How can a SNCO positively motivate a weak Company Grade Officer?

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 19:56:42 -0400

Due to my AFSC (MOS for you Army type) I did not have to report to or deal with many officers over my career. That all changed when I became a First Sergeant. I struggle with softening the message to officers. I pay them the respect they deserve, but have not been the nicest at other times. Especially when their section is failing and not getting any better, or I feel like they do not care. I need some guidance and mentorship from anyone willing to give it but would like to hear from fellow SNCOs and officers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 7:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 19:58:47 -0400

Get to know them. Make sure they know that they need to "lead from the front" and show them good and bad examples.

Try and give them ideas of ways to improve certain things and help them shape how they think.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 20 at 2015 8:02 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 20:02:22 -0400

For me not sugar coating anything worked. They appreciated the up front not BS info.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 20 at 2015 8:08 PM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 20:08:27 -0400

Ask open questions of the commander as to what behaviors they expect to see in successful units. Pick something small but meaningful that you agree on and work that one issue to gain alignment and get a quick win. Outline the training and rules needed to get to the desired outcome. Define the lanes of officer and NCO development with your peer officer. Suggest other improvements over time.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jul 20 at 2015 8:53 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 20:53:54 -0400

I've spoken to Ensigns up to Vice Admirals, just be straight and they'll appreciate it. If you are going to criticize a senior officer, make sure you have your shit straight.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 20 at 2015 9:01 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 21:01:51 -0400

If the officer was "raised" right by senior NCOs it should not be a problem. Let's face it NCOs run the military for practical purposes...

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 20 at 2015 11:08 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 23:08:15 -0400

Hmmm... SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member Great Question... I think the answer it yes... but, I am not sure they fix weak.

Response by SFC Trevor Wilkinson made Jul 20 at 2015 11:27 PM

SFC Trevor Wilkinson — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 23:27:57 -0400

MSgt, as a SFC (E-7) in the US Army Reserve with Active Duty time as well, YOU are the "Leader of the pack!" If you hurt some young Officers feelings that you have more time in service than they have in life- Oh well!! Do not soften the message to Officers!! NCO's are the "Backbone" of the US Military!! Show the respect, but when it comes time to lead "your people, tell those Officers to go drink coffee, put their feet on their desk and stay out of YOUR business". You did not go to college for your rank, you earned it!!! NCO's Lead The Way!! HOOAH

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Jul 21 at 2015 7:45 AM

GySgt John O'Donnell — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 07:45:43 -0400

I think the answer depends on whether you are the SNCO who works directly with this officer (e.g. Plt Sgt, Section Chief) or are you on the outside looking in (e.g. Comp GySgt, 1stSgt).
If you work directly with the officer, then you and the officer need to review MCRP 6-11B together and find the "ying and yang" of your styles to balance eachother. This pub then should be used to get the platoon / section on the same sheet of music.
If you are on the outside looking in, then you should mentor the platoon / section SNCO with your primary focus, and encourage another company grade officer (e.g. XO) to mentor their peers. At some point bring them both together to discuss "their" planned solution to the shortcomings.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 1:40 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 01:40:08 -0400

Based on your comment below I'm guessing the CGO is an acquisition officer. All standards and rules are important but he may not few them as such depending on what the issue is. For example if you're harping hands in pockets and he is used to running multi million dollar projects. Hands in pockets doesn't seem like a big deal comparatively. You need to explain to him why it's important that the issues are addressed promptly. You will not get your way by bullying him since him being the officer he gets the final say. You have to bring him around to your way of thinking.