Posted on Aug 24, 2015
If the commander asked for feedback would you give it to him/her?
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Recently my commander released Staff Sergeant promotion results in a different manner than we normally do. Many airman near me were talking about how they disliked this new way. I myself had the same sentiments and for good cause. During the release, the commander asked us to let him know if we liked doing promotions this way. I took two days to type up a simple, yet respectful email explaining my opinion and giving three alternate solutions to achieve what he stated his goals were for his approach. The next week I was talking to another airman about this and he was adamant that I shouldn't have done that. When I asked why he response was "you just don't do that". My email was in no way disrespectful or full of complaining. I received a reply from my commander that stated "Understood. Thank you for your honest feedback." Would you have told the commander your opinion or would you have kept silent? Was I wrong to be honest?
Posted in these groups: 
Evaluations
Commander
Evaluations Commander
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 119
TSgt Melissa Post
+SSG Thomas Livingston Thank you. That is my philosophy as well. I don't think the fact that I am just a SrA should matter. It goes back to the whole, don't ask a question if you don't want an answer. I appreciate your reply.
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Absolutely. In fact, sometimes I've given commanders feedback even when they didn't ask for it.
If people are unwilling to tell commanders what is wrong in the unit when they are directly asked, you can't really expect the commanders to be able to fix anything.
If people are unwilling to tell commanders what is wrong in the unit when they are directly asked, you can't really expect the commanders to be able to fix anything.
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Any commander that thinks that he/she cannot learn from the people in the command is in the wrong business. I know that some commanders are full of themselves but in this case, it sounds like he wanted the feedback and had established a command climate that allowed that to flow. To me, that is a sign of a healthy unit. If people are scared to go to their commander, the unit has severe problems.
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CMSgt James Nolan
COL Jon Thompson Agreed sir. If a CC asks for feedback, it opens a specific door. In my opinion though, the door should not just remain wide open (not that a CC should not be approachable mind you), as that eliminates the ability of the rest of the CoC to operate.
In my opinion, the CC should only be approached after all other avenues have been exhausted. Again, in this case, door open and response given, good on TSgt Melissa Post for taking the initiative, where apparently her peers either did not have the intestinal fortitude or the ability to put together a well thought out response. The CC has enough on the plate without every SM in the unit approaching about every little issue. The CC would never accomplish the first task.
Command is a lonely post.
In my opinion, the CC should only be approached after all other avenues have been exhausted. Again, in this case, door open and response given, good on TSgt Melissa Post for taking the initiative, where apparently her peers either did not have the intestinal fortitude or the ability to put together a well thought out response. The CC has enough on the plate without every SM in the unit approaching about every little issue. The CC would never accomplish the first task.
Command is a lonely post.
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Many times the CO really doesn't want honest feedback. Still, it was very good of you provide honest, tactful feedback. Good for you! Well done.
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As a buck sergeant I have nothing to lose. Ask and I will answer, and don't ask me if you want someone to stroke your ego.
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Many commanders never receive good feedback but need it. If asked, it is an opportunity for you to do just that. If it is not asked for, then I would suggest that you do not go direct but to use your supervisor and 1st Sgt.
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Well wasn't the commander but was My platoon leader on training going on before a deployment. Told him I rather not but he persisted. So I let him have it. He had witnessed an argument between an E-6 and myself about the training on going was wrong and stepped in and told the E-6 I was correct. I had just returned to service after a 7 year break and came in as an E-3. He thought that I was wet behind the ear old fart! After words we sat down and I showed him my original DD-214 and we had a cigar! he later became my squad leader and he and the LT. asked me frequently what I thought. They knew I would be honest. I still have yet to fully get the TACT thing down though. I partially have it! lol
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TSgt Melissa Post
I had a similar experience when I failed out of my tech school. My mtl woukd come ask me how we did things at my old tech school and how we could improve certain areas. I had been in for a whole year as opposed to the other airmen straight from basic.
As for the tact, yes it is something I'm still working on too. It surprises me when I say something and look back and think wow who was that p/c person. Lol
As for the tact, yes it is something I'm still working on too. It surprises me when I say something and look back and think wow who was that p/c person. Lol
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I have done what you did but straight to my CPO's face. Needless to say quarterly marks went DOWN ! Except for 6 months in Vietnam while stationed at Khe San my works well with others was bottom. So be careful some will accept it as good, others will see it as a shot at them.
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Integrity first.
In my opinion, being honest, especially when asked for feedback, is a cornerstone of the first of our three core values.
You did good SrA Chiles.
In my opinion, being honest, especially when asked for feedback, is a cornerstone of the first of our three core values.
You did good SrA Chiles.
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An Army that fails to provide feedback to leadership is destined to fail.
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