Posted on Apr 27, 2014
Why don't some people speak up to make a difference when given a chance?
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Does that frustrate you when people in the military constantly complain about how higher ups are making all the wrong decisions on money, benefits, who gets promoted, new regulations, same sex marriages etc. When given the chance to voice their opinion to those who matter they respond with its not worth it, they'll never listen, or I'm going to just stay in my lane. WHY WON'T PEOPLE SPEAK UP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Soldiers
Decisions
Posted 10 y ago
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I also experienced this during my time on active duty. One thing I found that worked sometimes. Instead of saying their decision was wrong. I would just suggest an alternative I thought was better. This did not work often. Perhaps because I was young, inexperienced and therefore my idea was not better. But I never got into trouble.
As military leaders. We need our subordinates to follow our instructions, quickly and accurately. Questioning those instructions can undermine authority, and cause others to question the leaders competence. That can disrupt the mission and kill morale.
On the other hand, accepting a good suggestion from a subordinate does none of the above and can even boost morale.
As military leaders. We need our subordinates to follow our instructions, quickly and accurately. Questioning those instructions can undermine authority, and cause others to question the leaders competence. That can disrupt the mission and kill morale.
On the other hand, accepting a good suggestion from a subordinate does none of the above and can even boost morale.
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MSG Martinis Butler , You make an outstanding point. One of the first and best leadership lessons the United States Marine Corps taught me was that of loyal dissention. Meaning I am loyal to my leader and will not have a discussion which damages that leader with others, but will professionally disagree, provide alternatives, and present reasons why the alternatives are better choices. I was lucky; most leaders I worked with respected that and responded well. I have had ones who didn’t and that experience was REALLY BAD.
My thought is many don't share for career preservation, thoughts their opinion will be discounted, or a fear (perhaps real) of reprisal.
In the end integrity is an important value to preserve and protect. However, in the age of drawdowns, reduction in forces, and shrinking budget, I can only hope strong NCOs like you keep the tradition alive.
Thank you for this question.
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
My thought is many don't share for career preservation, thoughts their opinion will be discounted, or a fear (perhaps real) of reprisal.
In the end integrity is an important value to preserve and protect. However, in the age of drawdowns, reduction in forces, and shrinking budget, I can only hope strong NCOs like you keep the tradition alive.
Thank you for this question.
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
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MSG Martinis Butler
SFC Finck,
Thanks for your service as well as even entertaining my question with some form of feedback. I was raised on it and will continue to carry out that type of pride in what I believe.
Thanks for your service as well as even entertaining my question with some form of feedback. I was raised on it and will continue to carry out that type of pride in what I believe.
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I believe that speaking up helps others not only understand where change can be implemented but who those individuals are that want change. When you refuse to speak you may be hindering others more than your helping. Often times others may want to ask or even state those concerns that concerns you. When the opportunity presents itself be wise and take advantage of it!
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LTC Hillary Luton
MSG Martinis Butler Trust me, many of us would love to speak up and at times I have, and rather loudly at that. But the problem is, too many only listen to what they want to hear and have no use for facts or reality. In my office, the only way I can get my leaders to do their job is if I yell at them and go ballistic. Now, why on earth should I have to conduct business in such an unprofessional manner in order to get something done? It makes absolutely no sense to me. Why on earth should I have to yell at my boss in order to get him to do his job.
Now granted, I may not always speak up, but most people know exactly what I'm feeling, because I don't hide my feelings unless I choose too, and I usually don't choose too. I'm retiring now because I don't feel I have a voice that is being heard by those with the power to make change. At the same time I feel guilty for leaving because I feel like I'm abandoning those in my office and field who come to me for support. The fact is, I cannot stay forever, and I no longer wish to work for individuals who use rank as power and forget it is our job to serve our subordinates, not our own egos.
I also feel God has other plans for me and the Army will manage just fine without me. ;-)
Now granted, I may not always speak up, but most people know exactly what I'm feeling, because I don't hide my feelings unless I choose too, and I usually don't choose too. I'm retiring now because I don't feel I have a voice that is being heard by those with the power to make change. At the same time I feel guilty for leaving because I feel like I'm abandoning those in my office and field who come to me for support. The fact is, I cannot stay forever, and I no longer wish to work for individuals who use rank as power and forget it is our job to serve our subordinates, not our own egos.
I also feel God has other plans for me and the Army will manage just fine without me. ;-)
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