What about gaining rank make personalities change?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:10:32 -0500

Gaining rank has its advantages and disadvantages but what makes someones personality change when more rank is applied? More responsibility? Better than everyone else? Too much time in?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 3:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:14:00 -0500

SSG McMurray,

My wife has commented that my personality has changed with every change in rank. I personally think I am utterly constant. :)

But in all seriousness, it is a combination of reacting to the increase in responsibility and a corresponding increase in confidence level. As the promotion order says, "demonstrated potential for greater responsibility"; someone saw the ability in you and that builds your belief in yourself.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 4 at 2014 3:18 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:18:50 -0500

Power corrupts the corruptible.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Abraham Lincoln

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Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 9:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:37:42 -0500

In my case I came up through the ranks prior to commissioning so I deffinitely saw a change with each one. As a private I was young and out for a good time working my way up to specialist I did see a boost in confidence and was eager to share with newer soldiers but there was still that immaturity factor. I saw the most positive change once I became an NCO. Through leadership training and increased responsibility I did see a change in my confidence and it made me a better soldier and leader. I did have to humble myself and keep in mind that I didn't know it all and had to take criticism as an opportunity to improve and not with negativity. Now as an officer I keep my experiences, and the examples of those leaders that did let it get to their heads at the front of my mind because in order to be a good leader you have to know that you can't know everything and therefore must be able to be humble and ask for assistance. So while you can see a negative change in some, it only means they aren't as strong and confident as they project and might not deserve the rank that has been awarded

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Jun 3 at 2014 1:37 PM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:37:49 -0400

The responsibility made me change immensely. It stressed me out at first. My first real taste of leadership was when I made E5, I was given a squad of 88Ms and still in control of my arms room, as well as communications person, and a million other things. When I didn't have Soldiers under me, it was easier, no doubt. When I took over the squad, it took me a few days to adjust. I was also able to train my Soldiers to do my additional duties. It helped me out immensely and my Soldiers thrived on learning. I am not better than anyone, and I am the first to tell people that. We are Soldiers first, then leaders. My time in is hit or miss. At 6 years in, I still feel green compared to my peers. Most staffs have well over ten years in.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 28 at 2014 12:23 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:23:56 -0400

At the end of the day, this private was still a private...

Response by SPC James Oakes made Aug 11 at 2014 12:53 PM

SPC James Oakes — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 12:53:53 -0400

My very short, and entirely unsuccessful, stint as an Infantry team leader was due in part to my unwillingness to change my personality. I didn't have the knowledge or the maturity at the time to anticipate the difficulties I'd encounter when suddenly put in charge of my roommate and another good friend. I think a personality change, even a faked one, would have gone a long way toward helping in that situation.

I needed to gain a separation in order to be able to lead and exert any kind of authority and I was just too young and dumb to realize that.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Jun 10 at 2018 10:55 PM

PFC Elijah Rose — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 22:55:41 -0400

Some people are motivated by the three Ps: pay, praise, and pussy. Most of them volunteer for military service.
Simply put, some people abuse whatever authority they can get their hands on, and if enough people do that then everyone else will follow suit because that's what people do.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jun 11 at 2018 7:36 AM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 07:36:44 -0400

MHO? A leopard doesn't change his/her spots. If they're a jerk as a buck Sgt or butter bar Lt, that's what they'll still be higher up the food chain. Works the other way too. A good leader's a good leader, no matter what's on the sleeve or collar.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2018 12:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 12:11:06 -0400

Power corrupts, period. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Jun 11 at 2018 2:58 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 14:58:11 -0400

Here is an excerpt from the bible, Luke 12:48: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked". I have always tried to manage my military promotions based on this verse.

In short, the more rank or position we are given, the more responsability we have. Yes there will be a change in how we handle our job as a leader, this is based on the new demands of the rank/posiotion. It is not about the benefits or the higher pay, its about what we are entrusted to do within our job duties. Unfortunately there will be some who abuse the rank/position and only think of themselves and not do what is right for the greater good.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2020 10:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:09:20 -0400

It’s never personal it’s always business

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2020 4:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 04:55:27 -0400

Can change their personality in either a positive or negative way. However, I do not believe it changes someone's personality when given more responsibility. They simply are given a little more say so to make things happen so it tends to bring out that passion they they have been withholding to now make the changes they saw fit.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Jun 7 at 2020 6:10 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 18:10:04 -0400

To whom much is given, much is expected. That is the case with any leadership position as one progresses up the chain.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 9:52 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 09:52:43 -0400

Coming up through the enlisted ranks then the O ranks have really humbled me. I have a book of all the things “not to do” from my previous leadership. Remaining humble and keeping in mind that respect goes up AND down the chain of command. That’s what I keep close to me every time I put my uniform on.