My Personal Leadership Philosophy

As an effective leader one has to be especially close to their subordinates in order to provide them with the necessary purpose, direction and motivation to complete their assigned task. The tactical level is usually found at the company or platoon level, this leader is always looking to accomplish the short term goals in support of the long term mission. Tactical leaders must know how to solve problems quickly and without hesitation, they have more direct influence over soldiers because they are in the trenches with them. At this stage the leader has to council, correct and led their soldiers through the direct approach of leadership.

My leadership philosophy can be summed up with one simple phrase: taking care of Soldiers. This is my

Leading subordinates to success starts with building trust with your subordinates. It is important to gain trust throughout the ranks because without trust it is hard to influence Soldiers and complete the overall mission. You do not just receive trust automatically because you are a leader, you have to earn

Officers are taught to lead by example which means learning from the officers who came before them. As a leader in the army, a solider is constantly watched and must uphold the army core values at all times. Setting a good example for the young, non commissioned officers (NCOs) in the battalion is vital to the battalions cohesion and morale. In order to lead by example an officer is taught different leadership styles to incorporate in the field For instance, participating leadership style is especially appropriate when there is time receive input, information, and recommendations of your subordinates. The primary goal of the army is to develop the leaders of tomorrow. Leadership can always be improved on throughout life.

In their infancy, my problem solving skills were limited to seeking out guidance and having others assist with resolving conflict. As a young sergeant, I remember allowing conflict to brew around me instead of confronting issues. This served no purpose, and caused the work environment and team morale to decline. During my three years at United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), I had multiple analytic and leadership disagreements with colleagues. I learned that through open discussion and communication a majority of conflicts could be resolved immediately. As a platoon sergeant, I handle conflict between soldiers, peers, and leadership regularly. I employ tact, patience, and understanding in order to help the involved parties to overcome their

1. Influential Soldiers that embody The Soldier’s Creed, Warrior Ethos, and their experiences are more apt to achieving organizational and operational excellence. Soldiers, leaders, and teams must seek individual and organizational improvement throughout their daily lives. Based on my experiences, I believe the elements listed below create and sustain a solid foundation that Soldiers, leaders, and teams should strive to incorporate.

There are several characteristics a person in a leadership role should portray. My philosophy of leadership encompasses characteristics such as compassion, collaboration, innovation, perseverance, and competence. I believe to be a competent leader one must be authentic to one’s self and beliefs. One must know where he or she stands concerning ethics and innovations surrounding the education field. A leader must convey understanding, be on the forefront of research, advocate for colleagues and students, and collaborate with other professionals.

In my opinion, one of the best leaders in my community is my youth group pastor. He is flexible, polite, a great role model, and always ready to help those in need. Moreover he is the picture perfect image of what he wants others to become, and is willing to help anyone reach that point with grace and compassion.

Leadership on many occasions has been misinterpreted by many individuals. Many assume that leadership is an easy skill people can develop, however, it isn't. Leadership comes with significant responsibilities such as establishing an influence, guidance, or encouragement on others. While there are some people who seek leadership with the purpose to obtain the power and abusing it for self-interest. I can proudly identify myself as a person who has been titled a leader because I have portrayed an influence. Around my last two years of high school, I became a youth leader at church. Being a youth leader was not only a major learning experience for those who I supported but also for myself. For instance, I had to go through a discipleship class

I must be aware that at all times subordinates and peers are watching me and assessing me. At some point another soldier will ask themselves the question, what would SGT Fortson do in this situation? I want to make sure their answer to that is the correct one. I achieve this by displaying my resiliency. Showing resiliency further stresses that anything worth working for is worth having. In most cases our nations greatest leaders have failed, but it not how you fall, it is how you get back up. I want to show soldiers that it is key to know your deficiencies and have the proper frame of mind to adjust and overcome them. Pushing my subordinates and peers to be better is erroneous without demonstrating that I myself am constantly striving to be the

My Leadership Philosophy is built around honesty, respect, and selfless service. These three Army Values are the base of a Team’s foundation. Being a Leader is not just about leading Soldiers, it’s about leading Teams. You need a Team’s support in life to succeed. Your family at home, your church, or your Brother and Sisters at Arms are all members of your Team. FM-22 states: "creating a shared understanding is the first step and most important in developing a Team". With that statement, I would like to share my understanding of leading and developing Soldiers and Teams.

Leadership, according to the Army doctrine, represents individuals’ ability to influence people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization (“Leadership” FM 6-22). However, the varying characteristics of individuals that the Army attracts may instill this doctrine in many different ways, leading to different representations of leadership. Some individuals choose to lead their subordinate in a stern matter, only displaying matured emotions and a “tough-loving” attitude to guide them in the right direction. Others

Byerly earlier stated. I asked myself the following questions: what can I do to provide a vision, a sense of mission, and instill pride in my organization, What can I do to inspire and motivate my organization, what can I do to foster a command climate that stimulates intellectual growth in my organization, what can I do to help my subordinates develop to their full potential? I can provide a vision by giving my Subordinates progression counseling’s and helping them to remain focused on the steps we must take to reach the end state or the overall goal of our Command. I will work hard and lead by example, proving that our task is not impossible. I will hold my organization in high regard initiating a positive atmosphere for my subordinates and superiors. I will encourage my subordinates to continue their education by taking college courses and bring current event articles to work so we can stay up-to-date with information around the world. I will encourage my subordinates to ask for military courses to better themselves and I will practice mission command.

I need to spend time learning about the specific motivations; hopes and dreams of each individual in my office to better direct them. I have a diversified group coming from different backgrounds, temperaments, way of thinking, etc. I have direct supervision of 2 enlisted members and supporting 2 officers. I ought to know my people. To do this, I have to discuss and empathize with their needs, making interpersonal connections with them (knowing important dates, anniversaries, birthdays, hobbies, etc.), encouraging for ongoing professional development and personal growth, listening fully without judgment and communicate in a warm way. I will also have to provide timely and honest feedback. Lastly, give them reward when it is due or a simple “pat in the

As a team leader, I have an opportunity to effect the most change on my Soldiers by encouraging them to pursue their education, this will help increase their potential to the Army in the long run which will help meet my overall goal of encouraging education in the military. This is the area where I can affect the most change in the near term.