How would you deal with leaders questioning authority like this?

MSG Martinis Butler — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 03:59:03 -0500

How would you respond if your Chain of Command issues out an order and you notice another leader telling his subordinates " the Commander wants us to do this, but I think its a stupid idea" how would you respond? How would you deal with this obvious problem or do you just ignore it? 

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Mar 2 at 2014 4:28 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 04:28:59 -0500

This is definitely pull your peer aside time to have a discussion regarding insubordination and subverting the command before his behavior lands him in the brig.

There are often times that things simply "need to be done", regardless of the why. The Commander has probably already argued the value of the assignment and been given the "make it happen" look in "that tone of voice" that means there is no longer a choice in the matter. This is now about having faith in your Commander and having his back. Loyalty goes both ways.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 11:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:22:23 -0500

We have all seen this and said something similar at some point in our careers to some extent like this but it doesn't make it right to question a superior with a group of soldiers. You have to approach that individual and pull him to the side and talk to him about one on one so that you aren't questioning their authority in front of their subordinates. If you do the same thing that this leader did in front of their soldiers then their power of authority and respect may be stripped as well. I think definitely to start of with you should handle the situation at the lowest level with the leader.

Response by MSG Martinis Butler made Mar 6 at 2014 6:53 AM

MSG Martinis Butler — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:53:04 -0500

This type of conduct goes on constantly but to avoid an argument many choose to look the other way. By looking away makes things worst especially if you were placed in that situation where someone doesn't support an order that you put out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 7:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 07:53:44 -0500

Great question. I would speak to the individual later on in a more private setting and explain to him/her that disrespecting the Commander's order, regardless of whether we like it or not, is unacceptable and potential lead to UCMJ. One thing is to have a personal feeling or opinion about it but it must be kept to ourselves unless it is to request clarification or further explanation (if possible) from the Commander. Doing so in front of one's subordinates undermines not only the Commander's authority but also undermines the leader's own authority. Soldiers are not dumb. If they believe it's okay for their supervisor to disrespect the Commander then it'll be okay for them to do the same.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 11:38 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 11:38:23 -0400

I'd talk to the individual and let him know that sometimes we just have to do donething no matter how dumb we think it is. The trick is to get everyone else to do the it with us and like it. Complaining about something that our higher has us doing doesn't make it go away it only instills poor morale and possibly a half assed job. Vent to your peers off line but never to your subordinates!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 1:12 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 13:12:16 -0400

SFC Butler,

I think we all have gotten orders that we disagree with, but what should never be done is, complain about it to your subordinates. I think regardless if we think it's stupid or dumb we have to still complete the task, so do it and do it to the best of your ability and if it is at all possible try to make the task meaningful to you, by trying to have fun with it. Now, if I seen a leader talking to a subordinate about a task negatively. I would pull the leader to the side and ask him or her do they honestly think that it is appropriate to talk negative about a order that was given, to your subordinate soldiers. I would do this regardless of rank. Because in today's army some of our leaders are young, and not to be mean or anything, they just don't know

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 2:52 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 14:52:21 -0400

If you're telling your subordinates that, you're wrong. Having said that, if you truly think it's a stupid idea, and you bring up your concerns in a diplomatic and professional manner, and get ignored.... transfer out of that unit.

Response by SP5 Laurie Mixter made May 28 at 2023 11:14 AM

SP5 Laurie Mixter — Sun, 28 May 2023 11:14:24 -0400

I believe everyone especially those with a low self esteem do this to feel better about themselves, let them blow off steam! Also, remind them what it took for that person to get to that rank and position!