10 Comments

1. John M. Andresen says:
   March 31, 2009 at 3:08 am

   Most chiefs appreciate an LPO who they can rely on to handle the routine activities of the division and be the go to guy to solve problems. Do the job the way you see fit and be assertive about it. The more that you are effective and get results, the more slack will be given to you. Once you have demonstrated that you are someone that can be depended on to handle the new responsibilities, you’ll be rewarded by the bosses showing their confidence in you. Don’t be hesitant to make decisions but be ready to be accountable for the results. “Its easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission”. You will either be supported or fired but you’ll feel better about it having been true to yourself. If your intention is to have a career and be successful, you’ll need to come to terms with the demands of your chain of command and proceed accordingly.

   Reply
2. Tom Goering says:
   April 1, 2009 at 10:41 am

   @John M. Andresen

   Well said Sir.

   Reply
3. Spendthrift says:
   April 1, 2009 at 1:54 pm

   You know, there are a lot of things I want to say about this post and while I am getting my thoughts organized, I just want to ask – very calmly, very reasonably – how checking in in the morning and checking out when you go home is affecting your work. One of the best ways to totally overwhelm your leadership and get them to leave you alone is to bounce in the morning and tell them what you’re planning on doing that day. Then when you’re ready, before you leave go back and say hey, I’m leaving, is there anything else you need before I go.
   It’s not sucking up. It’s not only a courtesy but it quickly clues them in that you’re on it, you’re there, and it can result in them feeling like they don’t need to keep tabs on you all the time.
   You and your leadership are actually trying to accomplish the same things. Maybe some parts of the equation are more competent than others. The trick to it is not letting your discontent with their methods make you reluctant to deal with them, or make you lose regard for those people for whom you are LPO.
   You certainly have had strong views on what you think is bad leadership. Everybody you have criticized – and admired – in the past has been in exactly your position. You’re certainly smart enough to see what you can make of it instead of passing it off to another guy. Believe me, that won’t be forgotten.

   Reply
4. Jim says:
   April 1, 2009 at 6:14 pm

   Spendthrift, glad to see you back to keep me in check. I agree with the above comments, and yes I know it’s not that big of a deal to keep them in the loop. Admittedly, I have a problem with taking constructive criticism. At first, it’s all fine and I let it roll off and tell myself that it’ll only help me, but for some reason I let it fester and then I just say screw it. It’s something I’m reeeeally trying to work on. I know I have a lot of potential being the guy who can actually do all the things I complained that others didn’t, I just need to get out of my “do I want to be Joe Navy or do I want to say FTN.” I know that if I keep acting like a crybaby, it’ll hurt my guys and make me out to be the same guy I always hated working for. My potential hypocrisy is not lost on me. I’m working on it. Thanks.

   Reply
5. Spendthrift says:
   April 1, 2009 at 7:01 pm

   I am in fact your cross to bear.

   Reply
6. Spendthrift says:
   April 1, 2009 at 7:09 pm

   sorry for the double…no ‘contact’ link? damn. Or am I not smart enough to locate it?

   I am leaving Yokosuka. Thanks for the candor, the courage, the blog.

   Reply
7. DriK! says:
   April 2, 2009 at 8:28 am

   You already know what to do as a leader. You did a good job on USS Last Ship, and you know exactly what not to do. I know I’ve learned a lot of what not to do, and if how I do business means me getting fired then so be it, so long as all that was done benefited the guys that work below me.

   Reply
8. Mister Roboto says:
   April 3, 2009 at 4:00 am

   Jim – When I made Chief many years ago, I was given a laminated card to carry in m wallet. It said that a good chief:

   #1 – Take care of your troops.
   #2 – Listen to everybody.
   #3 – Make sure the Navy works.

   It’s really a no-brainer. I wish I still had the card.

   Roboto out …

   Reply
9. Mister Roboto says:
   April 3, 2009 at 4:05 am

   Jim – When I made Chief many years ago, I was given a laminated card to carry in my wallet. It said:

   A GOOD CHIEF:

   #1 – Takes care of his troops.
   #2 – Listens to everybody.
   #3 – Makes sure the Navy works.

   This was back in-the-day when we weren’t forced to go jogging, sailors didn’t carry umbrellas, and only chiefs and officers wore khaki shirts.

   I wish I still had the card. Hang in there shipmate. The Navy needs people like you that have the courage to speak their mind.

   Roboto out …

   Reply
10. Pigeonman says:
    April 4, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Khaki’s are evil; the navy breeds them that way. Jim, you know the douchebag chief’s you’ve worked for, just don’t be like them with your guys. I’ve got a new LPO and he works all the time so that everyone else can have time off. He’s been in for 18 or so years and doesn’t take the bullshit from every other khaki there is. He enjoys taking care of us, and sees to it that it happens. In return, we want to work for him, and do our jobs to the best we can.

    There are fail chiefs all over the place that everyone else learns from, let the other fail E-6’s following in those footsteps do that, not you. You’re better than that, and definitely don’t need to follow the ways of what I’ve seen out here in Yoko, (I’m sure you’ve seen it too).

    Just think of it as your turn to change things you’ve wanted to change. If you do something, stand by it and I’m sure you’re chief will catch on or argue about it….one or the two. Anyway, do what you gotta do bro! Take care.

    Reply