Things I learned as a First Sergeant

This Wednesday, Oct 12th, will end my Army career as a First Sergeant. I'm not bitter or sorrowful about it. In fact, I consider myself blessed for having this one last opportunity to wear the "Diamond" again. There's no Leadership job in the world as demanding or rewarding as that of a First Sergeant.  Some of what I've written below is taken from my Change of Responsibility Speech I'll give on the 12th; so if you're planning on attending, do what First Sergeant says, and keep your soup cooler shut until then. Just kidding, but really though, shut up!

I have been blessed with to leading Soldier's in just about every environment the Army offers. I'm not saying this to brag; just reflecting on the amazing opportunities God has placed me in.

I've led Soldiers for 18 years, from Basic Training to Combat, and have made more mistakes along the way then one can imagine. Despite my failures, God has also taught me some amazing facts about leadership that I'd like to share.

The first vital lesson God taught me is that He remains the same, today, tomorrow, and forever. So what does that mean for leaders? Consistency! If your leadership lacks consistency, you won't be leading anyone for very long. Inconsistency leads to frustration in those you lead.

Once I understood that concept, I knew my next step would be to adopt or create some principles that would guide me throughout my day. I had many years of experience, from Squad Leader, Drill Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, and First Sergeant. After analyzing my past opportunities, I came up with five principles that I've abided by for the past six years.  It wasn't until my most recent assignment as a First Sergeant, that I realized I needed to alter a few of my principles slightly.

So here they are!

 1. To Whom much is given, much is expected. 
This principle remains unaltered for my simple belief that, leadership is completely and unquestionably about serving others. I can still remember the expression on my leaders faces' when I asked them to associate the word servant with leadership. It looked as if everything they knew about leadership had been turned upside down. However, doing so accomplishes two things:

•  it reminds you that serving others is what leaders do; your authority and position are not for your benefit, but for the benefit of those you serve. 
•  the word servant is a reminder to stay humble. A leader who is not humble, is a leader who is not able to admit when he's wrong, ask for help, or effectively show compassion when needed. 

2.  Familiarity breeds disrespect.
This principle has been altered. My previous belief of this principle, was that in order to earn my Soldiers respect, I had to create this perception of an elite leader, one who didn't make mistakes, show weakness, or allow Soldiers to know their First Sergeant didn't really sleep at the position of attention and rise to singing the Army Song every morning. What I now know, is that familiarity doesn't breed disrespect, it builds relationships. Building relationships creates influence with those you serve, and influence is the essence  of leadership.

3. The Soldier does what the leader inspects.
This principle remains true and always will. The influence you have created through the relationships you've built means that Soldiers observe what you do, as well as what you don't. What's important to you, is important to them. When you don't enforce a known standard you've just altered what's acceptable in your organization, and will eventually lead to your units demise.

4. Never have your Soldiers doing anything you wouldn't do yourself.
This principle remains intact and has everything to do with respecting those you serve. A great number of Army leaders believe their Soldiers don't have to like them, they just have to respect and obey them. That thought process is 100% wrong! When Your Soldiers respect and admire you, they will gladly and willingly execute and obey your orders. Respect is earned not deserved.

5. Soldiers will remember the little things. The little things are as simple as pulling them to the side and asking how they're doing, about their family, while showing sincere interest. It's giving them an afternoon off just to show appreciation for they're hard work. It's being patient with them when they mess something up, or showing grace when they don't deserve it. We call them little things, but it's the little things that have the biggest impact on those you serve.

So there it is! I've just given you simple and effective principles that you can apply to any leadership position in any industry, organization, or even at home. It took me 18 years and countless mistakes to learn and apply these principles, and I'm still falling short all the time. Don't expect anything you put into practice will be the solution to your leadership woes. Manage your expectations and don't beat yourself up when you fail.

There is one secret I left out. I don't consider this secret as a principle to be applied like the rest; I consider it absolutely necessary for survival. What is it? My relationship with God! Remember me saying that relationships build influence? If I allow anything other than God to influence my leadership, I'm destined to fail. Maybe you aren't to the point where you realize the importance of this fact, maybe you don't even believe in God. Maybe your not able to separate the world we live in with reality.

The reality is God!

You know deep down you want to believe! Get past yourself, get right with God. Your leadership, as well as those you lead will benefit greatly.

"Bravo 7, Out"