SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5456821 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you are an NCO, and your NCO induction stated you are to be honest with your soldiers and not leave them uniformed, why are y’all getting upset when truthful answers come off as brash or not “NCO-like”?<br /><br />As an NCO, we are not in the business of creating friendships but in the business of leading soldiers. If you are honest to the soldier of the potential outcome, they are far more likely to trust you down the road. If you lie to them or are not honest with them, then you are negatively effecting mission readiness and you now have a soldier that may not listen to you.<br /><br />So what do you do? Are you honest with them so that they know, which may result in them getting upset at first, or do you sugar coat the outcome to not upset them at first? 2020-01-18T18:24:58-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5456821

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you are an NCO, and your NCO induction stated you are to be honest with your soldiers and not leave them uniformed, why are y’all getting upset when truthful answers come off as brash or not “NCO-like”?<br /><br />As an NCO, we are not in the business of creating friendships but in the business of leading soldiers. If you are honest to the soldier of the potential outcome, they are far more likely to trust you down the road. If you lie to them or are not honest with them, then you are negatively effecting mission readiness and you now have a soldier that may not listen to you.<br /><br />So what do you do? Are you honest with them so that they know, which may result in them getting upset at first, or do you sugar coat the outcome to not upset them at first?

2020-01-18T18:24:58-05:00 2020-01-18T18:24:58-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5456830

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I mean, that’s pretty vague...<br /><br />I try as much as possible to give them every possible outcome according to my knowledge then follow up with any questions. Depending on the situation (and to an extent the soldier) I may offer my view on what outcome is most likely

2020-01-18T18:30:44-05:00 2020-01-18T18:30:44-05:00 CPT Aaron Kletzing 5457122

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This thread makes me remember how fortunate I was as a junior officer to have amazing NCOs in my platoon and battery. Some of the best NCOs in the Army. They were worth more than their weight in gold.

2020-01-18T20:16:33-05:00 2020-01-18T20:16:33-05:00 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 5457156

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You literally made another post in regards to my reply when you told a PFC that she shouldn’t have gotten pregnant and that you recommend that she should start a chapter 8 when that has nothing to do with her question. Lmao. If you believe that’s the correct way to handle things as an NCO, I’m not sure what there is left to say other that you need to re-evaluate your leadership capabilities. I know many single mothers in the Army that are doing fantastic things and it’s good they don’t listen to an NCO that shames them for getting pregnant and suggests to start a chapter packet.

2020-01-18T20:29:18-05:00 2020-01-18T20:29:18-05:00 SGM Billy Herrington 5457214

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From what I’ve been told, I’m loved (mostly) by those I lead for my candor and honesty. <br /><br />Those above me, for the most part, don’t like it and it shows. I’ve never kissed ass and I’ll be damned if I start now. <br /><br />Not here to make friends. That goes both ways.

2020-01-18T20:47:22-05:00 2020-01-18T20:47:22-05:00 MAJ Byron Oyler 5457242

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You need to learn your people every where you go and lead. Some will react best with ball busting others will report you. Nothing has changed there, just how people take reports. Once upon a time, if you ball busted and they complained, they investigated and went with the outcome of the investigation. Today they remove first. You should be learning your people anyways as a leader.

2020-01-18T20:56:08-05:00 2020-01-18T20:56:08-05:00 SPC Richard Zacke 5457254

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You can&#39;t go wrong being honest with your NCO or vice verse. If an NCO loses the trust of his troops missions will suffer, lifes could be lost. So if you think your NCO is being rude or brash in giving orders take it like a trooper because 9 times out of 10 they are just attempting to get the orders understood. And if you notice the platoon screw-up not paying attention straiten him out after formation and if he blows you off report it to your NCO before the mission,it just may save your life.

2020-01-18T20:59:28-05:00 2020-01-18T20:59:28-05:00 CPL Gary Pifer 5457289

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One day the sugar coating may come off and your people are in bags and hospitals.. Thank God this is your problem... bring doughnuts.

2020-01-18T21:04:52-05:00 2020-01-18T21:04:52-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5457431

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don&#39;t believe you are going to receive many soft responses from the crowd around here. I may be wrong. Jump their butt knee deep and straighten their ass out, that’s what your getting paid for. MHO

2020-01-18T21:33:40-05:00 2020-01-18T21:33:40-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5457456

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There’s a difference between being honest and being judgemental. It is not your place to tell a Soldier she shouldn’t have gotten pregnant simply because she asked if she would be allowed to live off base or would she have to live in the barracks. <br /><br />If you’re going to ask a question, make sure you give the complete story versus telling the story to get people to validate your response in which they know nothing about. <br />Soldiers come on here for professional guidance and junior soldiers come on here to ask questions on things they simply just don’t know. Having tact and respecting someone’s decision to start their family has nothing to do with building friendships, it’s about respecting their choice. So be careful how you deliver your response when you answer Soldiers questions.

2020-01-18T21:49:34-05:00 2020-01-18T21:49:34-05:00 CSM Felipe Mendez 5457578

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a NCO, it is our responsibility to be honest/truthful with our soldiers. They look up to us as leaders to guide them in the right direction.. at the same time, when they get themselves in the wrong path, it is our duty to get them back, even if we have to use the UCMJ process. A good soldier, finds a leaders that stand by his side always, but, when that good soldiers goes bad... such leader disappears.. I called them “ spot light NCOs”, they shine when things are good and job is easy, but, when shit hits the fan.. they aren’t nowhere to be found.. if a leader, takes time to know each one of his soldiers.... he (NCO) knows how to approach each soldier individually without worrying about hurting anyone’s Feelings.. best way to keep soldiers engage is to be truthful, honest and keep them inform daily on units mission and provide them information that may affect their daily routine

2020-01-18T22:56:32-05:00 2020-01-18T22:56:32-05:00 WO1 Private RallyPoint Member 5457592

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a first line supervisor, all the way up the chain, being honest and upfront with an individual soldier on any issue is very important, regardless of how they may react. Sugarcoating anything is difficult, but if it seems harder to break news to someone, you must mind your tact and understand that soldier and know what will break through to them for them to best understand what you are trying to convey without totally breaking someone down. The ability to break hard news, but still motivate a soldier is a skill, and a skill worth learning and mastering, just as any soldier&#39;s ability to be tactful in the way they convey information to a superior.

2020-01-18T23:04:20-05:00 2020-01-18T23:04:20-05:00 CSM Felipe Mendez 5457740

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sometimes can be the overall inexperience, or the inexperience on how to handle the soldier’s reaction

2020-01-18T23:42:33-05:00 2020-01-18T23:42:33-05:00 CSM Darieus ZaGara 5458319

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Your descriimptuin is unclear. If I read it correctly, NCOs should keep their Soldiers informed. It is the delivery of the message. Orders cannot be unlawful, if they are lawful and you don’t like it, it is not the NCO’s place to complain or speak ill of those issuing the order. It is the place of the NCO to follow the order and issue it in a way that reflects and contributes to good order and discipline. When an NCO articulates their negative feelings about a lawful order, they are then in violation by have a negative impact of on good order and discipline. <br /><br />If the order is unlawful it is simple, the NCO takes that order and evidence of it being unlawful, and presents it to other leaders, not Junior Soldiers and confronts the leader who has issued such an order. If the leader fails to recognize the error in their judgement, it goes to the next level. <br /><br />Never, in any way does an NCO articulations negative feelings to Sokdiers regarding lawful orders. When you portray a stupid, yet lawful order in a negative manner you again, are in violation yourself. Read and thoroughly evaluate the creed you reference, balance those valuable, insightful components with the UCMJ, and the oath taken when you enlist, or re-enlist. Follow the orders of those appointed over you.

2020-01-19T07:48:15-05:00 2020-01-19T07:48:15-05:00 SFC Kenneth Hunnell 5459028

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sugar coating, that is a unique word. You get more honey than vinegar. By that I mean you don&#39;t have to be a hard ass to rectify a problem. To fix the problem, get with the individual and allow them to be part of the problem solving solution. <br />You will in most cases get better results

2020-01-19T10:48:08-05:00 2020-01-19T10:48:08-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5459072

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I try to give as much information as possible but I am also very blunt, when they fuck up I tell them why they did and how to fix it and when they work hard I tell them I appreciate it. I always try to build an understanding but not a friendship. Honesty is definitely the best policy in my view. There is also many other factors of leadership that will decide if the soldier listens to you or not though. There are also many ways to deliver the truth to someone without causing offense.

2020-01-19T11:06:19-05:00 2020-01-19T11:06:19-05:00 SPC Casey Ashfield 5459301

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If it came to keeping informed, I don&#39;t care how I got information sugar coat or not, when it came to important stuff. The question is a little vague though, can you give an example to get a better answer?

2020-01-19T12:11:56-05:00 2020-01-19T12:11:56-05:00 Lt Col Jim Coe 5459327

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The question is a little vague, but if you&#39;re trying to get a leadership lesson I&#39;ll give it a shot.<br /><br />This seems to have to do with telling the truth and tact. For example, in truth a Soldier may be a complete screw up and deserve to be booted out of the Service. How to tell them? You can tell them straight out what a hot mess they are and demand they change today or you&#39;ll UCMJ their ass. This might work. It might even be the right approach for some people. <br /><br />Sometimes it&#39;s necessary to communicate in a kinder way. Maybe you need to determine why the Soldier is a complete screw up in the first place. Is it a personal issue, a training issue, or even a medical or psychological issue. You can still communicate that their performance of late has been below standard and explain how it&#39;s below standard. Additionally, you might offer an opportunity for them to improve. Of course making the opportunity to improve, which might require hard work, more attractive is the threat of disciplinary action or being removed from the Service. This approach still requires straight talk, but it&#39;s fact based and has a fair to good chance of getting the Soldier to try to improve.<br /><br />Keep in mind what you can&#39;t say and who you are. Your can&#39;t show any type of discrimination or derogatory comments about any protected group. You aren&#39;t a doctor or psychologist, but you can send the Soldier for medical evaluation.

2020-01-19T12:19:31-05:00 2020-01-19T12:19:31-05:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 5459365

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Departing from the truth will morally bankrupt the organization as it will create an alternate reality. IMO a leader who lies is a spineless person.

2020-01-19T12:32:48-05:00 2020-01-19T12:32:48-05:00 SPC Richard Zacke 5459834

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Your question needs some follow up examples to make it clearer. I come from the old Army (1978) and when a senior NCO gave orders they normally came out loud and brash but this was not because the Senior NCO was trying to be an ass He was simply making sure that they were understood. Feelings are hurt to easily in todays military. It&#39;s not about you it&#39;s about getting the orders out. Put yourself in the Senior NCO&#39;s place and you gave out the orders in a calm and quite way as to not hurt anyones feelings and a dozen body bags rolled up in the back of a deuce and a half. Who&#39;s feelings would be hurt then? You are in life and death situations there is no more x-box....THIS IS NOT A FU*KING GAME ANYMORE...GROW UP!!!!!!!

2020-01-19T15:40:07-05:00 2020-01-19T15:40:07-05:00 SFC Casey O'Mally 5459903

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Most situations have a range of possible outcomes. Immediately jumping to the worst one and (effectively) saying &quot;you are totally screwed&quot; is no better than (effectively) saying &quot;it&#39;s no big deal, don&#39;t worry about it.<br /><br />So yes, there is such a thing as being too brash.

2020-01-19T16:03:06-05:00 2020-01-19T16:03:06-05:00 SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr 5459969

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PC culture has taken the military by storm. Our enemies feared Marines coming ashore and NOW they laugh at that thought. Liberalism/leftism has taken firm control.

2020-01-19T16:26:36-05:00 2020-01-19T16:26:36-05:00 LTC Lee Bouchard 5460784

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You cannot (TRUST) anyone who is not honest. Trust and honesty breed loyalty. Being honest, even brutally honest, is necessary. It can be a matter of tact and diplomacy too. Good leaders should never be afraid to tell it as it is. Officer or NCO we are not in the business of holding hands or wiping away tears.

2020-01-19T20:42:53-05:00 2020-01-19T20:42:53-05:00 SGT Robert Wager 5461522

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is a difference between being honest and being an asshole. Leadership has been defined as the art of influencing others to accomplish the mission. NCOs can inspire others in a lot of different ways. Is it your job to make other people miserable? The NCO makes or breaks a soldier’s career. The NCO decides whether a soldier truly enjoys his job or hates showing up for formation every day. <br /><br />Should you polish the turds for soldiers? Nope, but you should inspire your soldiers to enjoy the trip when they are going to hell.

2020-01-20T05:16:00-05:00 2020-01-20T05:16:00-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5462606

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Once something is known you&#39;re either a part of the problem or part of the solution. I rather tell my soldiers straight up what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear. Granted some might get in their feelings but I&#39;m not here to make friends. I&#39;m here to develop the future leaders. If I&#39;m wrong and they come up to me and tell me they don&#39;t appreciate the way I communicate (hasn&#39;t happened yet) than I need to evaluate myself and might have to fix certain things on my part. If you&#39;re coming from a good place sooner or later they&#39;ll realize you only want what&#39;s best for them, even if it&#39;s a hard pill to swallow, but that&#39;s why you&#39;re there to guide them and let them know they&#39;re not alone when things get rough. Everyone has their own tolerance when dealing with stress and no two soldiers are the same, do what&#39;s right and consult with your seniors just like you are doing now. No matter where we are in our career we all need help regardless of how hard we think we are.

2020-01-20T10:59:10-05:00 2020-01-20T10:59:10-05:00 CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member 5463664

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Three Meter Zone: Common Sense Leadership for NCOs - CSM J. D. Pendry

2020-01-20T16:03:42-05:00 2020-01-20T16:03:42-05:00 PV2 Wayne Grinnell 5463868

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Because snowflakes can’t take the truth

2020-01-20T16:58:42-05:00 2020-01-20T16:58:42-05:00 2020-01-18T18:24:58-05:00