Leadership/Morale

[powderedtoastman]

I was recently appointed platoon leader of my local academy class. This academy they seem to select people differently than in boot camp, where they would deliberately choose quiet timid people to force them to grow. The staff picked me because they feel I can bring the morale up of the platoon and do a good job. That being said, what are some tips from you guys for bringing up morale? People have been slacking on discipline, and getting a bit complacent. I want to get them pumped up and motivated, but I am still reeling from getting this "bomb" dropped on me!

[1CavScout]

When I was in the academy prior military were usually picked to lead in various capacities. I was fresh out of the Army, and was pulled aside and told I was being to hard on my fellow cadets. I quickly realized that the academy was very different than the military, and people without military backgrounds often got their feelings hurt easily. Maybe some others can chime in to give you some specific advice, but for me personally, I had to dial it back a little.

[Cody805]

Congrats on being appointed platoon leader!

[74c5]

First, talk to the staff and get a handle on whether it is a vaginal academy or a testicle academy. They need to tell you what the boundaries are and what the expectations of a platoon leader are. Basically, you are asking them for their definition of leadership. Otherwise, you've been given the opportunity to fail in public. Note that the tenor of the academy does not always reflect that of the department.

[nickbackouris]

Two things, and only two things, will lead to your success.

1. A 7/24 positive attitude

2. Lead by example. Make people excited based on your enthusiasm.

[9mmepiphany]

That being said, what are some tips from you guys for bringing up morale? People have been slacking on discipline, and getting a bit complacent. I want to get them pumped up and motivated,

Those two things are almost exclusive of each other, if your concerns are "disciple" and "complacency"

What you need is for them to "buy into" the need to change. That isn't usually done by example so much as them understanding what is expected and why. The easiest way is to find how they think morale can be improved and then to find a way to address it.

Usually when discipline wavers and complacency sets in, it is a sign that they have loss focus of the goal (graduating). You need to find out why they are no longer focusing on that goal

[powderedtoastman]

Excellent help folks, much obliged. Keep it coming!

[Samuelx]

Do you have a set period of time that you'll be at that position? In our academy I've seen some platoon leaders get "fired" in less than a day and some last for a few weeks... In addition to some of the advice already given, I would caution you to remember that you and your platoon are Peers and that you are all in this together. If your platoon has some issues, I would encourage everyone in the platoon to sit down and discuss concerns, goals, and ideas - it doesn't really matter who is standing in front (or off to the side, as the case may be).

[micro911]

It depends on the staff a lot. When I worked as an instructor at the AOT, I noticed that the academy class is a direct reflection of the staff. If the staff is squared away, the class is usually good. If the staff is slacking, the class is usually the same.

[esy]

If I remember correctly, I know which academy you're in and all of your staff.

I'll say this much, your staff is and a good amount of the staff there are current or former SWAT guys. Your Academy Director/Sgt was former SWAT, the Academy Director/Sgt of the night class is a current SWAT member, two of your RTOs are SWAT guys and you'll come across more.

If you don't already know, they strive on efficiency and doing things the right way. The push-ups, pull ups, sit ups, etc. are probably not the way you currently do them. They want you to help the platoon see that end goal.

When I was in the academy, my goal wasn't as simplistic as just graduating. My initial goal was to get the department patches. I could care less about getting into Class B uniforms. I wanted that patch on the shirt because it helps really make the realization of where you're at that much better. Once that happened, getting in black was my next goal.

I had other goals of working to get Top ACT and things like that, but as a platoon, it's all about seeing a goal that everyone can see and relate to. Getting patches is tangible. Being Top Gun, Top Academic, Top ACT, etc. isn't a goal that everyone can work towards as a platoon if that makes sense.

[powderedtoastman]

Thanks a ton for all of the helpful tips. I am in the longer academy class esy, and we are half way through. The first platoon leader went for 14 weeks, and the second PL lasted about 3 months. I guess part of our issue is that most of our recruits are working full time in addition to the academy. We go through these waves where people get lazy and complacent, the PL or squad leaders will speak up about it, it doesn't do any good, and it takes the staff beating us down to get people motivated and focused again. I know I'm kind of being unrealistic in thinking that I can keep us from getting beat down, but I just want to do everything I can to keep the platoon as high as possible in morale.

[micro911]

I do not understand the academy cadets have another full time jobs.

[esy]

Thanks a ton for all of the helpful tips. I am in the longer academy class esy, and we are half way through. The first platoon leader went for 14 weeks, and the second PL lasted about 3 months. I guess part of our issue is that most of our recruits are working full time in addition to the academy. We go through these waves where people get lazy and complacent, the PL or squad leaders will speak up about it, it doesn't do any good, and it takes the staff beating us down to get people motivated and focused again. I know I'm kind of being unrealistic in thinking that I can keep us from getting beat down, but I just want to do everything I can to keep the platoon as high as possible in morale.

I see. I thought you were in the current Day class. I'll be sure to keep it in your staff's ear to stay on you guys then.

I know your staff even better. Haha.

It's not a justifiable excuse, but I understand the complacency. I was in the night class as well and it's a long academy. It wears down on you and many people simply "check out". It's difficult, but obviously can be done. Sometimes it takes a slap in the face to realize it again.

The more leadership bears down on the platoon on top of what staff or instructors do, the more they may check out. It's a difficult balancing task and I hope you can achieve what your desired results.

[esy]

I do not understand the academy cadets have another full time jobs.

There's a separate night class that is supposed to be "part-time". They are officially scheduled approximately 25 hours a week, however, as we all know, BOW starts before what is actually scheduled and EOW is whenever our supervisors say it's over. Hahah.

I was in the same night class as well and it's tough to juggle and definitely wears on you, but the reward is fantastic!

[NinjaNinja]

Ughh.... being in leadership sucks. lol.