First, I am sorry I didn't read anything, so I don't mean to repeat stuff, but if I do- sorry. Good things are worth repeating anyways...
So first off- If you talk to your cadets like suggested you need to make sure there's also a senior member present and any other cadet staff that would be in the cadets chain of command (like the cadet commander and first sgt)
From what I read it sounds like there’s certain cadets that aren't respectful, so with that I would talk to those cadets on the side with the other staff. Don't yell or create an environment like interrogation, just sit with them one on one and ask them whats up. Maybe even "if you were in my shoes what would you do differently" if they really don't like the way you lead. Whatever it is you decide to do you need to make sure you get your chain of command involved! Do not make them the last resort! That is the worst thing a leader can do, you need to know you have others who have been in similar situations. You are a cadet, so with that means you are still learning, so let people help. I know that it is possible to still learn through this by yourself, but save yourself some the time and worry. One of the things my Sq does is the DCC and cadet commander talk one on one with the flight commanders and sgt every week, and all they do is talk about the flight; how they are, whats going well/wrong, etc. It's not to be nosy, but to have accountability with each other. The same should go for the element leaders, flight sgt and commander. They need to communicate.
If it's the group as a whole that is still not respecting you then do the same, but instead of talking to the individual talk to them as a flight. I used to do open discussions, and then go from there.
I know that there will be cadets that just won’t work with you and if it is very obvious and potentially a bad thing you can also talk to the parents. They are after all their altimate authority, and they should be aware of anything that could potentially get them in trouble. With something like that I would be careful though, and you would defiantly want more them 1 SM with you.
It's a bumpy ride being a new leader, but we all go through it. I know I still have trouble gaining respect. Some don't like a girl over them, others think I'm too demanding, or maybe not demanding enough. Either way I have learned that it's best to just keep in check with my leadership. Every now and then I just ask them honestly how they think I am as a leader. I wish I had done that earlier on, it could have helped me clue into what was happening and what people thought of me. Also, not to say that you are prideful, but also keep that in check. Sometimes we don’t always go for help cuse we think it will make us look weak, but in reality it shows that we understand our own limitations. It can also prevent us from going down to the level of those under us, which should never be the case. We all start some where, and we should never forget that. We all are human after all.
So, as long as that was you can sum in up into a few words. Integrity, communication, and accountability.
And um, not to be rude...but why is there an all female flight? Not that it's a horrible thing and should never be done, but it just seems odd. Girls can be very emotional, and as a group it just seems to get worse (I can say this, I'm a girl lol)
major Krause said:
ONE question how did a sergeant get put in charge of the group.
It sounds like he is a flight sgt, if not it is still not that uncommon for a NCO to be in charge of as flight.
