Have you ever been embarrassed or shamed by someone else's professionalism?

Col Joseph Lenertz — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 11:42:00 -0400

When I was a 2Lt, entering the BX one day, I noticed, but stepped over, some trash on the floor between the outer and inner doors. As I passed though the inner doors, I sensed someone behind me, so I looked back. It was a major general, picking up the trash I had just stepped over. He saw me and said nothing. It was the most embarrassing event ever, and one I took a great lesson from.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made Apr 9 at 2015 12:30 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 12:30:29 -0400

It happened to me early in my career as well. I think for those that strive to be professional, those lessons are remembered for life.

The person setting the exame didn't even say anything to me. He knew me and knew that my own embarrassment would be more motivating than anything that he could say...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:09:49 -0400

Embarrassment is a strong motivator...

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 9 at 2015 1:27 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:27:09 -0400

Yes. I will not name names but I was TDY and the entire class went out to eat. A SGM I knew for awhile and respected was with us. He started to drink and then started to hit on several junior females. I left at that point. That became a reason I never drank at military events after that and attended few. Becuase it is hard for me to respect someone who doesn't know their limit and cannot control themselves.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 9 at 2015 2:19 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:19:15 -0400

Before I can answer, I have to stop saying "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww." Col Joseph Lenertz for your great thread, please accept our coveted RallyPoint Commendation Medal for you (and your furry friend).

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 2:28 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:28:44 -0400

Only every day...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 9 at 2015 2:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:39:22 -0400

Quite a few incidents come to mind, and alcohol was involved in nearly all of them. The "creature" can really take us down a notch. I make horrible decisions when I drink and finally decided to return my Olympic Silver Medal for partying. I still make bad decisions, but I remember them without a headache....lol.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 3:44 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:44:30 -0400

I have been embarrassed by other's lack of professionalism, especially those senior to me that tend to forget they are forever in the spotlight. Never forget your junior troops are consistently looking up to you and watching the examples you set. I am far from perfect as a leader, I have been told I am "rough around the edges" but at the same time I am "approachable and realistic."

One of the best examples or ways to encourage professionalism is to lead by example. Your military bearing and how others perceive you is established by the choices you make and the way you interact with others. Being a leader is not just about knowing your job but also knowing people, as well as being able to differentiate between the two. It's about caring about your people and sometimes having to make that hard choice but ultimately it is about guiding your Sailors (or equivalent) in the right direction as future leaders.

Response by SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr made Apr 9 at 2015 5:22 PM

SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:22:46 -0400

I feel that way whenever I get to work and a subordinate has a fresh hair cut and I have like this two week old hair style. I am like " I am slipping ".

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 20 at 2020 12:40 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:40:54 -0400

Have I ever been embarrassed or shamed by someone else's actions...someone at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, continually embarrasses this country, our allies, and our Armed forces. Not to mention the lack of class this individual brings to an office they hold. Insulting veterans, insulting children, insulting Federal Employees, so yes I do get embarrassed, because at one point I support this person. Won't make that mistake twice.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 20 at 2020 12:49 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:49:28 -0400

As a Cadet I had a similar event happen. It was another cadet. He just looked up and said, “If we don’t, some soldier is going to have to do this”