What would you tell the prior leader version of yourself?

TSgt Melissa Post — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 11:59:32 -0400

If you could go back to just before you became a leader or supervisor, what one lesson would you tell yourself about being a leader that you have since learned making you an even better leader?

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 27 at 2015 12:04 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:04:21 -0400

Be. Know. Do. You knew what it was for the board, but you didn't really know what it was till later. Learn it now.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 27 at 2015 12:05 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:05:06 -0400

Listen and take notes, a loud leader isn't always an effective leader.

Response by SPC Robert Mcnally made Aug 27 at 2015 12:09 PM

SPC Robert Mcnally — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:09:19 -0400

As I learned in my company before I joined the service, take very good care of those that take care of you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 12:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:10:19 -0400

Dont be afraid to ask questions.

Response by SPC Nate Lamphier made Aug 27 at 2015 12:19 PM

SPC Nate Lamphier — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:19:54 -0400

If someone (of rank) specifically asked for my opinion on a matter I would give it. It often led to more respect between myself and the other individual. Reason being is that I gave it in a professional manner and never threw anyone under the bus.

Now I had some "leaders" who would ask for input to an entire group and well, would be doing so in a manner that you didn't want to give them input because you knew it was going to come back at you. But again, that was just the type of leader these individual were/are and it is also the reason they were not respected across the board.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Aug 27 at 2015 12:20 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:20:47 -0400

TSgt Melissa Post "Easy to be hard, hard to be smart." Error on the side of being smart. Hard may impress at the onset, smart impresses for an entire career.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Aug 27 at 2015 12:32 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:32:38 -0400

One does not have to hit oneself upon the head with a hammer to know it will hurt.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 1:40 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 13:40:36 -0400

I would tell myself not to take myself so seriously. I have mellowed over time but I thought I was both very important and way more indispensable to the running of my unit than I was.

Another thing I would say is don't make any changes in the first week of taking over. Figure out what's going on and why before you try to "improve" it.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 27 at 2015 4:23 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 16:23:16 -0400

"That this, too, will pass... But it's usually right after a few others show up, so don't let that one thing sabotage your leadership..."
Yeah... The first time out of the barn for ole "Buck-Sgt Ellis" wasn't so spectacular... :)

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 27 at 2015 8:22 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 20:22:12 -0400

TSgt Melissa Post Rather than having quite as much fun as you did, you should have had some of the fun, and finished your college....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 3:24 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 03:24:29 -0400

Get off your comfy butt and get your military and civilian education going. Work harder toward getting promoted.

Response by MSgt Joe Davis made Sep 9 at 2015 10:12 PM

MSgt Joe Davis — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:12:17 -0400

Bad news never ages well.

Response by SGT Apollo Sharpe made Sep 10 at 2015 2:18 PM

SGT Apollo Sharpe — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:18:45 -0400

When you've truly had your fill, get out. Don't stick around a few years to make sure that you've truly had your fill. Otherwise, your presence can end up being more of a hindrance, than a benefit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 10:45 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 10:45:12 -0400

"Don't Save Her. She Don't Want To Be Saved."

Response by SGT Dave Unangst made Feb 15 at 2023 3:46 PM

SGT Dave Unangst — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:46:32 -0500

I would have told myself to relax more. Lead by example and let your experience be the guide. You can't fake ignorance they see right through it. If it's wrong, fix it and move on . I always though I needed that big 3 ring binder for everyone under me until I realized I put in more notes of corrective action that congratulations. If you can't recognize the good stuff you are looking the wrong way