Here is a challenge: What do your troops say about you?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 23:19:09 -0500

I remember in forecasting school, a friend of mine was always asking questions and a lot of the guys mentioned this, One day while visiting him I asked him why he did that so often? He said, he knew no one else knew and since he wanted to know also, he asked.

That in a way, is a form of leadership and the best way to know how effective you are, is the way your troops act, behave and what they say about you to their friends and peers.

My friend showed leadership in asking while others were afraid to. That is the man you want in battle, who has your back.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 11:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 23:26:57 -0500

To answer my own question and the impact I had on fellow workers, I leave you with this. One evening the weather observer raced by my desk (forecaster) and as she did, I asked her what was the matter? She said nothing until later and how did I know something was wrong? I said that I felt something was strange going on. She said her husband was high on crack and shot a shot gun at her.

This was commonplace and I knew how to help and where to get help for all the people underneath me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 6:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 06:30:08 -0500

Ssgt Olson,

This is a very insightful narrative on leadership. Thank you for sharing.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Aug 6 at 2015 8:57 PM

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 20:57:50 -0400

I agree wholeheartedly

Response by SGT Morgan Irell made Aug 7 at 2015 3:39 PM

SGT Morgan Irell — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:39:52 -0400

I would like to think that with experience and age comes knowledge. That doesn't mean you know it all, it just gives you more insight. I think a good officer or nco should have that type of thought process. As a private you should listen and learn. As an nco you use the skills and pass them on. I always had a hard time with officers that just went to college and are suddenly in command of people that obviously know more from experience than book work. Two important things. A good leader isn't afraid of learning something from a privates point of view. Take in the info and make decisions without being fool hearty.
I think my boys would say "He's awesome!" for the same reasons.