How do you feel that you helped those you led: in the military?....in civilian life?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:39:36 -0400

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 5:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:20:53 -0400

It is probably the most self-rewarding feeling there is. Even more so if you able to see the results of your efforts. If not, it's still self-rewarding.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 6:21 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 18:21:41 -0400

First and foremost hopefully through example. Of course being human we all fail at times in that. I hope by instilling hardwork and respect in everyone I meet. As a First Sergeant I have the luxury of seeing how I help people daily. I treat everyone with respect and expect the same in return. At the end of the day I want to be known as someone who was fair, competent, respectful, loyal, and hardworking.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 19 at 2015 6:42 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 18:42:19 -0400

The life lessons I taught them.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 19 at 2015 6:44 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 18:44:44 -0400

In the military, I feel like my guys would say that I was a fair leader. I'm pretty sure that has careered over to my civilian career as well as my involvement in Veteran issues. I think I've helped others in all these areas by leading by example.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 5:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 17:38:33 -0400

I haven't been a leader for too long now (about two years) and I haven't had more than two soldiers but I can already tell that being a leader is one of the most stressful but one of the most rewarding things you can do in the military (and your life really). When they come to your unit not knowing anything about your job and you get the very rewarding opportunity to craft them in to a superior soldier it's awesome. It's difficult especially if your solder is a 30 something year old which you cannot relate to at all as a 22 year old but it's all part of the experience.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 6:44 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 18:44:09 -0400

I have tried (and continue to try) to help everyone who works for me. For some that means getting them ready to be promoted. For others that means getting them the skills they need, school they need, etc. for when they get out.

The disparity between the two isn't a decision I make myself, but rather based on conversations with them. If I have Sailors or Marines working for me that plan to get out, I make sure that they really want that and aren't just disenchanted with a current job. However if they fully plan to get out, I emphasize to them the importance of leaving on a good note.

For everyone I ensure that they understand the benefits they have the right to and that they have the opportunity to take advantage of programs set up for their success such as Tuition Assistance.

I feel that most who have worked for me would say I fought for them and helped them in some way. My goal is to improve the situation I found them in, the same as it is to leave my job in better shape than it was when I arrived.