Assuming a leadership position
Assuming a leadership position is one of the most important leadership situations you’ll face as an NCO. Everything discussed in FM 22-100 about what you must BE, KNOW and DO is relevant to your success of assuming a leadership position.
When assuming a leadership position, there are some things to think about and learn as you establish your goals in the organization. The following will assist you in achieving your goals.
- Determine what your organization expects of you.
- Determine who your immediate leader is and what they expect of you.
- Determine the level of competence and the strengths and weaknesses of your soldiers.
- Identify the key people outside of your organization whose willing support you need to accomplish the mission.
You should also talk to your leaders, peers and key people such as the chaplain and the sergeant major. Seek clear answers to the questions below:
- What is the organization’s mission?
- How does this mission fit in with the mission of the next higher organization?
- What are the standards the organization must meet?
- What resources are available to help the organization accomplish the mission?
- What is the current state of morale?
- Who reports directly to you?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of your key subordinates and the unit?
- Who are the key people outside the organization who support mission accomplishment? (What are their strengths and weaknesses?)
- When and what do you talk to your soldiers about?
Be sure to ask these questions at the right time, of the right person and in the best way. The answers to these questions and others you may have will help you to correctly assess the situation and select the right leadership style.
