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?
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Evaluations Commander
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 119
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Why not! Feedback is one of the best ways to improve yourself and your company, direct and truthful.
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It all depends on the Commander. A lot of Commanders want feedback because it can give them an indicator on how they are doing as a leader as long as the feedback is honest. Some So, as long as you are honest with your feedback and the Commander seems to take what you said to heart keep doing it.
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SrA Melissa Chiles, Sound more like the wife or girl friend asking does this dress make me look big? You have just joined the husband and boyfriend club; welcome!
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TSgt Melissa Post
Hahaha thanks. I think I got introduced to that club when I made the mistake of going shopping with a super girly friend of mine. After wasting 3 hours in Walmart, I told her she needed a man, and then reminded her I didn't have those same accessories in case she didn't notice. Afterward I called my boyfriend to ensure that I wasn't "that bad" when he and I went shopping. Much to my relief he assured me I wasn't and advised me to not go with her again. lol
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CPT Pedro Meza
TSgt Melissa Post - Welcome to the club, remember that the 5th Amendment will not protect you because silence is also a no no, and that when asked a question you become the deer blinded by the headlights.
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As a Battalion Standardization Officer, my boss always ask for good honest feedback. The Brigade Commanders that I worked for also wanted honest feedback.
But....there is a correct way to give feedback. Always have a workable solution when you provide feedback. Always be respectful of any people that you mention in the feedback. Tell the Commander that you want to be part of the solution.
Present the feedback to the Commander in the correct environment. Don't do it in front of the Battalion formation. Utilize the Open Door policy or ask for an appointment.
As a result of providing honest feedback, you might be ask to help implement those changes or you could ask that you help implement those changes. Seize the opportunity to excel.
Sounds like you provided the Commander some well thought out feedback, with solutions. For that you have nothing to be ashamed of.
But....there is a correct way to give feedback. Always have a workable solution when you provide feedback. Always be respectful of any people that you mention in the feedback. Tell the Commander that you want to be part of the solution.
Present the feedback to the Commander in the correct environment. Don't do it in front of the Battalion formation. Utilize the Open Door policy or ask for an appointment.
As a result of providing honest feedback, you might be ask to help implement those changes or you could ask that you help implement those changes. Seize the opportunity to excel.
Sounds like you provided the Commander some well thought out feedback, with solutions. For that you have nothing to be ashamed of.
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CPT Pedro Meza
CW4 William Van Almsick, I prefer to apply the rule of the husband and say "your eyes matches your dress" followed by leaving the room ASAP.
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If asked, I would give the commander (generic) honest feedback. My current detachment commander....no. Not because of fear of backlash, but because I would feel like I was wasting my time. He's going to ask, but he only wants us to tell him what he wants to hear.
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I have been asked to give honest feedback on several occasions while in Iraq. Being a Jr. NCO I treaded lightly, but always gave it.
Rules I always followed. Always be respectful, tell why there is an issue with examples, have a solution to the problem, be honest, always end with reminding them they asked for your feedback and letting them know they are in charge and you follow their way of doing things until they tell you differently.
TSgt Melissa Post It sounds like you did a good job.
Rules I always followed. Always be respectful, tell why there is an issue with examples, have a solution to the problem, be honest, always end with reminding them they asked for your feedback and letting them know they are in charge and you follow their way of doing things until they tell you differently.
TSgt Melissa Post It sounds like you did a good job.
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He asked for feedback, right? So long you are respectful/professional it should not be an issue.
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I think you did right Ma'am, if he didn't want to hear the truth, he shouldn't ask for it.
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When I was asked for an opinion or a recommendation I always gave it and always tried to explain why I felt that way. Maybe I was lucky but I had very good company commanders who really did want input from their people. However I will suggest that if you disagree with your commander that you give him or her a rational explanation of why and what you think would be better and it is best that you do so in private.
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When asked, it is your duty to be honest and respectful. If it ruins morale, then it should be going up your COC. Communication goes both ways, up and down.
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