Office "Flair" - Should leaders put them out?

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 09:11:37 -0500

<p>Among those in a position that grants them a personal office, I've heard a few individuals say that they prefer not to hang things on their walls because it feels too narcisistic - like they're giving themselves a pat on the back.  The counter to that argument that I personally agree with is that putting plaques, coin holders and things like that up in your office is that it's not for you, it's for your Soldiers.  It's important for them to see where you came from and what you've accomplished.  I don't know how many times someone has walked into my office, noticed something on the wall or on my desk and it's been a point of conversation.  It's a small Army and often times they've been in the same place at some point in time.  It creates an additional bond from a shared past experience.</p><p> </p><p>What are your thoughts?  Any stories out there of an interesting connection you've experienced that would have gone unknown had it not been for your "office flair"?</p>

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 8:32 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 20:32:47 -0500

<p>CPT Miller,  I agree.  Largely because when someone walks into your office,  let's say for a LOR or something,  they can see you are a human too.   That is you have a life and that your travels,  family and the military are important.</p><p><br></p><p>In Little Rock,  we had a Major who loved to give cheesy compliments (Boquets or brickbats) as a sign of acknowledge.  Some felt these were silly but as I see it,  he truly loved this troops and so gained a measure of trust from us.</p><p><br></p><p>The respect between NCOs and Officers were real and since forecasters worked along side officers,  we were able to respect the officer and his skills and he or she did that to us as well.   The lower enlisted got the unity and respect aspect of all this,  making the environment professional as well as highly technical.</p><p><br></p><p>I've seen the placards, awards and diplomas that are a source of pride and also a source of awe in the younger troops.   </p>

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 27 at 2013 8:42 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 20:42:17 -0500

<p>Sir, I had an assignment that offered the SNCOs their own offices. I started with a couple framed school certificates and photos. All of the chiefs got into it a little along. Each chief had their own personal touches, and before it was over each office was full. There were plaques, and awards, and photos, and framed calligraphy words of wisdoms and quotes along with nautical memorabilia & nav charts of the AOR, and recruiting posters. It was all very well done; something in which we all took great pride. (We found a professional framing shop that loved the military & spent a fortune there.) But then it got really good! The crew, in addition to asking about the things displayed in the chiefs' offices, started taking pictures of the unit in action which they framed. They located and framed copies of the unit's citations. They framed and mounted a USGC Meritorious Unit Pennant and created a Boat Force Memorial plaque. They put up all of this in the passageways and squad bay. They painted the unit's crest on the squad bay floor. The crew took so very much pride in the unit's facilities. I have never seen anything like before or since. It built such a sense of spirit de corps because the crew took ownership after seeing the chiefs' work spaces. We were part of a multi service mission and as a result received regular visits from senior leaders of all five services. All who visited complimented the crew and the facilities. For us it was a good thing.</p>

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 27 at 2013 9:03 PM

CSM Mike Maynard — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:03:08 -0500

Whether it's right/wrong or good/bad is determined by intent/motivation of why to do it. <div><br></div><div>Yes, some people hang stuff up to bring attention to themselves for the wrong reason.</div><div><br></div><div>But, for the most part, it can serve as a touch point and motivator when your Soldiers see that the things you are encouraging them to do (high physical fitness scores, competitions, mos competency, awards at schools, civilian education, etc.) - you've done it.</div><div><br></div><div>Additionally, with visitors, it creates points of commonality to establish a bond.</div>

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 9:18 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:18:02 -0500

Office flair, I'm good with it. Its like wearing your badges on your uniform, shows a sense of pride in what you done and who you did it with. Soldiers are looking for mentors and if a framed company guidon starts a conversation about what it takes to be a 1SG the mission accomplished. Its all about marketing Army style. Lure them in with your flair and mentor them on who to get there. I recall telling a 1SG once how I was impressed with his MSM. After that we talked for a good 45 minutes. He is still a mentor to this day. All started with office flair.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 8:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 20:45:13 -0500

Almost everyone I work with in the Project Office is a Civilian but many of them are vets. At least once a week someone comes by my desk and asks me about some of my flair. They tell me they were in the same Units, places, MOS, or they just want to know where I got some of the stuff.

It's a great way to meet people who don't wear name tapes too.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Nov 30 at 2013 1:13 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 13:13:12 -0500

Yes, every office I have ever had has been a place where I have displayed memorabelia from past duty stations and awards. As such it has bee an inspiration for junior troops to emulate my career and a place where peers and relate and bat the breeze in comfort. CPO Messes are similar, a place where all Chief Petty Officers (E-7, 8 and 9) can relax and display awards or mementos personal to them. Junior Sailors and other visitors often find this inspirational as well.

Response by CPT Keith Steinhurst made Dec 10 at 2013 1:07 PM

CPT Keith Steinhurst — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:07:07 -0500

Mike, I see that you too are a veteran of the 'Great Place' and I concur with you - whatever can be done to improve the morale of soldiers is a good thing - this includes the 'I love me wall' and 'I love me book.' One nice thing about Hood, is that you could potentially spend a career there - go from Corps staff to 13th COSCOM (ahem Sustainment), to 1st CAV, 1st Command, back to staff, 2nd command, etc. Have fun! Don't speed in Nolanville! Keith

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 10 at 2013 1:40 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:40:59 -0500

I don't see a problem with someone hanging up things to show what they have done. A lot of what I saw were things given to leaders as a token of thanks from their outgoing units; pictures from different deployments and coin racks displaying all the coins they have received.

Since getting out, I decided to bring in a few things to my cube and they sit here each day. When I feel stressed out or just generally having a bad day at the office, I'm able to look at these items and they remind me of where I been and what I have done. Sure, some people notice them and ask questions about what the coins and other stuff means. As the Major pointed out, having these things displayed is a great way to meet people and to break the ice. Plus, how many of us do it because our significant others don't want it in the house? LOL

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 1:50 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:50:25 -0500

Where else should we put all this stuff? I don't think my old lady wants a skull plaque in our hall.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Dec 10 at 2013 2:35 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 14:35:52 -0500

Sir, I was one of those individuals who thought the same about the bragging and pat on the back if I did the flair deal so I didin't. But one day my BDE CDR can for a visit and asked me why was my walls bare. I told him that I didnt need to put stuff on my wall to brag about myself that my positon and rank would do it for me. He then shut my door and said listen here 1SG, How are Soldiers who come this great unit suppose to see what you have done to get here. Hell any candy ass can be a 1SG but not all candy asses can be leaders! I was like damn he said candy ass!lol So that weekend I got a few plaques and put them up. Next thing I know when I got a new Soldier he asked about one and generated conversation that lead to him saying one day he will have plaques. SO I guess BDE CDR was right and now I have Soldiers gunning to be the best. Now don't get me wrong I havd to work the plaques around my Alabama pictures but hey it all worked out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 3:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:12:20 -0500

This is actually a very interesting question, because I've seen different views from within a few of my previous units. I think you should definitely hang up items of achievements, as well as personal items. Someone mentioned the "human" factor, which is a big part of it. When you walk in to an office, you want to feel welcomed. An office with bare walls looks like an interrogation room. I at least keep it reasonable. I don't hang every AAM or COA, I actually don't hang any of my PCS awards. I only display particular achievements. I've also, to include recently, had leadership somewhat question why I have personal items displayed. I'm in California, but have an Alabama Crimson Tide flag hanging, because I'm from Alabama and a big Bama fan. The question was something like "Do you really need to have an Alabama banner up when you're in Cali", the response is Yes, because people should know where you're from and what interests you have, what is important to you. It also sparks conversation, going back to being comfortable. Someone sees a Bama flag and you immediately can talk college sports. It turns out that a few other people in my Cali unit are from Bama and we share the same interests, giving us common ground and something to talk about that doesn't involve work. Long story short, Yes, display your achivements proudly. Yes, display personal items to show that you're a human being. And Yes, I'm an Alabama fan and needed intense therapy after the Iron Bowl!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 4:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 04:19:11 -0400

Sir, I only have three things up on my wall and one on my desk:

1) family picture taken immediately upon reuniting with my wife and kids when I returned from deployment to Pakistan

2) framed race bib with medal of completion for the La Paz, Bolivia half marathon, one of the highest altitude marathons in the world (run between 10,500 - 12,500 feet above sea level, the full marathon goes up to 14,100 feet) I hope to run the Mt. Everest and Antarctica marathons one day, but by no stretch do I consider myself a marathon runner.

3) a framed print by Larry Selman "Echoes Thru Time" - depicts the Sergeant Major from the Revolutionary War thru today

On my desk) my Bible

All of these represent four things that I am extremely proud of and that have contributed to my personal success in life:

Family

Physical Fitness

Promotion

Faith

I do have a spot reserved for when I complete my degree.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 27 at 2014 10:59 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 27 May 2014 22:59:49 -0400

I need to hang up a few things in my office. I don't have much to begin with but I do value my school certificates the most. I will have two reenlistment posters up once I get frames for them. I do have a good collection of coins somewhere in my house hiding among boxes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 12:27 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 00:27:59 -0400

I have no coins or awards displayed in my office. What I have instead are books, historical paintings, and photographs, all of which tell the story of me and my family's participation in various conflicts.

The three items in my office that generate the most conversation and reflections:

An 1896 reunion photo of the 26th South Carolina Infantry Regiment which depicts one of my ancestors.

A WW II photo of my Grandfather in his navy uniform.

A map of the Devils Den and Wheatfield at Gettysburg.

In addition, I have a bookshelf in my office filled with boks on military history and leadership. These I loan out liberally to all who express interest.

Response by CPT Chase Sanger made Jun 15 at 2014 8:26 PM

CPT Chase Sanger — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 20:26:13 -0400

I personally love walking into someone's office and checking out what plaques/display pieces they have. As a few others have touched on, it tells you where the person has been and what they have done so far in their careers. I like to know where people are coming from.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 15 at 2014 8:36 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 20:36:53 -0400

CPT Miller. I can only speak for myself and from having been around the proverbial block a few times. I have 2 offices, one military, one civilian. Because both are Law Enforcement related (Guard unit is cops), I have some of each in both.
Having Marshals stuff in the military office motivates the young troops to stay focused and aspire to. Having military stuff in the Marshals office gives all of us old guys stuff to talk about, since 60-70% of my office is prior service, and a high percentage of the Task Force guys I work with are prior service as well.
Is there a little bit of bragging-maybe.
Are there a lot of great memories? Damn straight. And that memorabilia is what stirs the conversations.

I am a proponent.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 4:39 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:39:20 -0400

I've got lots of stuff in my office, but very little of it is plaques/awards/coin holders.

My group commander now associates me as the "Dr. Who fan" because I have a couple Dr. Who trinkets in my office. As long as he remembers my name, I consider it a win.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 2 at 2015 11:58 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 11:58:02 -0500

I knew a lot of officers who liked to keep Good Conduct certificates on the wall. It was a great way to show they were former enlisted. It's not overly narcissistic, since you get it for just not being stupid for 3 years running. I knew others that would keep the going away plaques from their former units, whether it was an oar or whatever.