Military Homework?

Question

Respect of subordinates is not something that can be commanded; it must be earned. What does this mean?

Answer 1

It is a leadership question.

Your subordinates MUST obey your lawfull orders and respect the authority you have over them. But they do not have to respect you.

A leader needs to earn the respect of their people. This earned through the leader showing he has their best intrests in concern, like Liberty (time off) helping them out with quals, helping them out of bad situations, helping them into good situations, Having their back, being honest with them, and knowing how to do the job. People would rather know they are going to get shafted ahead of time, than for you to have it a secret and let them find it out when it happens. My guys know I'm going to do for them what I can, fight for them when I can, and understand when I tell them it is going to be rough.

Earning the respect of subordinates is very easy for some, and very difficult for others. Personality is huge, your own work ethic is a large factor, but how you relate with them is what its about. I will never ask one of my guys to do something I would not do, or could not do!

Anyone can tell people what to do, it takes someone with certain characteristics to lead them, and even fewer to have them willingly follow you into a fire.

ADDED: Ruester, great example of contrasting leadership and perception in their men. Cpt. Sobel was all abought making HIMSELF look better at the cost of his men, while being inept in his job. Mjr. Winters Focus was on winning the battles, doing what was best for his men, excellent communication with them, and being superb at his job.

Answer 2

What this means is that while your subordinates fall under you and you have the benefit of command and the implied power that it brings there are also limitations. Your subordinates may follow your orders because of your rank and not respect you and in your absence not do that which they should or as well as otherwise. On the other hand if you have earned their respect you not only have the implied power of your rank but you also have emotional or coercive power over them. Often times this can be more affective and allow you and them to accomplish greater things. Your superior rank does not give you this in itself-it is something that you develop and earn with them by being a good commander-not just their commander.

Answer 3

In the military, there are 2 types of respect; given and earned. You are given respect based on your rank or position. People will automatically respect the stripes by virtue of the rank structure. But, you must also EARN the respect of your subordinates and peers through your actions and knowledge. People may show you respect because of your rank, but if you don't have their respect as a parson and a leader, you will not be very effective.

Answer 4

How does anyone gain anothers respect in any occupation? By being proficient in your job. Be loyal, honest, and strive to better oneself.
In the military, regardless of rank, you are taught that respect must be given to the rank. You respect the rank by the hand salute, addressing your superiors by "sir", ma'am", or by their rank and name.
On an individual basis, respect is gained by being decisive, fair, being technically and tactically proficient.
A great movie showing the contrast between having respect for your subordinates, peers and superiors is shown in "Band of Brothers". If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it. Pay close attention to Winters, Speers, and the NCO's in the movie as great examples of respect shown to them, and they to their soldiers. Lack of respect for Cpt. Sobel and Lt. Dike shows very clearly. There are other examples, that aren't so evident unless you pay close attention.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

It means that you can't order people to follow you. I've had leaders I wouldn't follow to K-Mart. I've had other I would gladly follow into battle. You can tell the best leaders without ever hearing them speak.