Justin,

I do not have a written SOP.  Instead, I place them into a PL slot.  For example my current TO&E has the XO leading my headquarters platoon.  I will place an SMP cadet into a “PL” slot there and treat them the same as a new PL.  The challenge with SMP cadets is that they frequently have other commitments to the ROTC program with FTXs and…[Read more]

I would recommend “A Bridge Too Far” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075784/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 for its staff dynamics and primers in groupthink and its mission impacts.

Whew!! ~10 miles on a the bike w/ resistance, ~4 mile row, or 3/4 mile swim. Yeeehaw! That’s kicking it for 25 mins (or less).

@copp – agreed, it’s such a great series! Do you have a favorite episode or scene?

Santi,

Welcome to post command. I learned more in post command thinking about what I had done, why I did it and how to be better.  What I love about your post is the honesty and self reflection. Thanks for for the contribution

These are great, Tiara! I’ve heard these so many times I had forgotten they were all Colin Powell. Which one resonates with you?

George,

I love this topic because it is so timeless.

The number one thing I wish I knew was how powerful organizational culture is. Culture trumps every strategy I’ve ever developed.

CDSP plan, do you have a culture that values accountability?  If not it’s going to be hard to sustain that plan.

Want empowerment? Does your culture support…[Read more]

Ray,  for me it started with OPD, then an NCODP.  I needed to create the space for NCOs and Officers to agree to allow I intend to…..  I saw this as a key first step.

During my final OPD on Leader-Leader model we conducted a pre-mortem.  In a pre-mortem you assume whatever you tried failed.  You then list the reasons why it failed.  Its a great…[Read more]

Ness,

Great question and the eternal bane of being an M-day leader in the reserves.  My solution has been this:

1)  Create an understanding and expectation that as officers and leaders we are expected to do “homework” in order to be successful.  Leadership doesn’t end with final formation.  Therefore, as a staff officer we expect you to com…[Read more]

Here are a couple example conops:

https://juniorofficer.army.mil/?s=conop

Bringing this discussion back!

Company commanders, anything new to add?

How has recent strategic guidance (Large-scale combat ops, Focus on China/Russia, focus on ‘expeditionary’ etc) impacted your command or unit?

– What are your first steps toward leader-leader?

The author said it best, “each organization is different and unique. The people making up the organization have different backgrounds and a different level of tolerance for empowerment.” Given that view, leader-leader model starts with assessing yourself, how you (as a leader) fit in your…[Read more]

Ness, I feel you on this one. I just assessed to USAR as an AGR and have struggled at this. A couple of thoughts right off the bat:

1. Geography matters. How close are you to a USAR Mission Training Complex or to your assigned 1st Army partner brigade?  Both can be leveraged to provide some mentors to facilitate MDMP during your BA weekends.…[Read more]