Day 317: Trust

I think back to the lessons I received on leadership and invariably my mind drifts back to days in the highschool marching band. Mr. Roth, despite my grudge against him, taught me a lot on the subject of the importance of trust in leadership.

As leader I have the most say in defining the working relationship with my subordinates. Historically the most effective leaders I’ve worked with use mutual trust and respect to build a bond and use close to 100% positive reinforcement to cement desired behavior. I’ve always had an authority problem and the last thing I want to do is become something I hate in order to achieve results. I find it more effective to treat people as human beings, use the words “please” and “thank you”, an never place my ego above the welfare of the soldier. As a leader it’s my job to extend the olive branch of mutual trust and respect.

By the way, I was made the NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer In Charge) of the day shift. The idea is that running a commo shop during the busy shift during a RIP (Hell if I know what it stands for. Its handing off our mission to the incoming unit replacing us) should prepare me for being a team leader back in the rear. Honestly when being measured against veterans of multiple wars who’ve been in the service longer than I’ve been alive I can use all the help I can get.