How do you tell a leader they've been a good leader without sounding sappy?

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 13:03:37 -0400

we've got a guy whose come into our squadron and done twice the work as his predecessors with half the people, and that's not even an exaggeration. this guy has lead us to break records. how do you thank someone for their excellent leadership without sounding sappy?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 1:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 13:20:30 -0400

Submit an award for them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 1:26 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 13:26:36 -0400

If you truly want to thank them, jist say thanks for your leadership and guidance. It's important to our team and we appreciate what you do for us. Most likely he will say thanks and he appreciates your support. If he is a great leader he would tell you that he can only do his job because of troops like you! No leader is a good leader without the support of his or her troops! The troops get the credit!

Response by MSG James Hughs made Apr 14 at 2017 2:18 PM

MSG James Hughs — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 14:18:33 -0400

You counsel in private; with both positive and negative ( areas for improvement) You publicly use his good performance as an example to others of how to get the job done (caution: to much praise can cause him problems with other troop, reward good performance but be careful not to create a "pet" reputation)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 2:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 14:28:22 -0400

Simply mention the accomplishment. "since you took over, I've noticed X. Thanks" That's all you need.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 14 at 2017 3:30 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 15:30:09 -0400

Try saying what you just wrote in private...the sappy part is when people say such thing trying to gain benefit for themselves.

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 14 at 2017 5:15 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 17:15:12 -0400

Keep the same standard when he/she is gone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 5:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 17:39:12 -0400

Give them respect, no more, no less.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 8:59 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 20:59:03 -0400

Just thank them. Feedback should go both ways. Leaders need it too!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 8:43 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 08:43:58 -0400

A simple thank you and most important, emulate that leader. The fact that you recognize what that leader has accomplished says means that you are capable of doing the same. Good leadership spreads just the same as toxic leadership. Take advantage of what you've become aware of.

Response by A1C Coltin Miotti made Apr 15 at 2017 3:14 PM

A1C Coltin Miotti — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 15:14:29 -0400

Good bottle of Bourbon

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 3:38 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 15:38:12 -0400

A SSGT who worked for me gave this in response to my comment about how well he did his job.

Sir, I always wanted to do a little more for you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 5:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 17:35:31 -0400

I can tell you as a leader that the items I treasure the most are the tokens that they gave me for a job well done. A plaque, an engraved K-bar, something unique to the situation, a framed guidon.. all are treasured items that I keep on my wall at home.
Once in a while, one of my former Soldiers pops up out of the blue and contacts me seeking advice, usually accompanied by how much they enjoyed serving with me and my unit. I am not vain, but hearing that can't help but make you feel like you are doing something right.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 15 at 2017 8:36 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 20:36:50 -0400

IMO the best thing you can do for a good leader is to be the best subordinate you can possibly be. That includes doing your best to advance and emulate them as a leader.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 15 at 2017 9:07 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 21:07:38 -0400

I would have trouble with that. The first time I told one my COs how good they were was years after retirement. The idea that an officer thought I was kissing ass was anathema to me. I earned what I got due to my knowledge and leadership.

Response by PVT Jevon James made Apr 16 at 2017 1:58 PM

PVT Jevon James — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:58:52 -0400

Do the job asked.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 16 at 2017 2:00 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 14:00:53 -0400

Follow.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 17 at 2017 8:47 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 08:47:00 -0400

Depends on whether he's above you or below you. If he's below you, give him a special liberty day or something so he has a long weekend as a show of appreciation. If he's above you, maybe offer to buy them lunch and let them know their hard work hasn't gone unnoticed.