Posted on Sep 10, 2014
Whose leadership style do you emulate more: LT Lynn "Buck" Compton or LT Richard Winters?
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Out of these two types of leaders, who would you prefer as your boss?
What do you like and dislike about their leadership style?
What do you like and dislike about their leadership style?
Posted in these groups: 
Leadership
Leadership
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
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Capt Richard I P.
Beyond Band of Brothers is a great book. What makes Winters a better role model than Compton is 1. He got Compton to follow him, not the other way around 2. Quiet reserve inspires more respect than raucous friendship 3. He knew who his 'killers' were,and viewed his job as putting those men in the best position to kill as many as possible. Compton likely knew this too, but we can't know for sure, Winters articulated it clearly in his book.
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See you made me do it. Changed your profile picture and I had to look.
I'm a mixture of both. as a Company grade I tended to be friendlier with the troops - always have and was just because it is my nature. As a senior CPT and field grade regulated to more staff oriented taskings my mentality gravitated towards more strategic thinking. Always had time to share a coffee and a joke with any SM at any level though.
I'm a mixture of both. as a Company grade I tended to be friendlier with the troops - always have and was just because it is my nature. As a senior CPT and field grade regulated to more staff oriented taskings my mentality gravitated towards more strategic thinking. Always had time to share a coffee and a joke with any SM at any level though.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
You were one of the specific people I thought about when I posted this discussion topic MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca :)
I say that because you and I clearly share an OUTSTANDING sense of humor. Has your sense of humor and friendly nature ever made you feel like your troops or peers didn't respect you?
I say that because you and I clearly share an OUTSTANDING sense of humor. Has your sense of humor and friendly nature ever made you feel like your troops or peers didn't respect you?
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
No SSG V. Michelle Woods, I never felt like that. I think my personality quirks helped me relate to people, especially younger troops more easily.
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I just want everyone to know I appreciate your responses and I am using this as professional development. I apologize if I don't respond in a timely manner because I am currently in ALC however I am actively reading the answers each time we get a break from class.
LTC Paul Labrador thank you for pointing out the faults of these two leaders (LT Compton). The reason I asked is because, although they were both great leaders in their own way, they both also had faults that I can learn from.
Thanks yall :)
LTC Paul Labrador thank you for pointing out the faults of these two leaders (LT Compton). The reason I asked is because, although they were both great leaders in their own way, they both also had faults that I can learn from.
Thanks yall :)
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PS--we forgot to hand out Steps for Success during my talk at Ft Bragg. Let me know if you want a copy. Â Email me at [login to see] .
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I'm definitely more like LT Compton, fun, outgoing, and junior soldiers tend to get a bit too comfy with me. Sometimes I wish I was more like LT Winters, reserved and quiet although I don't like how his soldiers feel a little uneasy about him.
I'm trying to find that balance now.
I'm trying to find that balance now.
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LTC Paul Labrador
1LT Nick Kidwell more than likely. I think the issue with him is that he had confidence issues that made him act like a toxic leader. This was evident in his court-martial attempt against Winters, who was well liked and shown to be competent. He had to tear down those around him to build himself up. Not a good trait in a leader, particularly a combat one. I suspect if he survived the jump into Normandy, he may have gotten himself fragged by his own men.....
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COL (Join to see)
SSG V. Michelle Woods, as you stated above, it depends on the level of leadership. There is nothing wrong with your people feeling a "little" uneasy around the old-man (Commander). Probably best to be a Compton at your current rank...but soon...it's time to transition to a more Winters personality. Or not. I've seen successful SFC's with both types of approaches. I find the most effective to be more Winters'esque. I am also looking for the best people to become 1SG's on the line as well. Different world.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
COL (Join to see) I'm starting to understand more the saying "it's lonely at the top". I think you're right sir, as I come through the ranks, I'll have to start growing into a more Winters-type of leader. I've met great leaders who are very warm to their soldiers but they are also much better at drawing the line that distinguishes them as a leader and not a friend. I am learning how being seen as too nice can damage soldiers more than help them. It sucks sir lol, but that's just how it goes I guess.
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1LT William Clardy
SSG V. Michelle Woods, it may be lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be lonely in the middle. As an NCO, the military if full of peers facing similar issues and defining their own innate leadership styles. One key thing to remember is that, each time you move up in rank and responsibility, you have to accept that for a few more good people your name just changed from "Michelle" to "Sergeant".
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I actually think I once may have very briefly seen Maj Winters when my wife and I were on a trip to Hershey, PA, there was a 101st Airborne reunion meeting there, he was sitting at a table, kind of weird, I didn't know it was him at the time, just that it was a 101st reunion, from what I could see, weird, I know, however, later, I think I recognized him from the HBO videos, plus, he apparently lived right there with his family, as I'd learned later, he was tall, lean, with silver hair and metal rmmed glasses, wearing the same kind of dark shirt with a high collar, the group was there for a breakfast, I just happened to walk in at that moment, we'd been there to see the Hershey factory and amusement park, I had no idea I'd encounter them all, obviously...needless to say, I was obviously totally taken aback at the time, more so still when I realized who he was later, certainly....
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