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In all of the unit's I was attached to during my time in the military they all had the open door policy. I always felt like it was more for show than anything else. Anyone who has been in the military knows that you have to utilize your NCO support channel and your chain of command. What happens when there is a breakdown, maybe someone is doing something unethical and you feel like this is something you need to bring to the attention of your commander? The few times I had exhausted my resources and brought something forward I was always given flak by my NCO's. Than you feel like you can't use that open door policy and you almost feel like you have to just suffer in silence. Than the opposite happens and your commas will blame you for not using the open door policy. Maybe it was just me... Are there any commanders out there who have truly pushed the open door policy? Is it something you value as a leader or something you feel obligated to put out there? Do too many soldier take advantage of this? Does it apply to spouses or are they supposed to adhere as well?
What do you think?
What do you think?
Policy
Leadership
Family
Spouses
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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The open door policy is a good one, if utilized properly, but if not applied correctly it can be a double-edged sword.
I have an open door policy and tell all my troops that if they literally see my door open, then they're free to stop in and chat. This is meant for idle conversation, general bonding as a unit, and getting to know one another better.
Now, if what they bring up is something that is a CoC issue, I always ask them, "Have you asked your chain of command?" If the answer is no, I send them off to utilize what the military has in place for a reason. If the answer is yes, I ask them if they've utilized their entire chain. I have yet to see an issue that couldn't be resolved by utilizing the command structure.
Personally, I like it and it lets my troops know that I'm approachable, but I NEVER use it to usurp the CoC. That said, I've seen other commanders improperly use it and the troops then see it as a means to force getting what they're after by driving it from the top down.
SPC Chad Kolod, you may get better results by posting this in another section (other than family), as it's more military related. Just a suggestion.
I have an open door policy and tell all my troops that if they literally see my door open, then they're free to stop in and chat. This is meant for idle conversation, general bonding as a unit, and getting to know one another better.
Now, if what they bring up is something that is a CoC issue, I always ask them, "Have you asked your chain of command?" If the answer is no, I send them off to utilize what the military has in place for a reason. If the answer is yes, I ask them if they've utilized their entire chain. I have yet to see an issue that couldn't be resolved by utilizing the command structure.
Personally, I like it and it lets my troops know that I'm approachable, but I NEVER use it to usurp the CoC. That said, I've seen other commanders improperly use it and the troops then see it as a means to force getting what they're after by driving it from the top down.
SPC Chad Kolod, you may get better results by posting this in another section (other than family), as it's more military related. Just a suggestion.
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SPC Nate Lamphier
CDR (Join to see)...I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you have a high percentage of people who would run through a wall for you.
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CDR (Join to see)
SPC Nate Lamphier, thanks for the vote of confidence. The bottom line is, I would run through a wall for any of my troops. That's what it's all about, right? If I'm not willing to lay down my life for them, how can I expect them to do it for anyone else?
Colonel, Captain, Sergeant, Private...we're all brothers in arms, and we're all fighting for the same thing. The leaders who led me as a young member, are the ones who instilled this in me, and I'll do everything within my ability, to make sure I pass the torch!
I've served under leaders whom I'd follow to hell is they asked me to...solely because I know they'd do everything within their power to bring me back, or die trying. That's the kind of leader I want to be to MY men!
Colonel, Captain, Sergeant, Private...we're all brothers in arms, and we're all fighting for the same thing. The leaders who led me as a young member, are the ones who instilled this in me, and I'll do everything within my ability, to make sure I pass the torch!
I've served under leaders whom I'd follow to hell is they asked me to...solely because I know they'd do everything within their power to bring me back, or die trying. That's the kind of leader I want to be to MY men!
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CDR (Join to see)
SPC Nate Lamphier Thanks, Nate...we are a great nation, and despite all the negatives, we are still the best damned nation in the entire world, for one reason and one reason only...because of our military. You, me, and everyone here on RP...past, present, and hopefully future. We are the backbone of our country.
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Depends on the chain.
In theory, theory, there shouldn't be that many people between you and the 1SG. Team leader, Squad Leader, PSG, 1SG, CSM. The number of people you would ever have to jump is minimal. In theory, it's going to get resolved "low" anyways.
If you have a problem with your TL, you should be able to go to your SL, if he can't fix it, then PSG, etc. The big thing is actually making the attempt to fix it before escalating up. Most people don't. They sit on a problem, and leadership can't fix a problem if they don't actually know about it.
Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Someone has to say "SGT/1SG/SGM, I have a problem, and I need some help, advice, etc." Heck, a lot of times, going to your TL/SL/PSG and saying "I have a problem I'm not sure you can help me with, but I think the SL/PSG/1SG can, can you set up a meeting?" will instantly get you in the door, and get you an ally for whatever it is.
So, that "feeling" of it being of just for show, is more internal than anything else. It's a desire not to waste people's time on what subconsciously we feel we should be able to resolve ourselves. That "self-reliance" kicking in, however, there's a certain point where asking for help is a strength, and why the open door policy exists. The idea is that a troop will use good judgement an escalate appropriate matters. It's a fine line, which I think troops generally are over-cautious about.
In theory, theory, there shouldn't be that many people between you and the 1SG. Team leader, Squad Leader, PSG, 1SG, CSM. The number of people you would ever have to jump is minimal. In theory, it's going to get resolved "low" anyways.
If you have a problem with your TL, you should be able to go to your SL, if he can't fix it, then PSG, etc. The big thing is actually making the attempt to fix it before escalating up. Most people don't. They sit on a problem, and leadership can't fix a problem if they don't actually know about it.
Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Someone has to say "SGT/1SG/SGM, I have a problem, and I need some help, advice, etc." Heck, a lot of times, going to your TL/SL/PSG and saying "I have a problem I'm not sure you can help me with, but I think the SL/PSG/1SG can, can you set up a meeting?" will instantly get you in the door, and get you an ally for whatever it is.
So, that "feeling" of it being of just for show, is more internal than anything else. It's a desire not to waste people's time on what subconsciously we feel we should be able to resolve ourselves. That "self-reliance" kicking in, however, there's a certain point where asking for help is a strength, and why the open door policy exists. The idea is that a troop will use good judgement an escalate appropriate matters. It's a fine line, which I think troops generally are over-cautious about.
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SPC Chad Kolod If you went to them 1st and they didn't resolve the issue and then you went higher, their flak back at you is a result of their failure...Unfortunate...but reality. As a 1SG, many times when a Soldier came to use the Cdr and My Open Door Policy, the 1st question I would ask is who in their chain did they go to for help in getting the issue resolved. If no one... I would listen, then tell them to go back and discuss it with his Section Chief and PSG. IF they couldn't solve it, come back and see me. I would then bring in the PSG on the side, inform him of the program and if he didn't know what to do, help him out so it would appear as if the Soldier's immediate leadership were more capable then he thought and would not hesitate to come to them in the future.
Now if the Soldier had brought it up his leadership and they didn't handle it right, I tore into their ass, and put it in writing for the PSG and the Cdr did the same for the Plt Ldr. This was to ensure they got off their ass and didn't let it happen a 2nd time. I then called the Soldier back in and helped with his issue.
There may come a time when a Soldier's issue are personal and I ensured that was respected. I ensured he got the help he needed and the only other's who knew were myself, the XO and the Commander.
If serious enough and all levels or organizational leadership fail, there is always the IG. Repercussions..oh hell yeah...openly...better not be...but there always is. So be sure it's a serious enough issue to warrant taking it outside the unit. Some leaders don't it, don't understand the responsibilities they have to their Soldiers and see themselves a figureheads. They need to be cut off at the knees and made examples for other figureheads to see and be warned it can happen to them if they don't smarten up.
This is how it worked back in my days as 1SG from 89-96...but that doesn't answer your question I regret to say. Unfortunately this is another of a long list of issues I have with leadership in my "today's Army".
No I don't think it was just you. I have seen units next door whose Open Door Policy was always shut and existed only on paper.
Now if the Soldier had brought it up his leadership and they didn't handle it right, I tore into their ass, and put it in writing for the PSG and the Cdr did the same for the Plt Ldr. This was to ensure they got off their ass and didn't let it happen a 2nd time. I then called the Soldier back in and helped with his issue.
There may come a time when a Soldier's issue are personal and I ensured that was respected. I ensured he got the help he needed and the only other's who knew were myself, the XO and the Commander.
If serious enough and all levels or organizational leadership fail, there is always the IG. Repercussions..oh hell yeah...openly...better not be...but there always is. So be sure it's a serious enough issue to warrant taking it outside the unit. Some leaders don't it, don't understand the responsibilities they have to their Soldiers and see themselves a figureheads. They need to be cut off at the knees and made examples for other figureheads to see and be warned it can happen to them if they don't smarten up.
This is how it worked back in my days as 1SG from 89-96...but that doesn't answer your question I regret to say. Unfortunately this is another of a long list of issues I have with leadership in my "today's Army".
No I don't think it was just you. I have seen units next door whose Open Door Policy was always shut and existed only on paper.
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