How do I maintain professionalism?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 06:57:14 -0500

I was recently assigned a SSgt(E-5) to my shift, replacing me as the ranking individual. Until recently, nothing had changed other than what time to go to lunch being decided by him. He recently felt slighted by perceiving something that didn't exist and made an issue of it. How do I respond professionally the next time it happens. (Likelihood is high as this person has not fully matured as an adult)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 7:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 07:02:32 -0500

It's very important that you handle this situation in a tactful manner or it could get bad for you very quickly.

Have you considered speaking to the Staff Sergeant about your concerns one-on-one while tensions are low? That would likely render better results than waiting until he's upset again to approach the subject.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 25 at 2015 9:25 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 09:25:08 -0500

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Patience is a Virtue: "Patience is a virtue." We're all familiar with that cliché, and many of us know that patience is listed by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 as among the fruit of the Spirit. So there's no disputing that the Christian ought to be patient. But as with most of the virtues, the biblical writers assume that we know what patience is and don't give an explicit definition. But do we? Could you define patience if you were asked? And, to make things more tricky, could you do so without simply citing examples of patience? Starting with the basic definition of patience as "waiting without complaint,"' we will address some key questions. Why is patience a virtue? What are the different varieties of patience? Why is patience so difficult at times? And how is patience developed?

http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/spiritualformation/virtueofpatience.html

The Virtue of Patience

Waiting without complaining

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 10:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 10:24:51 -0500

SrA Wait, responding professionally is generally fairly easy since we are all taught how to address others within the military especially by rank. Your question is not so much responding professionally but in keeping your emotions in check, which if not restrained would spill over into your responses. This is the key issue. I'm not sure how old you are but you seem to be in your late 20s. Not saying that's a bad thing but just an observation. Even though he is the ranking individual, it doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't discuss ideas or thoughts on how the section operates. The key with this is watching not just what you say but HOW you say it too. Tone, inflection and non-verbal cues can transmit a much deeper message than words alone. Take the time to think about what you want to say to him and respond in a manner you would expect him to do with you, even if he doesn't. As you stated above, he may not have matured as an adult just yet but that doesn't mean you respond in the same manner, if that makes sense. It may take some time and A LOT of patience on your part but he'll eventually learn by watching YOUR actions and reactions. Make sense?

Let us know how it goes.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 25 at 2015 10:37 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 10:37:47 -0500

It's likely anything you say or do back will be taken as an attack no matter how professional you are. Then the real fun begins.

It's a really tough call. You have to pick your battles. Is this one significant enough? If so, think hard if his superior will back you or him. I know, that shouldn't be an issue but if you raise one and you have no backing, it's open season.

Been in your situation more than a few times. It's a loose loose if he's that insecure with power.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 25 at 2015 11:58 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 11:58:45 -0500

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I understand why your being vague, but it does hurt giving some targeted advice. So I will try to give some good GP advice.

1. You said they are the shift supervisor, but are they your supervisor?
2. Document, document, document. Any time one of this issues come up, document it.
3. Be Joe Friday, stick to just the facts when dealing with the guy.

If you want targeted advice, hit me up on a PM here or via the GAL, I have quite a bit of experience being a junior member being assigned as a peer to folks usually superior to me by multiple grades and have done a few tours as additional duty shirt.

Response by CPT Roger Sun made Jan 25 at 2015 12:54 PM

CPT Roger Sun — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:54:30 -0500

SrA,

The military is a structured organization. Unless it's immoral, unethical, or causing harm to oneself or to others you better execute as told. Right now, all you need to do is work hard and get promoted to SSgt and eventually hold that shift supervisor position. I was once in your shoes as a Specialist (E-4) over a decade ago.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 3:18 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 15:18:41 -0500

It would really be nice to have more information to the situation. You say they haven't matured as an adult why is that. What actions or comments make you think that. Possibly maybe there are some stressful things going on with this person away from the job. As others have mentioned I would talk to them one on one as a concerned indiviual on their well being. But being the ranking person and then all of a sudden being a subordanate is something we all go through. And folks do have their ideas how things should be. But it is our job to continue the mission whether we are in charge or someone else. You maintain professionalism by being the man you are looking out for others and getting the job done. I wish you all the best and do not hesitate asking questions in this forum or by PM.
Good luck.