What have you learned from your Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors or employees?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 10:08:32 -0500

In my humble opinion, a true leader is not afraid to learn or ask the opinions of Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors or employees. A leader may not have the answer, but the team might. What is the most surprising or best thing you have ever been taught? Personally, everything I know about vehicle repair I was taught by my driver in OIF 1.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 10:52 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 10:52:20 -0500

I completely agree with your premise.

What I have learned from my Soldier and Civilian staff is less the technical skills of our jobs, but more the art of leadership.

Working with a very integrated staff of Soldiers, VA civilians, and DA contractors, while mobilized from 07-12, I think the greatest lessons I learned from them were coordination of talent and clarification of information.

I liken our staff during that time to the early years of the Houston Texans, lots of potential, loads of talent, with no coordination. One of my challenges and lessons was to assess each ones strengths and weaknesses, and make objective recommendations to my OIC about workloads, additional duties, and counseling plans. One of my Majors used to say, "you don't put your Pitcher at Short Stop". So lesson one, know your people.

Communication was a barrier for us initially, so when we sent out information in mass, or in briefings, I needed to learn the different languages of each professional subculture. the leadership team was able to do this and improve communication and reduce misunderstandings. We even produced quick reference charts for common acronyms, rank structures for the 3 branches we currently served, and an open door, no shame, policy for anyone who needed additional translation. Lesson two, communication really is the key.

I am looking forward to any other leadership pearls that this thread may produce, thanks for asking the question SFC Leonard Pederson.