Let's talk about leadership - Page 4

**Jack Moroney (RIP)** · 06-09-2006, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by incommin

because I did not want to be one!

Neither did I. I was just a soldier that happened to be an officer.

frostfire · 06-09-2006, 21:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Moroney

... In the meantime academicians will garner big bucks analyzing what makes a leader or a tyrant ....

that's why I returned the book heh heh

The books did a good job putting the finely summarized points here to a 247 multi-chapter-scenarios and examples-packed materials, though

There are so many insights here (& other threads) that would make bulks of a military science paper. I will quote/paraphrase and give credits accordingly. Thank you, gentlemen.

incommin · 06-10-2006, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Moroney

Neither did I. I was just a soldier that happened to be an officer.

Sir, this old CSM would like the honor of buying you a beer some day!

Tangodown_inc · 06-10-2006, 13:43

I see all kinds of leadership mistakes on a daily basis while teaching units to go to Iraq. The biggest mistakes I see are failure to be able to rely on solid NCO's, lack of the ability to multi-task, and most of all not being able to stay calm and perform under fire (in this case simulated). I can't count the times a young Specialist has held things together when the convoy commander that he is RTO'ing for loses control. Unfortunately in some circles of the military, rank isn't earned though the ability to lead.

Sdiver · 08-09-2006, 09:46

A buddy of mine and I, were discussing this sometime last week, and yesterday, one of my Supervisors informed me, that I was being seriously considered to be made an FTO for my dept. When he told me this, it almost floored me. I haven't even been with my dept for a full year yet. I've only been on the road since last Nov., and here they're looking at making me an FTO.

Sure, I know the day to day operations for our company, but I surely don't know it all, nor do I claim to. I'm at work on time, most of the time, well before my scheduled clock in time, to do rig checks and help out those that need it. My daily uniform is always presentable...ironed, boots shined (of course not spit shined, unless it's necessary), my rig is always cleaned and stocked. I attribute this to just doing the best job I can, taking pride in my work, my dept and of course myself.

But there are others that have been with my dept, far longer and have the same work ethic as I do. But I know, that they aren't being considered, for an FTO position, nor have they ever.

As QP's, in which all on a team are NCO's and Officers, and all have an "Alpha Male" mentality, what is it you look/looked for in a leader? Experience? Rank? Who shouts the loudest? The Biggest Dog in the fight?

What sets apart, one as a Leader, in a profession such as SF ?

**Roguish Lawyer** · 08-09-2006, 11:04

S, excellent topic. I have merged with an existing discussion of the same thing. Perhaps people want to keep it going . . .

x SF med · 08-09-2006, 11:18

diver-
Get the book "The Company They Keep" if you can find it - an anthropological study of SF from an inside viewpoint, in a way. I tlaked to the author a few years ago, because it's my team on the cover of the book, even though you can't really tell - unless you were on the team. It tells you how leadership develops on a team, starting at the Q course.

**Jack Moroney (RIP)** · 08-09-2006, 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sdiver

What sets apart, one as a Leader, in a profession such as SF ?

There is not a simple response to this and the answers you get will vary from individual to individual based on their level of experience with others good and bad, the level of command you are talking about, and their own level of expertise. Basically it depends on the qualities of the individual, the situation at any particular point in time, the abilities and responsiveness of those being "led", the working relationship(s) in existence, expectations of both the leader and the follower, a mutual frame of reference for understanding the rules of the game and shared experiences, just to mention a few.

Richard · 08-09-2006, 19:26

Guys,

Leadership in SF--IMO and based on my experiences on a couple of ODAs--is predicated on the philosophy of, "Do something...lead, follow or get the hell out of the way...but do something!" Beyond that, it's purely theoretical gobbledygook which can be used by anyone with a gift for expounding on the obvious to sell a lot of books. Situationally, primus inter pares on an SFODA is the expected norm.

Richard

incommin · 08-10-2006, 05:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Moroney

There is not a simple response to this and the answers you get will vary from individual to individual based on their level of experience with others good and bad, the level of command you are talking about, and their own level of expertise. Basically it depends on the qualities of the individual, the situation at any particular point in time, the abilities and responsiveness of those being "led", the working relationship(s) in existence, expectations of both the leader and the follower, a mutual frame of reference for understanding the rules of the game and shared experiences, just to mention a few.

I think that nailed the box lid down pretty tightly on this subject! Excellent!

bluebb · 08-10-2006, 22:14

These men are the leaders who shaped me;

1. Cpl Cooper - The 1st NCO I met on active duty, took my basic training platoon through the first few days before reporting to our training company. Led by example, uniform squared away, and very orginized.

2. Sgt Hurey - My first section Sgt, he knew everything about our radio systems and imparted that knowledge on me. Taught me the value of taking care of my equipment. Also very into army history, he showed me the connection from Washingtons troops at Valley Forge to me and why I should live up to and carry on all traditions that had been passed down.

3. LTC Richard Flowers (now a retired General) - Bn Cmd of the 307th Engineer BN of the 82nd ABN Div. Led from the front, took care of his troops, he could converse with Pvt Scooby about the individual fighting postion he was digging or an ambassador about the road project in his country and make both of the think"this man knows what the hell he is talking about. The best Bn Cmd I have ever served under.

4. MSGs Ron Ruhle and Scott Douglass - the best SF team Sgts I ever served with. Both men led from the front, subject matter experts, great teachers, and damn fine soldiers.

5. SGM Ed Certain - Combat proven leader. He would not ask us to do what he would not, which sucked because he would do just about anything. Stood up for his soldiers and did not put up with petty request from higher ups.

The traits that these men had were moral courage, a love for the spirit of the US army, physical and mental toughness, tactical and technical expertese and they were just good people.

Blue