Posted on Apr 10, 2016
What was the most important thing you've been taught in your career?
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Everyone has a defining moment or life lesson during their career. Mine was a leadership lesson given by my first LCPO. I was a little seaman recruit that didn't know anything about the navy but i lead a team of 10 E3 And below on nights. LSC "D" sat me down one night because i was working while my guys took a break. He pulled me off to the side, "what the Hell are you doing Grier?!" I looked at him confused and said I'm working chief. He looked at my crew and told them to get up and start working, any questions ask your LPO. He turned to me and said. "You're leading by example but you aren't here to do the work for them. Show them the way, offer advice, and support them. That's what makes a good leader. " Advice i still follow and will continue to through my career.
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Responses: 16
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Understand Commander's Intent: While moving to the objective, recognize the obstacles & overcome them. In the absence of direction, know the destination. Accomplish the Mission & Define the End-State. Been out now for almost two decades --I always know my boss' intent!
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I had a young Marine officer when I was an Air Force enlisted member stand up in an executive meeting and give my team supporting his mission great kudos instead of taking credit himself. I asked him why, since that was the exception, not the rule and he said "If you look good, I look good by default and I will never make the mission all about me." An oddity among the ranks but I have carried it to this day, from my ranks on the enlisted side to my commissioning and subsequent rank. I have even had other officers tell me that I give too much praise to my enlisted folks but I still stand by the great advice from a Marine LT and it has served me well and I have always gotten the mission completed.
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