Standard or Potential? Which one do you expect from yourself/your Teams?

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 13:01:16 -0400

Standards are established to increase performance, individually or collectively, within organizations...these should be a baseline of what's expected.

Too often we focus on standards because we can see them and they are enforced through operational orders, policies evaluations, etc...but how can we focus on potential so we can improve ourselves/organizations and exceed set standards?

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 9 at 2016 1:41 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 13:41:21 -0400

I expect at the minimum standards, then I expect us to be super bowl champs based on potential.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Apr 9 at 2016 2:06 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 14:06:07 -0400

SGM potential is euphemism meaning you are not shit yet. It takes potential and a tremendous amount of work to do something with it. Otherwise, everyone has potential and many waste it.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 6:05 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 18:05:35 -0400

A standard is a set goal for an organization that every individual or team is expected to meet and exceed when possible. Potential is the maximum output from the individual or a team. It is up to leaders to mold that potential into something greater and greater. To do this leaders must counsel, coach and mentor all those around them. This is done physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually using training in all methods possible. Comprehensive Soldier Fitness teaches us how to expand each of those areas in a general setting. It is up to the individual leaders to create ways to enhance potential in the career setting.

Response by PO1 Eric Moore made Apr 9 at 2016 6:10 PM

PO1 Eric Moore — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 18:10:52 -0400

In the Navy, I was expected to meet the standard for my current rank if I wanted to keep it. In order to be promoted I had to meet the standard for the next higher rank and beyond. Now as a civilian manager I have the same philosophy. If you you meet the standard for your current job you get to keep it. If you step up and exceed that standard and perform to to your capabilities, you get noticed more quickly when the opportunity arises for a promotion.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Apr 10 at 2016 5:12 AM

Capt Chris McVeigh — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 05:12:47 -0400

A standard is a minimum, we can't lower it but that in no way means we can't raise expectations above it. Case in point, the minimum standard on physical fitness tests is painfully low but no one should be training to meet the minimum even though that is technically the passing standard. Standards simply exist to ensure the whole system doesn't collapse on itself, it's a baseline that you should be above.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 10:51 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 10:51:30 -0400

I always expect above standard performance from myself. From my troops I encouraged above standard performance as well.