Posted on Sep 19, 2014
SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
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Have you ever been motivated by such a philosophy? Do you think it is worthwhile to start promoting it?
Edited 10 y ago
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Responses: 2
SSG Michael Hathaway
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Edited 10 y ago
SGM Coberly, I absolutely agree with that statement, to a degree. Promotions are a reward for your accomplishments and dedication, but they should be more a statement of challenges for the future. I recently got a lateral promotion to CPL and took charge of my section as best as I could with the resources at hand. Now I have earned my hard stripes, and that isn't stopping me from moving forward. I know this isn't my plateau. I will push myself to earn my way to the next level.

Sadly, I have seen many people get promoted and desire to languish in their new role with little to no motivation to rise up to the next level. I think this may be what is wrong with many organizations, military and civilian (as I have seen it in both sectors).
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
SGM (Join to see)
10 y
Agree! My pet peeve is people who want a promotion for the pay and status, but shirk the responsibility!
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LTC Paul Labrador
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Edited 10 y ago
Agree. Promotions are based on your potential ability to peform at the next level. It's already expected that you are competent to do the job at your current level. That is why the "potential" statement is one of the most important parts of OER/NCOER. As I have constantly been told, when you reach your potential is when you stop being promoted.
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
SGM (Join to see)
10 y
Sir, right on! However, too many soldiers think a promo is a reward and we still sell it that way, despite the report card. We rarely mention it when we pin on the new rank either---now we expect MORE from you. So expect to do more, live up to the expectation.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
10 y
My bosses have always given the explaination of what a promo is at every ceremony I've been to. Your reward for a good job is an good OER/NCOER and maybe a medal when you PCS. A promo is saying "we see that you can handle the next level...so now you get to do the next level full time...."
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