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O-5 - Lt Col
O-5 - Lt Col
15
15
0
As a new squad leader I've been struggling a lot with this. I've realized that I've been putting 100% of my energy into taking care of my Soldiers and helping other people/executing my additional duties. Now I haven't had time of life to take care of myself. How do I find balance?
Squad Leader
SFC
1SG
CSM
Lt Col
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 29
13
13
0
Learn to delegate.
That’s why you have team leaders for. Once you get task delegation down, you knock out your stuff and you’re in the gym by 1300.
That’s why you have team leaders for. Once you get task delegation down, you knock out your stuff and you’re in the gym by 1300.
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SSG (Join to see)
Oh trust me, I know. I did this regardless but would almost always catch mad flak for it. Everyone wants to be the final authority on things nowadays and don’t just let people do their jobs and go home. SSG (Join to see)
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SSG (Join to see)
@OP though, one of the hardest lessons learned is getting hands off and managing less, with more rank comes more ass chewing, but that comes with assumption of risk. You’re betting on your dudes getting the job done. Worst case, they don’t, hold their feet to the fire and then mentor them
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SFC Dan Perkins
As a young NCO, I remember I had to trust my subordinates and used all the training in PLDC/BNOC to teach that team cohesion. Otherwise the mission would not get accomplish. Did I stretch myself thin at times? Yes. Did I meet all my deadlines on time? No But, it was a learning process that I can say molded me into that soldier that I became. I would not do it any different not did it make me an effective Leader but my soldiers respective me, they trusted me, and they would follow me where ever I went. To this day we have a special bond and we still communicate. almost 20 -25 years later.
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9
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SSG (Join to see) You are on target! Take care of the Squad Leader so he can take care of the squad! Monitor your time, getting overly involved can smother you and gobble any spare time you might have.
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CSM Charles Hayden
One of my commanders was almost abrupt in his interactions. He had other problems to solve! Time management is a key. Be involved, do what you can and cut sling to move on to the next situation.
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8
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Delegate, get your Soldiers started on a Task, place the Senior Soldier in charge when you step away. Make sure that the senior Soldier understands the requirement and will reach out as necessary to keep the task on point. Shock in routinely to ensure that the Team is getting along.
You also build your Team out of necessity. Individual and Team development are a by product. As for additional duties you prioritize based on your organizations policies. Not everything has to be done immediately, learn to prioritize.
You also build your Team out of necessity. Individual and Team development are a by product. As for additional duties you prioritize based on your organizations policies. Not everything has to be done immediately, learn to prioritize.
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SSG (Join to see)
Just to caveat on this, unexpected visits are truly the key to disciplining your squad/team. Having a soldier know, in the back of their mind, that you could pop up at any minute will make them (more often than not) want to do the right thing.
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1SG Bill Farmerie
Make sure you don't forget to go back and check that it was done to standard also.
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