Command Sergeant Major Walter J. Zajkowski- On Leading Yourself
Nov 16, 2024
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Command Sergeant Major Walter J. Zajkowski, a distinguished Senior Enlisted Leader with over 30 years in the Army, shares invaluable insights from his military journey. He discusses the transformative power of embracing tough assignments and the role of ego in leadership. Zajkowski emphasizes the importance of identifying one's purpose and the benefits of mentorship. He also highlights how a commitment to reading can enhance leadership skills. This conversation is a treasure trove of actionable advice for every leader.
Effective leadership requires a genuine investment in team members' development, prioritizing their needs over mere wants for stronger cohesion.
As leaders advance, they must shift from technical skills to generalist abilities, understanding diverse functions for effective organizational communication.
Continuous learning from both successes and failures, supported by reflective practices, cultivates a culture of accountability and improvement in leadership.
Deep dives
The Importance of Caring in Leadership
Effective leadership begins with genuine care for the individuals being led. It emphasizes the need for leaders to be invested in the well-being and development of their team members. Leaders should focus on providing what their subordinates need for growth rather than merely accommodating their wants, as true loyalty stems from this understanding. This approach not only fosters trust but also contributes to building a stronger, more cohesive team that is better prepared to achieve collective goals.
The Evolution of Leadership Skills
As leaders progress in their careers, the necessary skills and approaches to leadership evolve significantly. Initially, leading small teams requires a strong focus on individual performance and technical skills, shifting as the leader takes on larger, more complex organizations. At higher levels, leaders must develop generalist skills to understand the diverse functions within their teams and effectively communicate organizational goals. This transition emphasizes the importance of organizational education, adaptability, and reflection on past experiences to lead effectively at increased levels of responsibility.
Learning from Experiences and Mistakes
The journey of leadership is deeply intertwined with ongoing learning from both successes and failures. Leaders are encouraged to adopt a mindset that values failure as a vital teacher, offering insights that can lead to growth and improvement. This learning process is enhanced through reflective practices, such as after-action reviews, allowing leaders to identify lessons that can be passed down to future generations. By fostering an environment where feedback is valued and openly shared, organizations can cultivate a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
Creating a Supportive Organizational Culture
Effective leadership is closely linked to fostering a supportive culture within organizations, where open communication and collaboration thrive. Leaders must recognize the diverse needs of their team members, as some may feel unfulfilled or disconnected. Providing appropriate tasks or responsibilities can help engage these individuals and transform potential roadblocks into opportunities for growth. Furthermore, leaders should be conscious of any implicit norms or 'ghost rules' that may hinder team morale and productivity, addressing them proactively.
The Role of Reading in Professional Development
Reading is a fundamental element of professional growth for leaders, particularly non-commissioned officers who play a crucial role in developing others. Engaging with literature on leadership, organizational behavior, and emotional intelligence can enhance a leader's effectiveness. By diving into varied subjects, leaders can gather tools and strategies from experts, ultimately applying these insights to their own unique circumstances. This intellectual curiosity not only sharpens individual skills but also strengthens the entire team by creating a culture of continuous improvement.
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In this episode, Joe Byerly talks with CSM Walter J. Zajkowski, Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command Pacific. With 30 years of service, CSM Zajkowski reflects on his journey from young Ranger to senior leader, sharing lessons on leadership growth, feedback, and learning from both great and challenging leaders.
Key topics include:
The role of ego in leadership and how embracing tough assignments can lead to transformation.
The importance of supplementing formal education with reading and self-reflection.
How to give people what they need, not just what they want, to develop strong, capable teams.
The power of identifying and living your "why" to stay aligned with purpose.
This conversation is packed with actionable advice and reflections for leaders at every level.
Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC), headquartered at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
Prior to his assignment at SOCPAC, he served as the Command Sergeant Major of 3rd Operational Support Group (2021-2022). Previous positions of responsibility include Battalion CSM, Force Generation Directorate SGM, Selection and Training SGM, Company SGM, Operations SGM, Training Instructor/Writer, Team Sergeant, and Team Member. CSM Zajkowski began his Army career in 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment (1994-1999) where he served as a Rifleman, Team Leader, and Squad Leader.
He enlisted in the Army in 1994 and served in multiple leadership positions within the joint special operations community.
Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski deployed in support of multiple combat operations to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/C device, Bronze Star w/Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Valor device, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Diver Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge.
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