Kenny, I’ve learned its important to be yourself.  One of the most important leadership traits is authenticity.  If you try to be something you aren’t you won’t be happy, you won’t lead effectively and your soldiers won’t trust you.

The first thing I would do if I could be a new PL again, is to meet with my NCOs.  Your success as a PL is tied to what your NCOs do.  You can pull as hard as you want, but if they are dug in you are in for a hard go of you PL time.  Talk with them, find out the challenges and strengths of the team.  Then you can begin talking about leadership style and philosophy.  When I took charge of my second platoon I tried to copy successes from my last platoon.  The results were less than stellar and I had to take a step back and re-think my strategy.  After meeting with my NCOs I learned a lot about what that unit needed and I adjusted my style to meet the need.  I was still “me” but my focus changed.

Relationships with subordinates.  This can be difficult.  As the leader it is your job to keep it professional.  But I’ve found that if you just ask and pay attention your soldiers will open up.  Also recognize many of your subordinates have more life experience than you.  They may be experiencing things you don’t really understand.  But if you listen and show you care about their problems and help them find the resources they need you will gain respect.

Lastly, you’re going to be dealing with professionals.  They know you are the PL.  They will follow you because they are professionals.  Listen and consider when they offer advice.  They want the platoon to succeed as much as you.  Your job as the PL is to define the end state, what is it your platoon has to accomplish.  Let your subordinate leaders accomplish.  Provide guidance and refine your plan as you’re executing.

Enjoy your time as a PL.  It will be some of the most amazing time and is really a key development position.  Sadly, it will be gone before you know it.  But the relationships you build will last your entire life.