Leadership/leadershit

I would like to discuss an on-going tend I have heard about while I am offline. It has been brought to my attention that in my absence other noble NNG-ers, who are taking a bold step into leadership, have had a rather difficult time organizing Ops due to negligence within the platoon especially regarding orders.

This is nonsense and it will cease and desist.

If you feel that an order may not have a positive outcome, bring it up to the leaders. Leaders should always have their orders up for discussion and be ready to defend why you are giving that order. I did not start the NNG outfit so that I would have to play 24/7 (although I prob will ) but rather so we could all play the PS2 role we desire among friends. It would be best to think that NO MATTER WHO IS LEADING THE PLATOON, PRETEND AS IF IT WERE JAAMAW. I promise I wont just pass it off to some no-body.

Having a disorganized platoon in my absence is just as humiliating as getting rolled by an enemy outfit. We are NNG. We are a driving force on the Vanu and I feel that other outfits already look up to us in a way. Lets show em who's baws.

For the Vanu!

 

Hooah! This is what every TR/NC should look like when logging in and checking the continent maps.

 

And herein lies why I hate taking Platoon Lead. It just doesn't work because not one single fuck is given.

 

If given Platoon Lead I tend to have a heavy fist.

I think it requires both sides to be assertive.

I have yelled into the comms channel and gotten no response when addressing the platoon. However when I call specific names and give them clear personal instructions I've noticed a lot more gets done.

Also we tend to stop representing our platoon as NNG and start to sway off with the pugs. Platoon leaders should address the platoon as NNG. "Good job NNG" "okay NNG let's move up and take the amp station". True not all players will be NNG but we are a welcoming OUTFIT with incredible leaders. This is honey to flies I promise and allowing people to feel like "honorary members" when they are with us is tits, attracting more regulars from other outfits and new members.


Same goes for the people in the platoon. When broad undirected general orders are shouted at the platoon it's easy for a soldier to think "oh the other 31 people have it". This type of thinking is not only hurting you as a player and contributor but also detrimental to the team.

My job has provided me with huge insight with customer/employee relations

 

This is an excellent idea. I will start using that as well.

 

This reminds me of a post I read somewhere else talking about in an emergency situation to not just yell "someone call (insert emergency service here)" rather you should point at them and say "YOU, do such-and-such" because making it personal can make the person feel responsible and more likely to act.

 

Great point. When the "official" leader isn't present, the audience can be hard pressed to take orders from a stand in. The personal aspects of the relationship may not be established. I agree with Wolf that in Jaamaw's absence, the use of "YOU, I need air support at ABC", rather than "I need air support at ABC" will make a big difference.

 

After being handed the reins a few times, I'm starting to get the hang of "herding cats"

I definitely like your idea, Disco, and will start to do that.

This morning I was handed control of a nearly-full Platoon that was 98% PUG, but still wearing NNG tags. At first I was semi-casual about instructions "Yeah, let's all move to <blah>".

Then I'd look at the map and see that, perhaps 5-10 people followed me, while the rest kept throwing themselves against the multiple NC platoons at Tawrich.

Before long, I was repeating orders, and giving more specific orders, and found that has a much better effect. Discussing plans with the platoon - and listening to feedback/suggestions goes a far way, but someone simply making the call to do SOMETHING is nearly all it takes to get people moving.

If I were to write a list of quick and dirty tips for platoon leadership it'd break down to the following:

• Communicate, loudly and often.
  • You'll feel silly or like you're nagging at first - that means you're doing it right.
  • State the current objective, and if you have one, the ideal next objective.
• Make a choice, and stick with it - until it falls apart in your face
  • Your plan WILL fall apart. Don't be afraid of that. It isn't your fault those damn NC/TR screwed up your plan!
  • So, when it all hits the fan, change tactics again. Few people will really complain.
• Don't be afraid to retreat.
  • This might mean regrouping at the warpgate.
  • This might mean picking a new continent. (I'm still working on this point, personally)
• Remind Squad Leaders (especially PUG SLs) to set waypoints.
  • Seriously. Keep nagging them. They'll eventually capitulate, then their squad will move with you. I say it for every new objective when I first assume command. It sets expectations and a rhythm
  • If they don't listen, promote someone else (even reluctant people).
• Don't be afraid to get specific (another point I need to work on)
  • Call for libs, call for AA, call for people to fall back to the nearest tank spawn and roll armor.
  • List all the possible options that might help (AA Max, Skyguard, Heavies with the Nemesis - get those planes down!)
• Have fun with it!
  • You've got a dose of (virtual) power! Use it!
  • I called for the platoon to write my name in the side of Sunderer this morning, and I'll be damned if people didn't light that thing up in a hurry.

This is, by no means a complete list. Nor is it even an expert list. It doesn't touch on strategies or tactics (those will have to be taught to you by someone smarter than me) - but its the observations I'm making as I get handed the platoon from time to time.

All this strays a bit from the original point, however.

I dunno if I've been part of the problem when others are leading a platoon - but if I ever am, call me on it (or better/worse, put the spotlight on me and stick me with a squad to lead, the pressures of command will keep me in line). If you're leading, feel like things are falling apart, and need a cheerleader, let me know. I'll help whip the platoon into shape as best I can.

Sometimes it just takes a voice or two added to our own to make things come together.

 

i dont have problems. I just boot people who want to do other things when I am PL.

I listen as well. "Great leaders are Great followers".

It is annoying when My squad I call for a re-call to WG and no one comes and I am sitting in the WG for 15 mins. THENS OMEONE HAS THE FUKING NERVE TO SAY i AM IN-ACTIVE WHEN I SPAMMED SQUAD CHAT.

I raged on the asshole, he was a pug. Then when we all disbanded and formed a NNG platoon. I think it's jsut the HIVE MINDED PUGS that really do not listen.

iD RATHER DEAL WITH OUR ALLIES and us than non-outfit pugs.

 

Thought I saw a group of Engineers building a statue of you today @ Amerish