Eagle 7 sends

By Command Sgt. Maj. Alonzo J. Smith, 101st Airborne Division Command Sgt. Maj.October 24, 2012

101st Airborne Division Command Sgt. Maj. Alonzo J. Smith
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

As most of my command sergeants major, sergeants major and first sergeants are well aware; we just completed an iteration of the 101st Airborne Division Senior Leadership Symposium Oct. 17. During the event, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Carl E. Christian (who served as FORSCOM command sergeant major from October 2001 to November 2005) conducted a poignant and candid professional development session with all the senior NCO leadership from across the Division, sharing lessons learned and observations on successfully developing leaders at all levels.

With this in mind, I would like to share a few basic points on leadership as it applies to all Soldiers within the Division. It is important to note that you do not have to be in a leadership slot to begin practicing the qualities that will make you a better leader and future NCO and leader. These fundamentals are simple and apply to every Soldier who puts on a uniform each day, regardless of rank or position.

I've heard it said several times that "leadership is a contact sport" and no simple, five-word statement has ever held as much truth as these words. To be an effective leader, you must lead from the front. You must be out front in every aspect of developing your Soldiers, from PT to basic Soldier skills training to specialized MOS tasks. So what does this really mean and how can you develop yourself as a leader? For a quick azimuth check, take a look at the four points below and think about how they apply to you.

Character -- Are you doing the right things, morally and ethically, and placing your Soldiers' needs above your own? Are you taking shortcuts? Are you accountable? Your Soldiers see everything and will emulate your behavior, right or wrong.

Communication -- Are you keeping your Soldiers informed? Are you ensuring that their Families are informed? Are you ensuring your leaders are receiving accurate assessments of you and your Soldiers?

Competence -- Are you becoming the subject matter expert in all areas in your lane and at your level? Are you learning your supervisor's job in the event that you need to assume his/her duties? There is nothing as disheartening as an NCO who is attempting to teach a class to his/her Soldiers when they have not mastered the material. Once again, your Soldiers see everything.

Courage -- Are you willing to perform any task you assign to your Soldiers? Do you place yourself out front in the same situation you place them? This area also includes moral and ethical courage. Will you stand up for them, even at the expense of yourself, when it is the right thing to do? Will you choose the hard right over the easy wrong?

I challenge every leader and every Soldier to ask themselves the question, "What do I bring to the fight and why would someone follow me?" As the Army continues to get smaller and more competitive, the need for effective leaders increases in importance.

I will leave you with some sound advice from retired Sergeant Major of the Army Glen E. Morrell (the seventh Sergeant Major of the Army from July 1983 to July 1987) who said, "Identifying good Soldiers -- potential leaders -- and turning them into good noncommissioned officers is a complex process. The bottom line is simple, however: weed out the poor performers, teach the right Soldiers the right things, and recommend the best Soldiers for promotion and retention. The only way to prepare good Soldiers to become noncommissioned officers is to place them in leadership positions and increase their responsibility according to their ability. This process takes time and patience.... noncommissioned officers make noncommissioned officers!"

As always, if you have a question for me, please click on the "Ask the DCSM" link at: http://goo.gl/zZUOw. It is completely confidential, unless you are asking for assistance, and there are absolutely no repercussions for using this link. I will read your messages and respond.

Eagle 7

Related Links:

"Ask the DCSM" Link on the 101st Airborne Division website

101st Airborne Division on the Army Homepage

101st Airborne Division on Facebook