Can you learn from someone younger than yourself?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 01:52:36 -0500

My personal thoughts is we make snap decisions as a condition of fighting, Can we fail to understand people of lower ranks ? Are there decisions binding or are you fighting both sites.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 1:57 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 01:57:31 -0500

The day you stop learning is the day you are dead. There are plenty of times and things I have learned from people that are younger than myself. Everyone is coming from a different perspective and way of life. In the military or anywhere else when the opportunity to learn new things arise it is a golden opportunity - doesn't matter what age the individual is that is providing the new knowledge.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 4:43 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 04:43:45 -0500

What a great
question.

Learning has many avenues that new information may increase your
understanding of the world around us.

Maturity
has shown me that I can learn from small children, to seniors and yes sometime even animals have taught me something. I think listening and watching all people no matter their age provides lessons and value. For the reason
that each person gains experiences from their surroundings, backgrounds, cultures, or the way they approach
a problem and gain understanding. That very concept that others experience makes for
wisdom and listening to other people’s ideas will make you stronger in the ways
of problem-solving.

"Wisdom involves using past experience to help solve a
current situation," For example if you lived in the city your entire life you bet a
12 year old that has lived in the country can teach you plenty about country life. "Having successfully
survived difficult situations, I know that many older people often want to discount the advice
of their younger workers, but I also know that those that can set aside their egos can learn that
even young people can apply their knowledge and experience to make task easier
or drive change. So yes I can learn from younger people. Wisdom means keeping an
open mind to better or more appropriate ways to solve a problem." So why not take advantage of all avenues of information.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 6:17 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 06:17:19 -0500

In my opinion not only can you learn from someone younger than you but surrounding yourself with this younger generation provides us with a critical insight to who they are and how they see themselves.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 3:23 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 03:23:35 -0500

As a 22 year old Section Chief (S6) i was the youngest member of my platoon. I do not think age plays or should play a critical role. I think it is the persons matureness and understanding of the environment they are in that matters. I am frequently asked how old I am and many staff officers and NCOIC's are surprised by my age just because of how mature I am. I have learned from old and young soldiers and soldiers that outrank me and those who are subordinate to me.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 28 at 2014 8:29 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 08:29:37 -0500

Sure. It's not about the quanitity of your life, but the quality. I know plenty of people who are 40 and have done nothing with their lives, and I know 21 year olds whose lives have been packed full of experiences...

We have to judge people by their merit, not arbitrary numbers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 9:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:16:06 -0500

Yes, you can learn from the younger generation. Often we become entrenched in our workload and become jaded from past experiences. The younger generation is not subject to these "life lessons" and sometimes attempts the action again and succeeds. The zeal and motivation they bring to the workplace is contagious.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Feb 1 at 2014 9:24 AM

1SG Johnny Carter — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:24:59 -0500

Absolutely we can learn from someone younger and be proud to do so as well! My CDR has brought a whole new out look on ensuring we take care of our Soldiers AND letting families know we care for them as well and not just talk the talk. We always say families matter and not show it. I have leRned so much from him and have had an open mind and now I teach my Squad leaders to do the same. They ya can't teach an old dog new tricks, but that's just a myth! I'm not the oldest in my company but I'm 10 yrs older than my CDR and his motivation has driven me to adjust my leadership style for the better! So everyone listen and learn from your Soldiers even if it's a private about ideas because some of these Soldiers will teach, coach, and even mentor you. So don't be ashamed to better yourself!!! I say Roll Tide!!!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 3:52 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 15:52:36 -0500

At 18 years old I'm probably the youngest or one of the youngest on RP and I believe that everyone has something to offer. It takes an open mind to be willing to learn from someone younger than yourself but I believe that age should not be and indicator of worth or maturity. On certain topics age doesn't mean anything in terms of experience. I have a 19 year old friend who has been doing Muay Thai for 12 years and I think he has more to offer than a 30 year old who's been doing it for five years. I try to make it a point to learn from anyone who has something of value to offer regardless of age. My younger brother reads my mom's DSM for fun so I'd be more willing to take his word on a mental disorder than an older person with general life experience.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 5:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:57:41 -0500

Hell yeah, take the knowledge from anybody and everybody that is how you will become more successful and a better leader.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 1 at 2014 6:14 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:14:36 -0500

yes, my 4.7 year old son teaches me something every day.

Now I can say I have the patience of a NAVY SEAL, Skills of a member of the Special Forces ( A Teacher) and can cook like an Iron Chief America.

My son can now talk 2 languages and can make anyone ( Really me) do the impossible.

If my son can teach me to feel this way, then anyone older then him can also teach me something new if not every thing new. :)

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Feb 2 at 2014 8:11 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 08:11:19 -0500

The answer to this question is very simple for me. Yes. I can learn from anyone, regardless of age, or experience for that matter. As many agree, the day I stop learning is the day I'll be ready for the grave.

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Feb 2 at 2014 7:40 PM

TSgt Marcial Guajardo — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 19:40:16 -0500

I have learned, and continue to learn, from people of all ages, creeds, gender and race. It's important to listen and keep an open mind.