Posted on Mar 15, 2016
SFC Senior Drill Sergeant
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I understand most people have a defensive side but if someone is genuinely coming to you as a leader to help you become and even better leader how open are you to actually listening?
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 14
CMSgt Mark Schubert
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If you are not COMPLETELY open to hearing what someone else has to say, you are not a good leader. If you want to be a GREAT leader, you will ASK for other opinions and accept any and all criticism.
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SFC Senior Drill Sergeant
SFC (Join to see)
9 y
CMsgt I agree with you 100 percent. I learned this early in my career.
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CMSgt Mark Schubert
CMSgt Mark Schubert
>1 y
SP5 Christine Conley - If someone is being disrespectful, that is a separate issue from the content they are trying to communicate. You should NOT disregard the message even if it's delivered with disrespect. Address the disrespect issue separately.
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PO3 Electrician's Mate
5
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the main word is "constructive". :)
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CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
9 y
And it flows better from someone you respect!
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SGT Kristin Wiley
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The key is that constructive criticism needs to be given in a respectful manner. Too often as leaders we provide counseling statements to our subordinates, and give them criticism as a means to fulfill a requirement. Does constructive criticism need to be given? Yes, but it needs to be done in a way that will not only be understood, but in a positive and respectful manner to contribute to growth. We should never approach it as "this is what you need to work on" or "this is what's wrong with you". It should be approach like "you've been doing an amazing job, but there are a few things you can work on to outshine your peers and grow as a professional," "some of my observations were a, b,and c, I'd be happy to sit down with you and discuss my observations and work with you to develop a plan; I really think working on these areas would improve your performance and help you in future assignments". Try to keep it positive, and also highlight what they did well.

Sorry about the long example, but basically I'm saying it needs to be a respectful conversation (give and take) with attention paid to their body cues. If they do not look like they are open to constructive criticism at that time, it may be better to approach it later or ask someone who has a better relationship with the individual to provide the constructive criticism.
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SFC Senior Drill Sergeant
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9 y
SGT Wiley I appreciate the example it is needed. It is not understood sometime that the language and tone that is used when we speak with others is very important.
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