Jayleene,

Great question. What you do will greatly depend on your unit’s current mission. I’ve been a PL, XO, staff officer, and company commander and all of my jobs differed from what I was taught in school/training to some degree. However, the need to support a team and effectively solve problems were consistent traits requires for all of my…[Read more]

As @logisticus said, be yourself.

I actually provided a similar answer to a similar question: https://juniorofficer.army.mil/discussion/relationships-with-enlisted-personnel/#post-928

Read books to get to understand more of the science of leadership, watch your leaders to assess their performance, and pay close attention to your own performance…[Read more]

The following is anecdotal, but conveys an answer to your question quite well, I think.

I have a long history of being considered overly professional, too strict, and robot/lacking interpersonal skills.  I’ve spent a lot of time working on this as a leader, both prior to and during leadership roles.

One of the key, consistent pieces of advice I…[Read more]

Christian,

Show up with a hunger to lead and be motivated. That is it; that is all I am looking for out of a brand new 2LT.

Also, its much more important how your Soldiers and Leadership think of you on the last day rather than the first day. Authenticity is apparent from day one and should be apparent on the last day.

First impressions are…[Read more]

Strengths-Finder and Strengths-based leadership are interesting books written by Gallup Poll Press. when you buy the books on-line you get a code to a very interesting test, popular in corporate America especially at the executive 20%.

Your leadership style, who you are, will come out when you are in a leadership position. You’ll figure it out -…[Read more]

There are resources available: Army Wellness (tests body fat and provides each Soldier with nutrition guide/advice and plan), the Brigade Physical Therapist also provides good classes and you can request that they come talk to your NCOs at least. Lower-body injuries are prevalent in the Army. The system has changed. Before, a PA’s profile was a…[Read more]

Emotional intelligence is key to interpersonal relationships. Don’t be too distant, but don’t be a buddy. If you stay mission-focused you’ll be okay, NCOs will be there to take care of Soldiers. Remember, you’ll often hear complaints- “we can’t do this!” Meanwhile you are judged on your ability to accomplish things, not push back. Units are often…[Read more]

Josh,

Great question and it is an important one for all leaders to ask.

You are absolutely right no Soldier wants to work for an officer that acts and talks like a robot. In fact most of them want to work for someone who can relate to them on a personal level. However, there is a line that you have to draw because at the end of the day you will…[Read more]

Davbro,

The most important way that other branches should perceive Cyber Soldiers is as force multipliers. Hands down.

Cyber folks are mostly going to be perceived and stereotyped as being introverts, geeks, basement dwellers,  and probably not being very physically fit; it’s going to happen. I consider myself a cyber guy AND I’m a former AG…[Read more]

Davbro,

The most important way that other branches should perceive Cyber Soldiers is as force multipliers. Hands down.

Cyber folks are mostly going to be perceived and stereotyped as being introverts, geeks, basement dwellers,  and probably not being very physically fit; it’s going to happen. I consider myself a cyber guy AND I’m a former AG…[Read more]

Davbro,

The most important way that other branches should perceive Cyber Soldiers is as force multipliers. Hands down.

Cyber folks are mostly going to be perceived and stereotyped as being introverts, geeks, basement dwellers,  and probably not being very physically fit; it’s going to happen. I consider myself a cyber guy AND I’m a former AG…[Read more]