Posted on Aug 17, 2015
What is a leader really saying when they say, "Don't check up"?
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Perhaps you have had a leader that when asked a particular question about their wherabouts or what's going on with a different soldier of theirs, because that soldiers whereabouts are not known and they are needed. Are they cooperative or do they respond with, "don't check up"? Or perhaps something of a similar nature. What message are leaders really sending when they respond in that manner?
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Accountability
Accountability
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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SGT (Join to see) I would like to have more details before I respond to your question and know exactly what is happening between (you, if it is you and if you don't mind explaining) or if if is about someone else that you are asking the question for?
If I were questioned by a lower ranking individual on where someone was I would probably think about the question first to ascertain why I was being asked in the first place. If I was in a good mood, I would have said, "Why are you asking did you misplace them?" with humor. If I was in a serious/work mode, I would say, "SGT why are you asking me where this individual is?" I would never be rude and say, "don't check up". I'm just being honest and if there was general concern on the whereabouts of an individual then I would be just as concerned and say, "Hey, let's find out together!" Again, all of these responses are totally depenedent on rank and the the rank of the individual we are missing - does that make sense.? I think it is pour leadership at any level to not take a question seriously or in good humor! Telling some one to "buzz off" doesn't say much about the individual and their character as a leader in my opinion. This is how I would have handled the situation - share more and we can discuss further!
If I were questioned by a lower ranking individual on where someone was I would probably think about the question first to ascertain why I was being asked in the first place. If I was in a good mood, I would have said, "Why are you asking did you misplace them?" with humor. If I was in a serious/work mode, I would say, "SGT why are you asking me where this individual is?" I would never be rude and say, "don't check up". I'm just being honest and if there was general concern on the whereabouts of an individual then I would be just as concerned and say, "Hey, let's find out together!" Again, all of these responses are totally depenedent on rank and the the rank of the individual we are missing - does that make sense.? I think it is pour leadership at any level to not take a question seriously or in good humor! Telling some one to "buzz off" doesn't say much about the individual and their character as a leader in my opinion. This is how I would have handled the situation - share more and we can discuss further!
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SGT (Join to see)
I'm afraid I don't have a particular incident in mind. It's just something I've heard and wanted to address. I certainly believe it would be out of line to inquire of a senior nco or an officer not in my line, but would not think it unreasonable to expect an NCOIC to inform soldiers of whether they will be absent due to an appointment and so on or for a leader to be willing to say whether a soldier you're seeking is available or not.
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"Check down not up" is the fallback saying of shitbags who know they're doing the wrong thing and don't want to hear about it. Soldiers are SUPPOSED to check up. We are their mentors, their leaders, their examples. They are suppposed to be looking at us at all times to see precisely what right looks like. If you can't stand scrutiny for your actions, you likely aren't doing what you're supposed to...
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SFC Michael Hasbun
Everyone should be checking everyone. Subordinates look up for guidance, mentorship and examples, and seniors look down to check on welfare, morale, training, etc... No one is immune or exempt, and no one is invisible... If you wouldnt want your Soldiers or your mom to see you do it, you know you shouldnt be doing it..
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SSG(P) Vanessa Walters
Telling a Soldier to not check up is a complete disregard to General Military Authority. If a Soldier is tactfully informing you that you are wrong whether it is regulation or in general than you should take heed to what they are being told..
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They are sending a message of poor leadership qualities and that they think the Soldiers are below them and don't have the right to question what they observe and see so that they understand what is going on.
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