What's the most important thing you are looking for in a senior leader (Brigade Commander and above)? What do you need them to do for you?

First off Congratulations on your selection.

During my career, there were two ranks that I hated serving with...a First Lieutenant Aid De Camp for a General Officer that thought he was a General, and a Full Colonel bucking for his first star. Both categories made life miserable for all those around them.

Give subordinates room to lead. Yes, folks make mistakes let them. Continue supporting your people and they will make you shine like a brand new penny. I worked with 2LT David Petraeus, Cpt Dick Cody, and Cpt John Vines. A Unified Command Commander, a Vice Chief of Staff, and a Corps Commander.

Congratulations Sir! My humble 2 cents... My favorite CO (BTW also the most successful) was one who treated the youngest E-3 the same as the O-5 XO. He made it a point to know a little something about each sailor (knew kids names, sports they were playing, even went to our Sailor of the Year's daughters dance recital, etc). The biggest thing that I appreciated as a JO was that we knew he would fight for us to not have to do stupid stuff. Too many times in my career we would get underway for a BS PR op that had no training value whatsoever. This CO fought against that, and we knew that if we had to go, he hadn't rolled over. Best of luck and again, congratulations to you and your family.

Congrats Sir! As a junior enlisted Marine, I rarely saw my commander at that level. As a junior officer in the Army, I don't see him much more. Making yourself present and available to the guys at the bottom would make a difference.

I think the most important thing a commander (at any level) does is set the tone for the culture of the unit. However you act and respond to things will trickle down all the way to the line. I see it in the civilian world constantly. Businesses try to change their culture from the bottom up and it doesn't work. Change comes from the top down. Most guys I know want a commander that is honest, fair, and is focused on training with common sense. Do things they way they should be done to make sure your BDE is ready to fight. Even if it's unconventional or goes against some manual somewhere (which will change in a couple of years anyway). We always like seeing our commander stand up and do what's in our best interest even when it goes against the grain.