Posted on Jan 15, 2016
What would you put into a leadership development training program?
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My Brigade Commander challenged us to create a leadership development training program. We're polling our own service members and civilians for good ideas. I figured this is another resource for good ideas.
So here's the question: what courses or types of courses have you attended that you consider to be instrumental to your development as a leader? What types of courses do you wish had been offered to help you develop? What types of courses were mandatory but you hated (and why)? Not looking for the standard service SSD or NCOES requirements, Ranger/Sapper/Jump Master, or MOS specific courses.
We are in the Ft Bragg area, but travel nor funding is a problem. Existing ideas include NC State/Duke seminars, Harvard Mentorship Online seminars, JKO's SEJPME 1 & 2, and JSOU courses. I know here are some great ideas in the group so let's hear them!
So here's the question: what courses or types of courses have you attended that you consider to be instrumental to your development as a leader? What types of courses do you wish had been offered to help you develop? What types of courses were mandatory but you hated (and why)? Not looking for the standard service SSD or NCOES requirements, Ranger/Sapper/Jump Master, or MOS specific courses.
We are in the Ft Bragg area, but travel nor funding is a problem. Existing ideas include NC State/Duke seminars, Harvard Mentorship Online seminars, JKO's SEJPME 1 & 2, and JSOU courses. I know here are some great ideas in the group so let's hear them!
Professional Development
Leader
SFC
1SG
CSM
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 25
Property accountability! Being a 92Y (supply sergeant) I've seen far to many FLIPS due to negilance where the Service Member thinks that their loss should be covered. In addition I see far to many careless leaders who also think that they have no responsibility in ensuring a individual maintains accountability.
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I like this thought process - thanks SFC Hamilton.
CW3 (Join to see)
It's in SSD-1, much better course than the old military skills level 1. They even go over a module on Six Sigma, now to get Soldiers to understand the importance and that the Supply NCO is not out to get you is the trick. :)
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Thanks Chief, but I don't think I'll be able to talk SNCOs into doing MORE SSD.
MSG(P) (Join to see)
Yeah I seen the introduction to property accountability in SSD 1, however I don't think they made it hit home. In this class it should hit home so that Soldiers (no matter the rank) and leaders (no matter the rank) know that they all can and should be held responsible (financially or otherwise) in the loss of equipment. In addition it should be taught that no matter if you purchase it with your own money if it says US Army and is found in the Army catalog then it is Army property. So items purchased at AFFES, General Jacksons, your local mom and pops pawn shop items still belong to the government (per the regulation). And any item that is not found in the Army's catalog is not authorized for military use (per the regulation) due to safety concerns and proper testing issues.
Honor code. One of the greatest failures in leadership today is a lack of willingness to take responsibility for one's actions and decisions. Sadly, superiors are partially responsible for this situation by either not taking responsibility themselves (not setting a proper example) or by not respecting a subordinate's willingness to take responsibility (recognizing that much future trouble is avoided when subordinates acknowledge omissions, errors, and failures thus ensuring that corrective action is taken expeditiously).
Some history lest our so called developing "leaders" repeat the same mistakes. Much of the courses out there focus on characteristics and process and are way short on perspective. I mentioned in another post that perspective helps you do the right thing much more reliably than the canned 60% solution. Knocks down the collateral damage too. Knowing when, where, and how to apply yourself is the goal.
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Sir, absolutely agree. I am currently transitioning from the Troop to Squadron level and am quickly learning to put decisions in the right context and perspective. most of that learning is through senior leader Mentorship after I've already made the mistake. Are you aware of any other avenues/training courses to help leaders gain this perspective?
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Thank you sir, I'll look into it.
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