How do you get through to a Senior when they aren't the SME?

2015-04-07T18:32:06-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-04-07T19:01:44-04:00

You could just post on RP and hope they see it. Lol

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 8 at 2015 7:46 AM

2015-04-08T07:46:09-04:00

This is actually pretty common in the AF where the E4/E5 folks are truly the SME's as E7's and above are almost exclusive "management" and E6's are transitioning to that role. Like anything else, be polite, be respectful, and articulate why you are the SME (training, civilian school, prior experiance, etc) but temper that with understanding that you might not be seeing the bigger picture.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-04-08T14:30:45-04:00

It is all about delivery and how you communicate. If you are seasoned enough you can tell them anything and they will thank you. In addition you can use cited material. If you used regulations and training manuals instead of your ideas as a base then he would be arguing the regulation or he manuals. You are just the one that is relying what the book says. Sometimes you have convince them that it isn't that they are wrong but they may be misinformed. Simply saying "I will have to look that up" instead of "Nope, you are wrong" goes a long way.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-04-08T14:38:04-04:00

When you really want to punish a superior that is wrong, the best way is to do exactly what they said to do. Naturally, this doesn't apply to anything that will result, even conceivably, in loss of life, limb, or eyesight, or is illegal or immoral. I'd also recommend saving this for someone that you have made a number of reasonable and respectful attempts to offer the better way to.

I have used the phrase, "Sir (or Sergeant), there may be a better way,..." as a respectful way to initiate that conversation many times. And I always grin when someone does it to me--which happens more and more these days.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 8 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-04-08T16:41:00-04:00

It's all in the timing and delivery of of how you communicate what you are trying to say, in this scenario.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Apr 8 at 2015 5:46 PM

2015-04-08T17:46:16-04:00

It is all in Trust and Communication. You don't just walk into the Col.'s office and start telling all you know. You have to have proven your worth and knowledge base to be a trusted asset for that to be fully taken advantage. Not to say that there are not leaders who will hear you out, but you will have fewer chances of that than not. Be honest, but respectful and never correct over your paygrade without respectfully stating all reasons why to your knowledge whatever is incorrect. It only takes 1 or maybe twice for the knuckleheads to find they were wrong to see that you are a trusted asset. MOST important RESPECT above all else.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 8 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-04-08T18:13:09-04:00

Would need more information to provide a good response. Let's generalize:
If the Senior is making technical errors you should tactfully bring it to his attention. You may have been to tech training more recently and have newer knowledge you could share. If it's all about technique you might consider the different-- older--technique as something you could try

If it's a leadership issue, start with your immediate supervisor and discuss the issue. Work your way up tactfully and you'll probably learn a lot.

Response by 1SG Michael Hargis made Apr 8 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-04-08T22:46:03-04:00

I'm gonna make up a situation. Person A (who's senior to you) states, " The Army birthday is June 14, 1776." Obviously wrong.
COA 1: Call him out in front of everyone and tell him he's wrong and give the correct answer.
COA 2: Don't say a word, but talk behind his back letting everyone know he's jacked up like a football bat.
COA 3: Wait until you two have a private minute and say, "Excuse 'higher guy' I'm 99% sure the Army b-Day is June 14, 1775."
What he does with the correct info. is up to him, and there's zero you can do about it. Let it go after that.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 10 at 2015 3:34 AM

2015-04-10T03:34:49-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member , I was in the Navy but this is a common occurrence in all the branches. You've received some good advice from your fellow Soldiers already, so all I can really contribute is this: Correcting a senior when you know beyond any doubt that you are right is all about tact and being respectful. Show the documentation, and use your chain of command if the senior Soldier isn't your direct supervisor.

I did this many times in my career and it never came back to bite me.