REALISTICALLY...Could you do a better job than your supervisor?

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 18:17:54 -0500

I'm sure we've all felt that, if given the opportunity, we could do better job than our supervisors...some may have even succeeded, while others realized it was a more complex job than they had anticipated.<br><br>Without belittling a supervisor, explain how you think you could do a better job.<br><br>What unique talents or qualities do you bring to an organization that would be better suited than that of a supervisor?

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Mar 2 at 2014 7:40 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 19:40:51 -0500

I tend to reserve any judgement until I am in that person's shoes. I use to pass judgement and comment how I could do a better job, then when I held the job I realized that my old boss did a good job in his/her own way. We all accomplish the mission in different ways and some people are lucky enough to have great mentors or god given talent. Better to help your boss when you can and exhibit some non-traditional leadership skills when possible. Just my opinion. 

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 7:56 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 19:56:48 -0500

I try to assist in any way possible to help a situation improve with out really making a suggestion that I can do it better. I will say I have had poor leadership in the past but I have also had outstanding leadership. I learned from those experiences of what to do and what not to do. No one can definitely say they could do better. Each situation is different and circumstances are based on various checks and balances. I think the one thing everyone should do is try to make a positive influence to a situation and build up one another. Never talk bad about each other in front of troops and be honest with leadership by giving constructive criticism.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Mar 2 at 2014 10:56 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 22:56:14 -0500

This is a sensitive question to answer.

The most common complaint along this line that I have heard throughout my career, especially from the enlisted side, is when individuals perceive their supervisor to be a total underperformer, yet has been promoted into that position. The service members under him therefore don't require a lot of imagination on how they can do the job better.

It reminds me of the discussion on the Peter Principal (see link below).

When working with a capable supervisor, there is probably not a lot of fair criticism on how one can do it "better" -- since as another poster said -- people can have different styles and bring different strengths to the table.

RallyPoint | The Peter Principle, an explanation for senior level incompetence.

There have a number of posts regarding incompetence/misbehavior in our senior leadership, and the military in general. As a possible explanation, I present to you, the Peter Principle.  I've alwa...

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 2 at 2014 11:15 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:15:20 -0500

My current supervisor is a former Squadron Commander. She has skills that I have yet to fully understand. I am taking this moment to learn from her...if nothing else, in fear of having to PERFORM what she is doing now (and knowing that what I have is lacking compared to what she is showing me!).