Mentor an O

[Teamthruhumility]

Hello Gents,

I will be attending BUD/S this summer or Fall, pending orders. I am requesting advise on how to best serve the E-llisted men during BUD/S both those aout of bootcamp and the fleet guys? Specifically what works best for motivation (other than that perpetual smile when cold, wet, tired and miserable), how best to utilize the fleet experience available? Thanks for the time.

[Wazz]

Team
You would get more pointed replies if you would reflect your current pay grade. I cannot tell if you are E-5+ or an Officer.

Using a broard brush I can advise you that just passing out encouragement by offering Team leadership qualities and giving credit to those who do well in BUDS, and also offering motivation to those Trainees that seem to lag behind will be excellent qualities for helping other BUDS Trainees. BUDS is a Group/Team type of training and a standout that leads by motivation is an asset.

[Teamthruhumility]

Thanks for the response,

My background is 3 year active duty E-4, 4 years ROTC, I will recieve a commission next month.

[Wazz]

Team
Then you will be expected to do as well if not slightly better than the enlisted core. This is because when you enter a SEAL Team you will be a leader, a commissioned Officer, and leadership duties will be part of your daily routine.

Therefore, in BUDS, while performing as well if not slightly better than the core Trainee, you can select those that do well and give them praise. To those Petty Officers that are also expected to do a little better than the Recruit fresh from A School/Boots, encourage the Petty Officer to be a leader, to give organizational encouragement. And to the Trainees that seem to have difficulty apply some motivation and encouragement to them.

[Teamthruhumility]

Just want to say thanks,

Your information will be heeded as will any other recommendations, from all those of experience. Would this be an appropriate forum to seek more specific problem oreinted leadership advise during BUD/S, or should I seek other venues?

[Wazz]

Team
If you wish to enhance your ability to be a Leader, a Manager, I suggest you brush up on some Industrial Psych. Learning when to speak, how often to speak, and what to expect in return are valuable assests. Being a Team Leader, managing people, is an art unto itself. Technicians are technicians. And Managers are managers. The two do not aways do well in the other's field.

Too often, in the military, the Senior Leader of a group will have the shadow of the UCMJ as part of their tools of leadership. This is a poor choice, an "either or" type of approach. With some Industrial Psych under your belt you will recognize when your are leading, pushing, or neglecting. All important tools in the craft of leadership.

[Teamthruhumility]

Thanks again,

I happen to be a psychology major and studied performance mangement in a few courses though the classes gave good theoretical info, allowing conceptualization and identification, not much direction of applcation. Since it is clear that your are more than well versed on the subject. Do you have any resources are books to recommend?

[Wazz]

Team
Sorry. I got rid of all my libraries of books and papers some time ago to get myself away from returning to the world of manangement. These days I only manage my self and my wife (when she lets me).

But you are correct. I attended every seminar and class I could find in the professional world on the Management of People. This even helped me a great deal in my social inter-play. I have no college credits.

I did create a very long questionniare for some past professional involvement that caused me to take a collection of my seminar learnings, my common readings, and my papers I received from U. Wisconsin and U. Stanford. Two excellent human behavior factories. The questionnaire was a test launch to see which of the questions caused the greater, unguarded reaction. In the final analysis I reduced the questionnaire down to only 16 questions that were most effective.

You may find the rigid structure of the Military somewhat adverse to good management flexability. But when dealing one on one, as and Ensign, then onto LTjg, you will find good self presentation and leadership techniques will take you to the top of the list of most respected.