Beyond their duty to serve the Nation, Soldiers often find themselves in positions of leadership and mentorship, tasked with guiding their fellow servicemembers through the challenges of military life.
To equip Soldiers with the necessary skills to excel in a leadership role, the 832nd Transportation Battalion held a unit NCO Professional Development training event at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum Nov. 6.
The first part of the class was a discussion on the core competencies and roles and responsibilities of NCOs led by NCO of the Quarter (FY23 2nd Quarter) Sgt. 1st Class Stanley Dunham, 832nd Transportation Bn. The second part of the class focused on accountability and covered counseling tactics, techniques and procedures.
“Soldiers encounter situations where they must provide emotional support, guidance and leadership to their peers. You just got pinned and now you are wearing your rank, what do you do?” asked instructor Sgt. 1st Class Sgt. First Class Stanley Dunham.
During the open discussion, Dunham encouraged each individual to have confidence in themselves.
Whether it’s dealing with the stresses of Army life or personal issues, or simply maintaining morale, the ability to effectively lead is crucial.
“As an NCO, if you’re committed, you will be influential and your unit will be successful,” Dunham said.
Then, the battalion Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Guillermo Martinez led a class on counseling.
Martinez learned the art of counseling through years of experience as a former recruiter, by sitting down and talking with hundreds of applicants and showing them how the Army can help them achieve their goals.
First, he addressed a common misconception that counseling is used to correct deficiencies: The counseling can be conducted monthly and it is one of the most important responsibilities for an NCO.
Counseling is a tool that helps develop people, and it can help people feel empowered afterword and become more capable, resilient and better prepared for future responsibilities, Sgt. Maj. Guillermo Martinez said.
"Do not shy away from it, do it," Martinez said.
“You get better all the time and I’m still learning, too.”
Rules for success
- Be prepared for the meeting with your subordinate.
- Practice positive leadership and active listening. One of the keys to leadership is knowing and understanding yourself.
- Start the conversation with a topic of interest to the Soldier.
- Record the facts.
- If you are a junior NCO, consult the platoon sergeant if remedial training is required. He or she will have the experience to make a helpful recommendation.
- Remember to always follow up with your Soldier.
- Finally, remember the Sgt. Major Martinez’s door is always open.
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