Posted on Apr 7, 2014

How do you get staff to work with and for you?

LTC (Join to see)

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I know that I am not the only Company Commander with issues with higher headquarters. What is the tactful way to get higher staff to work with and for you? We have issues getting packets processed for simple actions and a bigger issue with packets not being processed that are already time consuming with some not being looked at for almost a year (or lost). I have tried the chain of command and had them address the staff section, but nothing has changed. It is growing tiresome. The only worse thing than a passionate Company Commander is one that just does not care. I do not want to give up hope.

Posted >1 y ago

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CPT (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

Have you spent much time developing personal relationships with the staff? As a staff officer myself I sometimes feel like the reverse of your story is true so I go out of my way to develop relationships with not only the Company Commanders, but the XOs, 1st Sergeants, and PLs. I found that these relationships go a long way to smoothing out processes both ways. Maybe spend a little time weekly with the staff, especially the ones who don't play nice with you right now. You don't have to become friends, but familiarity goes a long way; a heck of a lot further than getting higher to point fingers around. Make the team a team, don't divide it by fostering a staff vs. company mentality. The first step to resolution might take some humble pie on your part, because they don't sound to be interested in eating some themselves just yet.

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LTC (Join to see)

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I think part of the issue is that as the company commander hat (I am also on battalion staff) I have issues with one section at higher headquarters that I should not have contact with as it is above my chain of command. One the battalion side of my job I do not work with them as I am in the plans section (aka just me) and I work with the plans at higher or exercise agents at our two star levels. There is no interaction and any interaction that I would do then would be circumventing the chain of command.

Second part of the issue is that they appear to not be in the office or be responsive to inquiries.

Also, in the Reserves it is extremely hard to develop relationships over distances without both parties being interested. I have developed some great relationships with people I have never met or met once. Some I still go to for assistance though both of us have since PCS'd.

I do see where you are going and I will see what I can do to reach out without stepping on too many toes.

On the staff side (I have been on BDE staff and I am now on BN staff) I absolutely agree with the need for company leadership to reach up. I have to pull teeth sometimes to get a reaction, unless it is about their pay of course.

Thanks for your response.

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CPT (Join to see)

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Ah, I am getting a clearer picture. This may also be a good opportunity to leverage your XO to go to bat for you. A good Major can make some great headway in bringing two levels of staff together.

While I am not sure just how above your chain of command higher is, related shops at all levels often have to talk to each other. If another shop on your staff is related to the one you are having problems with you may be able to leverage their relationship (however weak it may be) to expedite the process.

Keep you head up!

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