Undercover Boss/Leader

MSG Martinis Butler — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 05:05:55 -0500

What would happen if Command teams were to send leaders TDY just to get feedback from different units, Leaders, Soldiers, and work areas just as "Undercover Boss" does, would this be something you'd be interested in doing? You would in process and were to blend in like a new Soldier.It would only be for 2weeks and you were also given the opportunity to change ranks during that time. What do you think?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 11:58 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 11:58:51 -0500

Interesting idea. When I was a drill sergeant at Ft. Benning, we had a number of complaints about the poor service and rude attitudes our Soldiers received while going through the Central Issue Facility. Our battalion commander blended into the line during our Phase 2 issue on cycle and was talked down to and treated like a dog by the civilian contractors (many of whom were former military). Needless to say, it didn't end well that day for 3-5 employees and the project manager.

In the end, it doesn't have to be undercover - engaged leaders that stay connected with those they serve will always get the feedback they need.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 9:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 21:25:15 -0500

SFC Martinis B. - That would be sweet. And good.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 9:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 21:38:49 -0500

I think it's a great idea. How would you in process without messing things out or getting found out?

You pay TDY and I'm in

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Jan 12 at 2014 10:20 PM

SSG Zachery Mitchell — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:20:35 -0500

I think that's a great idea in order to provide feedback to other units. It would be a program that I'm sure a lot of leaders would volunteer to do. Only problem is where would the money come from to pay for it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 10:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:24:33 -0500

Why wouldn't you just have the teams do a sensing session while they are there? They would have immediate results and it would be out of the hands of the unit. This way it would actually get looked at by unbiased personnel.

Response by SSgt Tim Meuret made Jan 12 at 2014 11:06 PM

SSgt Tim Meuret — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 23:06:34 -0500

If a commander or senior NCO wanted to get the unvarnished truth from the rank and file, this would be a wonderful approach. You would be able to hear how command decisions are received and perceived.

The danger for command has always been whether you are out of touch with the troops.

Great idea and thought provoker SFC!

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Jan 12 at 2014 11:52 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 23:52:24 -0500

I don't think there's a chance in hell I could blend in. Many of us are a bit too accustomed to the way things are.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 11:15 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 23:15:53 -0500

It worked for Redford in "Brubaker"!

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Response by SGT William B. made Mar 28 at 2014 10:04 AM

SGT William B. — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 10:04:02 -0400

I have the face of an 18 year old Asian guy, and the body of a 12 year old girl. I'd be the perfect candidate!

Seriously though, I wouldn't mind doing something like this. Even in sensing sessions, I've known a lot of junior enlisted that are terrified of speaking up about toxic leadership, because without doubt, it will come back to them one way or another.