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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I don't think it bad to give someone a feedback. As long as you don't say something out of line.
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when asked a question observe access then speak I have always spoken up and still do at work if I can help are make things better
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It was solicited, so yes, absolutely. You were in every way the consummate professional. You did not call him out in front of your unit, you did not whine. you presented your disagreement, and provided a possible solution. You have, whether you realize it or not, gained respect in his eyes. He sees your character and moral fiber. He may or may not agree with your conclusions, but you have set yourself apart as a mature professional who has the integrity to stand for what she believes in on principle. FUTURE LEADER HERE FOLKS,well done. Definitely deserving of an Army "Hooah".
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Yes I would and yes I did!! Many times and much to the dismay of my chain!!! Once we were having a Company inspection while stationed at North fort Ft Lewis just prior to rotating to Korea, The Brigade Commander wanted to come down and see how his "boys " were doing. As soon as word got out that he was coming I was escorted to a room on the top floor and to the back of the building and a guard was put at the door with explicit instructions not to let me out until the danger had passed. The time JUST before this we were out on a maneuver and and I was asked what I thought of it by the BN Cdr to which I calmly replied" Well sir, the way I see it, we are always simulating this and simulating that. Why dont we just go back to the barracks and simulate being in the field". My fox hole was a condo by the time they got done with me!!
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TSgt Melissa Post
HAHAHA. I have been known to give my honest flat out no BS opinion to other higher enlisted ranks, but for some reason officers seem to be put into a different category like we aren't allowed to talk to them.
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Indeed I would have done exactly as you did. Commanders need to know what effect their decisions have on the troops.
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A good Commander would be thankful for fair and honest feedback. Your colleague may have had a bad past experience. Keeping silent advances no agenda. Trust, especially in the military should be assumed until proven otherwise. Stephen Covey Jr., wrote a book titles, "The Speed of Trust". Great read on the issue.
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TSgt Melissa Post I always say, "They can't fix it if they don't know it is broken." Depending on the topic or feedback, I would either 1) Route my suggestion up the CoC (unless I thought that my CoC wouldn't forward it up); 2) If asked my opinion or stance on something, if I have something to say on the topic I have been known to give it. Another policy I have is "Never ask a question that you don't really want an answer to."
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You did the right thing. You gave honest feedback, provided solutions, and you were professional. And that is what good commanders look for. During my career, many times I have had to address issues with commanders, the good, bad and ugly. I was always honest, straight forward, provided recommendations, and was always professional.
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You did the right thing. Commanders need honest feedback. They cant possibly know everything and many times, most folks will not give honest feedback because they are only looking at their next promotion.
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TSgt Melissa Post A practice which is not often discussed any longer is that of loyal dissention. Meaning, your loyalty is never questioned, but you are unafraid to present alternative opinions and suggestions to the Commander. As a First Sergeant I did this with regularity, behind closed doors, and without ever losing my professional military bearing. From how you depicted this, I would say you are a great credit to the Air Force and its future NCO corps. You presented your opinion with respect and further you followed a great ledership credo, you came not only with an issue, but with three possible sollutions. You upheld a philosophy I believe to be a cornerstone of professional NCOs, you never present a problem without a sollution. Great job Senior Airman Chiles. I would appreciate having a troop with your candor in my charge.
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