Leadership Scenario. You have had a great career and now you're retired or ETS'd. You maintained the standard. Do you stop now?

2016-10-31T05:56:30-04:00

The next President of the US will be known by next Monday. It doesn't matter who. You never spoke of politics in a harsh manner before, but feel that now that you're out, you can voice your opinion (which you should), but you now do it in front of subordinates who can be easily misled by your opinions or statements. Should you refrain from making them, or the hell with them, they have a COC.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 31 at 2016 6:04 AM

2016-10-31T06:04:03-04:00

No. You lead others to help them develop into better people.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Oct 31 at 2016 6:15 AM

2016-10-31T06:15:09-04:00

If the question is once you've left active/reserve service and are working in the private sector (or even in a government job) do you talk politics and your distrust or dislike of someone openly I would say be careful.

I have liberal friends I made at work that I talk politics with and have for 20+ years. I also have conservatives I do the same thing with. The key is to be professional and polite. If you go off on political rants at work and you have a team of folks working for you, you may alienate some of them. Sometimes people want to know what you think. They may value your opinion or perspective. Just try to be professional about it.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 31 at 2016 6:40 AM

2016-10-31T06:40:40-04:00

"Never say anything you wouldn't say to that person's face." The relative anonymity of the internet (either hidden or crowd-based) has allowed LOTS of vitriol to spew forth that would not normally be acceptable in polite conversation.

It's find to disagree about policy, decisions, or almost anything really, but we see A LOT of direct attacks on PEOPLE. Normally that would be out of bounds. That's the "standard" we are fighting for.

If someone heard "us" talking about ANYONE ELSE, behind their backs, in such elevated ways they would not nothing to do with us. We would be %#^&%**%. So why are political candidates any different?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2016 6:41 AM

2016-10-31T06:41:49-04:00

If you are out, you don't have subordinates and you are private citizen.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 31 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-10-31T09:34:10-04:00

If I start posting pot smoking memes because I find them funny, that doesn't mean I'm advocating smoking pot, especially among junior troops. If I was in a leadership position and am on friendly terms with my fellow enlisted, then I should also know them enough to know if they are the type to be easily swayed.

I have stayed in contact with plenty of retired Marines and Marines that are still enlisted. They are each entitled to their own opinions and personalities. The only caution I would take is if I see someone who is currently enlisted post something online that may be questionable. Then I would advise them to remove it before they get in trouble.

But that's still up to them to do... I can't force their actions.

Response by SSG G Smith made Oct 31 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-10-31T09:36:29-04:00

It is easy to speak your mind while remaining tactful with your responses.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Oct 31 at 2016 9:57 AM

2016-10-31T09:57:00-04:00

Only if they're voting for the other person

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Oct 31 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-10-31T11:38:15-04:00

I generally do not express political positions in front of subordinates at work. It isn't fair to them and I sure as heck don't want them to feel I might treat them differently if they hold different views than mine. It creates a culture that isn't conducive to positive outcomes.

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Oct 31 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-10-31T11:53:05-04:00

My opinions remain my own. I spent too many years keeping my own council on politics. My mentors told me that part of my life should remain private. I never posted signs in my yard for any candidate and still don't. Remember we served at the pleasure of ____________.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2016 12:45 PM

2016-10-31T12:45:49-04:00

The only civilians (what you are after ETS or retirement) that have military subordinates are POTUS and SECDEF. Unless you are one of those two, go ahead, there are no subordinates to be misled.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-10-31T13:06:12-04:00

Once out of the military, you have no superiors or subordinates and are only a regular civilian. Say what you want, thats what the first amendment is for.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 31 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-10-31T13:10:50-04:00

While you write your responses, there is no "right" or "wrong" answer. It's just a means of discussion. If I respond to you, it's to get further clarification on what you meant, not to question who you are as a person.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 7:01 AM

2016-11-01T07:01:09-04:00

If you're having an informed conversation, or planting a seed for thought then share away.

If you're trying to belittle someones opinions/beliefs and you don't know them (so you can't say, "Oh - we were just kidding, right??!) then no. That's not a positive quality of a leader. They can get plenty of that on RP.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 27 at 2016 8:53 PM

2016-11-27T20:53:50-05:00

never give... up never stop...