How to be a battalion commander — some sarcasm, and some serious suggestions

A sad series of suggestions.

But seriously:

"-  Spend more time with lieutenants.

–  Took too long to fire an ineffective leader.

–  Was too patient with senior leaders; should have been less tolerant of their mistakes.

–  Should have been tougher with my subordinate commanders.  They were never challenged to peak performance.  Might have avoided relieving one.

–  Should not have let my BOSS program lapse due to pressure of training events.  Sent bad signal to soldiers in the billets.

–  Get familiar with how the units that we support "fight."

–  Allowed too many people to have a hand in decision-making.

–  Place more emphasis on maintenance.

–  Should have paid more attention to my captains and majors.

–  Give my company/battery commanders more freedom/latitude to command.

–  Spend more time listening and talking to soldiers.

–  Should not have believed Branch and Pre-Command Course concerning Officer Efficiency Reports and senior rater profiles.  Screwed up some great officers."