2
Command means having a full load of ammo and no weapons hits from directing a very successful defensive play near the end of the round. Giving the "search and destroy" order when only one enemy remains, and letting the rest of the team have the fun of finding him playing dead amidst two DCs on the opposing base, while watching home base just in case. Command is the joy of watching seven random PUG players choose to come together and risk following a plan (and having some of them ask you to be their friend/leader). It's also about typing very quickly and bringing up the Battlegrid every ten seconds. I don't use voicecomm because I want to be able to reach every player on the team.
Some things I would suggest for every commander:
- Don't just plug a command into the Battlegrid. Use chat to reinforce your tactics - repeat the order and coordinates. If possible, give a reason why. Be a person, not an icon on the minimap.
- Assign individual tasks when possible. People love being part of a team if they have something to contribute - ask scouts to investigate or cap areas by name. Make an assault player the center of your advance force. And always ask or suggest until you know your team trusts your decisions ("Player, suggest you scout tunnel" or "Player, think you can scout the tunnel for us?"), rather than force them to listen to you. Not everyone likes being told what to do, but asking doesn't hurt anybody's feelings.
- Accept teammate input. Just because no one else stepped up to command doesn't mean they don't know the map or have a good tactic that works. If you don't think a player has a good plan, explain why. Encourage players to become lance leaders.
- Get dirty/pull double duty. Sometimes you have to be in the thick of it to give the best tactical advice. My command 'Mechs are a CPLT-C4 and CN9-D. In the Cat, I'm providing midrange direct missile support and commanding between salvos, in the Cent I'm scouting or skirmishing. Don't command the team to do anything you wouldn't risk in your own 'Mech. Sacrifice yourself for the team if need be.
- Advise your commander if you don't have company command (and take the lance command if it means something to you). At the end of the day we're all just random players in a game, but respecting the chain of command encourages other commanders to be better at what they do and sets an example for the rest of the team.
- Accept that not every PUG wants to be commanded. Sometimes being a leader means stepping back - if they're not playing along with you, play along with them.
- Thank the team, no matter what happens.
Edited by ValdnadHartagga, 05 August 2013 - 05:40 PM.
