Who or what drives you to be an outstanding leader?

FN Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 10:22:42 -0400

Can you name a person or thing that has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? I was inspired to become a leader in the Navy from LCDR Dennis Morek USN Retiree. Maybe you were inspired to become what you are today, because that some one has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life? Don't forget about your inspirations that drives you to be awesome.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 10:42 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 10:42:58 -0400

Great question, shipmate! I'm not particularly inspired by someone, but by events, both good and not so good that I've been around. At certain point of being clumsy and unassertive at my career I got fed up. I got personally motivated not to settle for anything less than excellent. Call it a chip on a shoulder or a 'grinch' in me. More than anything that frame of mind decided to push me higher and farther. Though I cannot pinpoint an individual or 2 who pushed me, but the commonality of circumstances where I've been to what I want to be like, along with my faith in Jesus, are my main motivators. Hooyah!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 3 at 2015 10:59 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 10:59:18 -0400

FN Private RallyPoint Member I was inspired as a very young E5 back in 1977 by my Detachment Commander, John P. Edwards (now retired COL John P. Edwards). I was assigned to the 357th Aviation Detachment, Chievres AFB, and Belgium. He convinced me that there wasn't anything I couldn't accomplish in the military or in my civilian life. He was right and I went for it! You can achieve whatever you want through hard work and a plan. Make a plan and execute! Good luck

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 5:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 17:36:58 -0400

This is an easy one, my father. Always lead by example, took me aside to let me know what i did (right or wrong) showed me how to teach and demonstrate to my siblings. Taught me about truth and how omission was the same as a lie. The regs were a guideline but don't break them. And I can go on and on. My dad taught me the most, everyone else just built on his foundation. I miss you dad.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 5:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 17:48:24 -0400

I was first inspired by all the wrong reasons. Some of my background is that I was a PFC, E-3, on the Active Duty side and then went to the National Guard to where I rose to being a SSG, E-6. I will say that I say some horrible leadership. I expected so much more. I recall a line in the NCO creed that states "All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership." The issue was that I wasn't getting it. I was getting nothing. I hated it and I turned in a very destructive force that challenged everything my leadership tried by calling them out. I went about it the wrong way completely. I got out of the Army after a second tour of Iraq. Then I came back in to be an officer. I wanted to be that leader that I always wanted. Some days it is harder than others. You really have to put out your best everyday for so many. But when I see a light come on in one of my junior leaders and I seen him take the charge and be that outstanding leader I feel like I am on the right track. I am not trying to be a leader for myself. I am trying to be a leader for the sake of my soldiers. They are entitled to it and I will provide it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 10:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 22:31:31 -0400

I have been in my unit for over 4 years now. Being there for so long I have had some terrible leadership. From them I have learned what not to do and the type of leader I didn't want to be. However, I have also had some outstanding leadership. My battalion CSM, CSM Veney, was a remarkable leader. From him I learned exactly the type of NCO I wanted to be. With him there was black and white when it came to the rules and regulations regardless of rank. There was no gray area. If you were right, you were right and if you were wrong, you were wrong. It was that simple. Knowing that there are leaders out there that care so deeply for the well being of their Soldiers motivates me to be the best I can.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Feb 12 at 2019 2:40 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:40:00 -0500

Never ask a subordinate to do something you have not done in past.