Who is the single greatest leader you worked for/with/worked for you and why?

2017-02-04T19:18:48-05:00

Response by CPT Ryan H. made Feb 4 at 2017 7:19 PM

2017-02-04T19:19:39-05:00

There are many great leaders that I have served with in almost 9 years, none of them perfect by any means. The best was my Brigade Commander as a company commander. He taught me patience and maturity, and the importance of transparency. He reinforced the basics in nearly every way. He took care of Soldiers always. He was leader-centric and allowed people to learn by making mistakes (myself included at least a few times). He took care to tell people they were not cutting it in a direct, but empathetic way that was tailored to the person and their level of experience, and personal circumstance. He led by personal example and his example trickled down to every echelon below.

Quotable quote: "Amateurs motivate. Professionals inspire."

That being said, the second best is actually a group of most of my former First Sergeants either as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, or The four I had while in company command. There isn't a group that I stay more in touch with long after we worked together, and the counsel I still receive is invaluable. I hope I was one tenth as helpful to them, our Soldiers, and our Mission.

Too many quotable quotes to quote, not all of them the most professional. But I think RP understands what I'm talking about.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 7:40 PM

2017-02-04T19:40:29-05:00

In BCT it was my Senior Drill Sergeant nicknamed Ninja. In reality all my Drill Sergeants and even the ones for the other Platoons taught me something. DS Ninja however stuck more, not just for the smoke sessions or how he taught but the one on one time he gave to people or the aptly named Story Time he had with the Platoon that outside of all the fuckery there was a Soldier teaching what he knew and experienced, not just what was in the manual.

Some of how he spoke with the platoon I'd like to incorporate into how I would one day teach Soldiers when I'm an NCO.

I'm still formulating opinions on my current leadership and am remembering the lessons taught to me in AIT.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 4 at 2017 7:55 PM

2017-02-04T19:55:39-05:00

That is Not Fair, I worked for and with a Lot of Greats. CTOCM Red Adams and CTOCM Charlie Walters was always with Him. Both of My OICs at NSGD Sugar Grove, Project Timberline. Robert Payne, A legend in the Cryptologic Community and a Damn Good Author. My Skipper at COMSPAWARSYSCOM Margie Turner the First Female Black Line Officer to Make Capt USN.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 4 at 2017 8:58 PM

2017-02-04T20:58:47-05:00

best Company Commander was ... a Tie between Major Gene Econ and Major Johnny Strain... they let NCO's handle NCO business and provided guidance as needed and were Inspirational in getting the Job Done and use the least amount of resources...
best Bn Commander was Lt Col. John Mulholland, (Now Lt. Gen. AD CIA Mil Affairs) he was fair and straight and weighed all information presented and accepted Knowledge from those of Us who had been in theater for years...

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Feb 4 at 2017 9:06 PM

2017-02-04T21:06:21-05:00

Wow, GREAT question! Some leaders I wanted to be like, others I couldn't stand and swore I would never make the same leadership mistakes they did. I had a SgtMAJ we nicknamed "country" tough exterior, but had a heart of gold, would go through hell or high water for anyone- great man, great friend, great Marine. One night we were in a bar and he told me "I'd rather have 1 NCO like you that I have to pull back, then have 1000 that I have to push forward"
Then when I was a Sgt, I worked for a MSGT who was the biggest sexist POS that ever walked the planet! Would not listen to anything I said, I had to have a male Marine tell him what I wanted him to know. That went on for about a whole heartbeat before I brought up charges of harassment.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Feb 4 at 2017 10:52 PM

2017-02-04T22:52:29-05:00

Colonel Dave Willis who was my battalion XO Iin 3/3 for a year in '77, then CO of WTBn Quantico/ Head of the Marine Corps Shooting Teams.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 4 at 2017 11:04 PM

2017-02-04T23:04:45-05:00

The greatest leader I can remember on active duty was "Screamin'" Lt Col Tom Freeman, DO of SDTW/LTS. He always put his people first, kept a stern focus on the mission, and spent countless hours mentoring inside his unit. While a Lt Col, he was still an informal leader who had us all going the extra mile because we wanted to do it for him. I'll always remember his passion & excitement for being on console during launch day.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 5 at 2017 2:04 AM

2017-02-05T02:04:22-05:00

The best by far was TSgt Samual Dickens whom I worked with and for at Hanscom AFB, MA in 1969 and 1970 when I returned from Viet Nam. He had our backs and I learned more from Him than I've ever learned from anyone I have worked for. He laid out His rule the day He took over the section, His rules were consistent and never changed, You knew exactly what was expected from You. He gave people credit for a job well done in public. If You made a mistake He never embarrassed You in front of Your peers, it was between You and Him. Once You had done whatever You had to to correct something it was never mentioned again as long as there was no repeat. The entire shift became very productive because We wanted to. He set a good example with the squared away uniforms, spit shined shoes or boots etc. everyone followed that example. He also was not intimidated by anyone and no one could screw with us esp when We were right. He was the textbook for how to manage. I applied so much of what I learned from Him through the rest of My life both as a civilian and Military member. He was very supportive of all of us in our career and helped us all become professionals at what We did and help us develop as leaders ourselves. I've worked for a lot of good people but I constantly thought about Him My entire adult life on My own Management of people and never went wrong with the things I learned with His guidance.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Feb 5 at 2017 10:43 AM

2017-02-05T10:43:22-05:00

CMSgt Bill Reynolds. Taught me more about being a true leader than anybody. Col Cathy Clothier, Col Wes Gallup, Col Barb Chine, LtC Rich Sisson, Maj Mike Harper, CMSgt Bo Longmire, SMSgt Roger Hatch, all leaders, true professionals that allowed me to hang around with them from time to time. Hope to think some of it wore off on me

Response by Maj Gen Richard Perraut made Feb 5 at 2017 1:32 PM

2017-02-05T13:32:23-05:00

General Colin Powell. I worked in J-8 as an action officer when he was CJCS. I also worked two special projects directly for him. Read the book, On Leadership, the leadership secrets of General Colin Powell, and you will understand why!

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 6 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-02-06T11:32:55-05:00

Tag them on RP if they're here!

Response by SSG Jimmi Julian made Feb 6 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-02-06T13:22:16-05:00

1st Sgt, Felix Negron, 25th infantry division

Response by 1SG John Baize made Feb 8 at 2017 7:58 AM

2017-02-08T07:58:26-05:00

It's a tie. Major Generals William E. Sweet and Roger K. Bean, both of the 56th FA Command (Pershing). Both of these magnificent men shared shared the ability to encourage recommendations from enlisted personnel, to make them feel as if they were real, contributing members of the team. Both had the uncanny abilty to anticipate what the higher command would want or require with almost 100% accuracy. Both could talk with lower enlisted personnel in a one-on-one situation without making that soldier feel uncomfortable or intimiated. Niether appeared to make decisions based on a purely politcal basis (Pershing was often the subject of political decisions at the highest levels). It was a pleasure to come to work when these to men were in charge.

Response by David Pitt made Feb 8 at 2017 9:08 AM

2017-02-08T09:08:11-05:00

Csm Michael Bush fort Polk louisana I was his driver he was a man of his word and took care of those under his command A true soldiers soldier.

Response by SPC David Whitney made Feb 8 at 2017 10:42 AM

2017-02-08T10:42:19-05:00

Lt. Col. William O'Donnell who was one of the pioneers of modern Communications Security and was responsible for deliverying the services of it for the Vietnam War beginning during the time I served under him in the Army Security Agency in the 1950s. A true officer and gentleman!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 1:16 PM

2017-02-08T13:16:01-05:00

I was fortunate enough to have a couple of great leaders, but more important comrades and friends. During my Marine Corps career I had three of them. One was MGYSGT Jobe, my first Comm Chief in Camp Hague, Okinawa, Japan, the next was LtCol Nakatani, my CO, 1st Radio BN, and the last one was Capt Reggie White. He was also my CO, H&S, CO, 1st Tracked Vehicle BN, Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. All three of these Marine were highly professional, motivated, and a common respect among their seniors, peers, and Marines. Their Marines would follow them anywhere and anytime. After I left the Corps there were three that was very exceptional also. The first was SgtMaj A. Rodrigues, he was my first boss after service and also he was my mentor for learning about the VA as a whole. The other was a very good friend who had helped me with learning the ropes in Paralyzed Veterans of America. The last was my boss at the San Diego County. He was a retired Colonel of the Marines. The Colonel and the SgtMaj have gone to see our maker. The others have moved on with their lives. I am forever grateful to have served with these men whose professional experience and knowledge with their jobs, their people, and their responsibilities will be with me till I see our Lord Jesus. Semper Fidelis to all six of them.
Semper Fidelis,
James

Response by SGT John Graham made Feb 8 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-02-08T17:04:13-05:00

What is behind the troops arrogant behavior? I don't want to sound easy, but what is going on...malcontent or having a problem. Release the detail and hold the individual. No audience makes it more likely to have a dialogue. If just a mouthy malcontent, extra duty or Article 15. If a problem look for solutions and resources. Troops follow a leader they respect more than one who commands. Compassionate command works within parameters.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Feb 8 at 2017 6:32 PM

2017-02-08T18:32:15-05:00

Maj. Gen Hugh S. Cunningham.....He was a good man.....And he was my friend.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Feb 8 at 2017 6:58 PM

2017-02-08T18:58:23-05:00

SMA Richard KIDD at FT LEWIS WASH 1974

Response by SGT Stephen George made Feb 8 at 2017 7:51 PM

2017-02-08T19:51:14-05:00

CSM, then First Sergeant, Voyles ...he led by example ...and didn't take no LT BS!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2017 3:22 AM

2017-02-09T03:22:23-05:00

MAJ. Stuart Holladay. In 2004 I reenlisted in the Army National Guard on a "try one" where you enlist for 1yr to see if the Guard is for you or not. I was nearing the end as a 92G and was considering getting out when then LT. Holladay confronted me noticing I was upset and talked to me wanted to know what I thought about the "live fire" we were at. We were an artillery unit. When I told him I really was excited about the live fire and was interested in learning more, He then asked me if I would consider becoming a 13M ? Curious as to why a LT was interested in a cook, I asked "Why?" His response shocked me as well as gave me a sense of self respect. He said " I have been watching you, and the motivation you show at drill and at this Annual training would be better suited in the field as a 13M." Over the years, I have often sought MAJ. Holladay's advice on different issues and He has always shown to be my mentor with great wisdom. I later learned that this compassionate officer was a former NCO and Section Chief. After 10 yrs. as a "redleg" I returned to Quartermaster and run a section of my own with all that I have learned from this officer and other NCO's that help shape and form my own style of leadership I know that I can do anything. This man has my utmost respect and I am blessed to call him my friend. I now have 15 yrs in the military in a E-7 slot where I would've only had 3 and gotten out as a E-3 had it not been for him.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Feb 9 at 2017 7:29 AM

2017-02-09T07:29:02-05:00

Man, that's a hard one. I couldn't do just one. I have two. Both had similar traits. One was name Juan Lafeunte. He was from Puerto Rico . He was helpful. He got people promoted. He was an educator. Down in the dirt with you, not afraid to get dirty or stay late. He had a sense of humor, he would poke fun at ya and be able to take the poking back. He was a person you wanted to hang out with. He had mastered 4 languages, read, write and speak. With him, work got done and it was fun. Now, the other leader was Sgt. Clark. I got thrown into his unit for combat. I believe he was from Tennessee. He was quiet, unassuming type man. He'd tell you to do something, and you knew to do it. He was Mr Party guy like Juan, but he did things more seriously in the same way. I guess it was the combat environment we were in. He lead us thru combat without anyone getting hurt, sick or whatnot. Other guys, in other squads got hurt or sick, but,not in Clarks. We went thru the same stuff as the other guys did, but, I guess we were blessed. After my tour with Clark, I returned to Juan. Juan stayed for another couple of months, then transferred out. His replacement came from the ranks. I wasn't impressed.

Response by SGT Sunny Lalingua made Feb 9 at 2017 8:32 AM

2017-02-09T08:32:31-05:00

It was quite some time ago, but Cpt Rand C. Lewis, commander of my Detachment gave me the best vision of Leadership. As I understand, he resigned his commission after commanding my unit to become a state politician in his home state. Never knew if he was successful at the venture or not.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Feb 9 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-02-09T17:04:32-05:00

General of the Army Omar Bradley, met him Fort Ord, and as such, worked for him.