Posted on May 11, 2020
Do you surround yourself with people who challenge you?
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This is a big question, with a narrowed context - I have reached chapter 5 of "Dereliction of Duty", a great piece of literature on the events leading up to the Vietnam War. I had some thoughts today about where I am at in the narrative, specifically regarding the disjointed efforts of the White House staff in '63-'64:
In leadership, counsel ought not come from people who only appeal to your desires and opinions. Graciously welcome opposing views and you need not fear the adversity it creates. This sacrifices expediency, but bolsters quality of action. Consider that restrictions on free speech inhibit leadership as everyone involved will lack accurate information and perspective; efforts will be weakened because they are isolated. Resting a decision on your capabilities alone can violate the expectations of many who work for you. Leadership should be situationally aware - communication begets teamwork begets effectiveness.
I chose my words carefully and packed a lot of thought into a few sentences, hope my ideas come across well. What are your thoughts on this?
In leadership, counsel ought not come from people who only appeal to your desires and opinions. Graciously welcome opposing views and you need not fear the adversity it creates. This sacrifices expediency, but bolsters quality of action. Consider that restrictions on free speech inhibit leadership as everyone involved will lack accurate information and perspective; efforts will be weakened because they are isolated. Resting a decision on your capabilities alone can violate the expectations of many who work for you. Leadership should be situationally aware - communication begets teamwork begets effectiveness.
I chose my words carefully and packed a lot of thought into a few sentences, hope my ideas come across well. What are your thoughts on this?
Vietnam War
Leadership
Advice
Effectiveness
Teamwork
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
I've had people challenge me from pretty much all avenues....from my drive to my patience.
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MSG (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see) - Regrets? Sure. Who doesn't have regrets? But I can't say I would change anything because then I wouldn't be where I am today.
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Brad Powers
I recently got a new job and and really appreciate being thrown into a pool of sharks that are much better than me.
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Are you kidding. I am in charge of 50 employees. The saying that you spend 90% of your time with 10% of your people is true. If not for my time in the military I would not be able to manage as effectively as I do. Some people show up everyday on time work hard no problems, not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but the workforce takes plenty of these people. Then there is the other 10%. Like the guy that drives his forklift through the roll up door and causes $2,550 in damages, then 2 weeks later asks when he is getting his next raise.
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SGT Patrick Reno
1SG Walter Craig - Yes, if you can find people that want to work. I have had 5 open positions for the last month. We have worked full time through this whole shut down. We are currently work 45 hour weeks trying to keep up with orders. Don't know were these 40 million unemployed people are but there not up here in north Idaho. Right now I would settle for people that would just show up for work everyday.
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Sir, I was the rock thrown into still waters when it came to collaborative thinking. If something in my Squad or Platoon was off I would say it; oftentimes without tact or regard for feelings. Sometimes you have to say things like they are plainly. Other times a more delicate approach is necessary. I didn’t want to work with people that agreed all the time, but I didn’t want to work with people that were unreasonable and unable to come to a consensus for problem solving.
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1LT (Join to see)
I admire that.
So, how did this ideology play out for you, how did you balance out your flippancy? Who would you draw on for the same type of feedback?
So, how did this ideology play out for you, how did you balance out your flippancy? Who would you draw on for the same type of feedback?
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SFC James Cameron
1LT (Join to see) Sir, as I matured, I learned that time, place, and delivery were just as, if not more important than a difference in opinion. I had superiors that loved to hear a difference in opinion and those that would seethe at the thought.
The hardest lesson learned was embarrassing a new PL in front of his Platoon. Not only did I destroy his credibility with them but I made him an enemy unintentionally.
My greatest take away was learning to ask for input from peers or subordinates on a task before I gave my thoughts. I wanted to have the last piece of input as not to taint any difference in ideas.
The hardest lesson learned was embarrassing a new PL in front of his Platoon. Not only did I destroy his credibility with them but I made him an enemy unintentionally.
My greatest take away was learning to ask for input from peers or subordinates on a task before I gave my thoughts. I wanted to have the last piece of input as not to taint any difference in ideas.
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