How would you like an answer of "No"...again...

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Wed, 27 May 2015 14:52:50 -0400

Ever get an answer of "no"? Even better, ever get an answer of "yes"? I believe that it is in the military culture to automatically respond with an answer of "no". It is like a subconscious and automatic reflex. People don't even think about it, they just immediately respond with "no". I believe that this happens for two reasons. The first is that it is damn near impossible to accomplish anything due to the 400 approvals and signatures that are required. Then that politician won't sign it because he will piss of the other politician, or it might screw up their golf game later on. This shop won't do it because the other shop pissed them off or the other way around. It is extremely painful to give an answer of yes because of all of the follow up and head banging that will be involved. The other reason for receiving an automatic "no" is due to over regulation. Most people believe that if a reg doesn't say they can do it then they can't. They are so afraid of going into gray areas. I believe that if a reg doesn't mention it, it is allowable so long as it is reasonable. What are your thoughts about the "no" culture?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 2:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 14:54:27 -0400

How funny. My family gets on me all the time about automatically saying No. I know where it comes from now. 20 Years of NO!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 27 at 2015 3:09 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 27 May 2015 15:09:42 -0400

Attempt to persuade people to give me a yes.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 27 at 2015 3:37 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 27 May 2015 15:37:09 -0400

This why I learned it was better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

Because of this, I have learned to be clear with me daughter. I just gave her an answer of 'Maybe' as she started to skip away, I stopped her and told her, "Not yes and not no, but MAYBE."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:06 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 22:06:51 -0400

The difference between leaders and wannabes are what they'll do for their troops.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 6:38 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 06:38:41 -0400

I guess I really do live in a different universe....AFSOC has an extremely pervasive "yes-man" climate, and refusal to do something or claiming something can't be done is the fastest way into the squadron penalty box. This doesn't just apply to the mission (as it should), but to anything and everything; which is fine, it just results in us creating a lot of work for ourselves. This climate mostly exists in the ops squadrons and at wing level and above, not so much in the support realm.