaders are often propelled upward by the people they lead. I like to look at whether an individual leads simply because they have the title or because their people follow them because they respect what their leader has done for the squad/crew/organization.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 11:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:36:23 -0400

Coaching and Mentorship, hands down. Anyone with a brain and a mouth can learn and regurgitate stuff learned at leadership schools or online classes, but only the true leaders can perform the task, explain the task, talk through the questions and complaints without blaming the ever mysterious "they", and wrap it all up in their appearance, military bearing, and how they handle stress under fire. I have met several rank holders or paycheck collectors that were highly educated in civilian and military schooling, but couldn't seem to understand that the Army wasn't there to make them good, it was there for them to make the Army good. We do that by leading, mentoring, and coaching those subordinate to us. We don't wait for Sergeant's time or a scheduled block of instruction as most do now, we take the time during the task, field problems, details, or anywhere else the opportunity arises. If junior service members search you out, even after you've retired, for advice and counsel then you know you have followed the right example.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made May 27 at 2016 1:06 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 27 May 2016 13:06:17 -0400

Ranger School.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 2:50 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 14:50:47 -0400

The only way to train a leader is to be a leader. Good leaders breed good leaders. Bad leaders breed bad leaders. that simple.

Response by MAJ Mark Wilson made Jun 2 at 2016 3:29 PM

MAJ Mark Wilson — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:29:14 -0400

I was always told there are two types of training - Mindless Repetition and Blunt Trauma. We don't get a lot of blunt trauma, unless you are in combat, and that is sometimes not the best time for leader development. All young leaders need to be allowed to make mistakes. Innovation and experience grow out of failure. Ranger School is not a guarantee to produce a great leader, granted it's loaded with blunt trauma. Realistic and resourced training as well as great mentors create great leaders. Leaders should be graded on their mentoring, and it's not just senior leaders. Should be one and two levels down.

Response by SFC David Davenport made Jun 3 at 2016 9:05 AM

SFC David Davenport — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 09:05:28 -0400

By far individual mentorship has been the most beneficial to me throughout my career. I have had numerous Soldiers come to me and thank me for mentoring them as well.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Oct 15 at 2018 1:48 AM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 01:48:27 -0400

In the Infantry Leadership and Leadership skills are a life and death matter, so any great leader will set that as the standard in which everything he does derives from. Such as tactical decisions , as a Leader other's follow the plan of action , but the question will be first will the plan complete the mission ? , Second can the plan be accomplished with minimal loss of life ,third will the plan allow for maximum effect on the enemy . Contrary to popular belief grunt's are not stupid, they see from a leader's example and standard who they want to follow , and who they don't , I was taught by LTC Beal, Commander of 2bn 15th inf ( mech) Wildflecken,Gy. I observed how he turned the black sheep of the U.S. Army into the best Infantry unit in Europe , which is why that unit was tasked to go to Iran in support of the hostage rescue operation, due to a proven record of readiness for Combat. But more importantly was the wartime mission readiness of the 15th inf in Europe which was first encounter in order to get to the famous Fulda gap, they had to get through us at the mouth of the Fulda gap a 1 kilometer wide Valley of Death with a 72hr life cycle , that's how long the European military force had to hold back the red hord to allow for the reinforcement to arrive.... Brilliant leader's simply show other's how it's done , LTC Beal could outrun 17-18 year olds without breaking sweat, I know I was one of those young men . He taught me if you want to be the best ,you gotta bump the standards as equal to the degree of your idea of what being the best means to you.... Sometimes that requires a failure to make one reach for higher place ... In my case it was a PT test only one I ever failed at Recondo school I passed the graduate or walk away PT test, my arrogance of the regular PT test did not prepare me for the higher standard PT test conducted on day 1 , it did however get me into the best shape of my Life upon graduation , there good tactical skill's and then there is genius in tactics, final test for graduation was a field leadership tactical test , the mission was defense and or offense ,given the military odds of 3 to 1 offense vs defense , your mission as leader was to win either in offense or defense, only one student ever won on defense in the history of the course , and not just win but rendered the offense 85% Combat ineffective , would have been 100% but the test was stopped before that occurred .3 day's after graduation I reported for Air Assault school, 3 day's after graduation I reported to Sniper school , 3 day's after returning to my unit from graduation I was given a squad as a Spc4 waiting on orders to corporal , my standards were way above other's, my squad did squad PT after company PT, all knew to volunteer for guard duty during the run. My squad knew I was an expert in every weapon on the range used in our squad as well as foreign military weapon's, they knew I ran on every kind of land navigation course ever setup and never missed a point , never got lost on the point no matter the distance or obstacle's and most importantly they knew I always played to win no matter the odds. Great Leadership is about higher standards, those you set for yourself , and those you lead . Once the bar is set just a matter of reaching for it .....