As a young leader, I learned a valuable lesson I still use today. So, what was the lesson? Before I share the lesson, I must give credit to the person who taught me the lesson…
Who taught me the lesson? My Sergeant Major! For non-military personnel, Sergeant Major is a senior non-commissioned rank. It is the highest rank for our enlisted personnel.
Sergeant Major’s have many years of experience. They are great problem solvers and mentors for young officers and enlisted soldiers.
My first encounter with a Sergeant Major was as a freshman in college. I joined ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and had an opportunity to work with an exceptional leader, who was also the unit Sergeant Major.
During my four years in ROTC, my Sergeant Major taught me many lessons. The first lesson he taught me was to always listen to the Sergeant Major.
After I became a member of the ROTC Cadet Commander’s staff, I went to my Sergeant Major, very frustrated. Why was I frustrated? Because everyone was bringing their problems to me to solve.
When I met with my Sergeant Major, he taught me a lesson I still use today. So, what was the lesson? He told me I needed to train my staff to never present a problem without suggesting a constructive solution.
Over the next several weeks, when someone brought me a problem, I would ask what their solution was. At first, it was difficult. I had to resist solving the problem. I also had to learn to wait for the staff member to bring a solution.
By the end of the semester, we were a well oiled teamed. When I would meet with the team, they would provide three possible solutions for the problem.
Over the next 20 years, I never forgot the lesson I learned from my Sergeant Major. It didn’t matter what position I held; I applied the lesson I learned from my Sergeant Major.
As the leader, it is your responsibility to develop the leaders around you. The first lesson I would recommend would be the lesson I learned from my Sergeant Major. If you want to stand out as a valued employee and an effective leader, always bring a solution to every problem.
“You are either part of the solution or part of the problem.”
Eldrige Cleaver
Do you present constructive solutions with problems?
Your leadership guide,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore | Your Leadership Guide | kimdmoore.com
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