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Many times I have been told my actions leading up to an AR-15 where correct, but that my words are what made me wrong. By exercising tact, almost every one of my AR-15 could have been avoided. But to someone like me, who's always been blunt and to the point, how can you tell yourself when your being tactful, or if your just talking back?
I'll be the first to admit, I wasn't the greatest soldier. I spoke my mind, I took everything personally, I didn't take the time to build any kind of support base to fall back in times of duress. So when an NCO tells me to do something that seems erroneous, asinine, or nonsensical, I would try to explain myself and find out "why?". The problem? No matter how much I try tact, it never seems to work, but when I'm blunt and express myself directly I'm considered disrespectful.
I believe this a question that is relevant to all ranks, officer and enlisted, as well for transition to the civilian world. What do you have to say?
I'll be the first to admit, I wasn't the greatest soldier. I spoke my mind, I took everything personally, I didn't take the time to build any kind of support base to fall back in times of duress. So when an NCO tells me to do something that seems erroneous, asinine, or nonsensical, I would try to explain myself and find out "why?". The problem? No matter how much I try tact, it never seems to work, but when I'm blunt and express myself directly I'm considered disrespectful.
I believe this a question that is relevant to all ranks, officer and enlisted, as well for transition to the civilian world. What do you have to say?
Enlisted
Officer
Leadership
Transition
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 18
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Tact, sarcasm, and disrespect. There is a fine line between all three, however I believe that it takes maturity, by both parties, to understand the difference. There is a time and place for everything. There is a time to speak your mind, ask the "why," and to be blunt. There is also a time to do as you're told, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. Just because you are not explained the "why" or can understand the end state does not mean that something is "erroneous, asinine, or nonsensical." Time and place and maturity.
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SFC (Join to see)
Well put MSG. I was mentored a long time ago on 2 things.
1. Tactical patience. Always take a step back and look at whole picture and self analyze what your actions/reactions should/will be.
2. Learn to "pick your fights". Regardless if you're right or not. Don't always jump in with both feet.
1. Tactical patience. Always take a step back and look at whole picture and self analyze what your actions/reactions should/will be.
2. Learn to "pick your fights". Regardless if you're right or not. Don't always jump in with both feet.
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1SG Steven Stankovich
Those are two great lessons to live by SFC (Join to see). Pick the fights you need to win and fight those and always gather all the facts before deciding on a COA...
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Tact is telling a person to go to Hell in a way that makes them look forward to the trip.
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I have had times where I was let go with a slap on the wrist because I lost my cool with a superior, ONLY because I was not known as the guy who had to question everything. Once you become known as the guy who has to question everything or have a battle over everything you are told, superiors will pretty much skip over whether or not you have a legitimate gripe and see it as simple backtalk. Pick your battles (few and far between), and the battles you do have will be far simpler.
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PFC Kyle Klofstad
Well said TSgt (Join to see) , and I'll admit that was definitely a personal failing of mine during my service.
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