What advice would you give a Junior NCO/PO who will soon be a newly Commissioned Officer?

2016-06-12T04:37:50-04:00

We've all seen it, freshly commissioned faces thrown into positions of leadership for the first time. It can be overwhelming for them and frustrating for everyone else. What advice would you give newly Commissioned Officers with a little enlisted time under their belt?

Pitfalls to avoid? Words to live by?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 12 at 2016 7:29 AM

2016-06-12T07:29:29-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member never forgot, where you came from!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-06-12T12:33:33-04:00

Well, you could shave....

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 12 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-06-12T13:40:48-04:00

Get your hands dirty and learn your craft.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 13 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-06-13T13:12:03-04:00

Learn the troops in your charge and learn from your fellow leaders. I had an OIC who constantly asked me questions about my job. I didn't know if he knew what I was talking about or just testing my knowledge, so I would always print out the reference and highlight the section anytime he asked a question. It helped me learn my job better, and I suspect it helped him when he was evaluating the work of other Marines. Make an effort to learn a bit about the jobs and responsibilities of the workcenter you are overseeing. I've gone to a couple different squadrons and I can see the difference between an OIC who knows the quality of work being accomplished and an OIC who can get BSed and doesn't really know if any work is being accomplished.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 13 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-06-13T15:25:00-04:00

Treat everyone with dignity and respect, build trust, and be approachable.

Response by PO1 Tracy Dreyer made Jun 16 at 2016 6:17 AM

2016-06-16T06:17:00-04:00

Don't forget where you came from

Response by LT William Heubaum made Jun 16 at 2016 8:59 AM

2016-06-16T08:59:22-04:00

You have already received lots of good advice, especially the comment of ENS. It is said that CPOs run the Navy. They do. Respect them and listen to their advice.

Response by CPO Eddie Joyner made Jun 16 at 2016 10:43 AM

2016-06-16T10:43:27-04:00

The best person to mentor that new JO will be his Chief Petty Officer community. Do not make the mistake of putting on the attitude that "I'm an officer now and no longer have to listen to the Chiefs." The best JO's understood that the CPO community provided the best leadership and mentorship they were able to come across. Also, do not go into the position with the belief that changes need to be made. Take some time to look around and decide if something actually needs to be and can be changed. Here, the old rule "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" certainly applies. Last but not least, take care of your people and they in turn will take care of you.

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Jun 16 at 2016 10:54 AM

2016-06-16T10:54:57-04:00

Let me start with a hearty congratulations on your stellar career to date, and now on your path to a commission . There are leaders and there are those who stay as follower's, you have clearly established your footing on the deck plate so stay committed and on track. Always remember where you came/started from, your enlisted side of the house will aid the transition into the commissioned rank's.
Once your on your way to your first command as a junior officer, seek out your LCPO or LPO. Establish a positive rapport by letting them know your there to support his/her continued role as the deck plate leader, and that you'll be there to run the interference if something arises. Remember your there as the OIC of the division so work with your CPO's but don't forget that you are ultimately responsible when the shit hit's the proverbial fan. Don't forget that you can get dirty and you'll be amazed at the respect level from those under you charge, but don't make it a regular routine either.
Listen, learn, and correct when you see something not up to standard's of good order and discipline, and the less you have to be at CO's mast with a subordinate is a positive reflection on you and your CPO's leadership!
A seasoned enlisted leader will teach you so much in becoming your best, their there to see you succeed . Learn how to write effective/accurate performance evaluations that will ensure timely promotions of those who are under your charge. Help in mentoring those who look towards making it a career, by stressing personal and professional quality standards along with higher education towards professional growth. In regard's to the wardroom you'll only be the junior for a short period of time. You'll take you fair share of the ridicule from all the senior officers but that's for you to grow upon and learn. As a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer of the worlds largest Nuclear Navy I bid you "Fair Winds and Following Seas" .

P.S. in closing remember there are E-7's , E-8's and E-9's and the true leaders will always be known as the Chief, Senior Chief and Master Chief that's who will mentor "You" ! Good Luck Ensign.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Clemons made Jun 16 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-06-16T11:10:47-04:00

Learn the difference between being a boss and being a leader. They are not the same and the path towards learning their differences and how to apply them in the work place will do you very well in the years to come.

Response by LT James Fox made Jun 16 at 2016 12:05 PM

2016-06-16T12:05:17-04:00

There are two different types of newly commissioned officer. Those straight out of college or the academy and those with prior enlisted experience. In either case, both cannot just come in and expect to "run" things their way. Learn from all enlisted personnel especially the senior enlisted (E7-E9). Let the senior enlisted run the show as they have in the past unless something is really broken. You direct the senior enlisted. I spent 17 years enlisted and 7 as an officer. I learned every day in both roles. No one ever knows it all. However, you have to carefully balance your leadership and management skills as to not be a total dictator. Also, it is better to ask then demand, better results. Understand personal needs without allowing personnel to walk all over you. Learn to trust until the trust is lost. In the end, allow the senior enlisted to run the show, direct and be accountable for actions of everyone in the unit. Also, you do not automatically get respect from everyone in the unit. You still have to earn it on a personal basis. They "have" to respect your rank, but not you. Once you "earn" that respect for you as a person, leader and manager you will have a well rounded unit. There will always be that one person who does not want to comply. Let your staff deal with that person and step in if needed. You should be the last resort. After being on both sides I must say I enjoyed being and officer more, but I would not have been as efficient in that position without my prior enlisted time. That is not to say that a newly commissioned officer cannot learn or be a great officer. Most of them are, just a longer learning curve. Good luck.

Response by SCPO Stephen Alexander made Jun 16 at 2016 12:40 PM

2016-06-16T12:40:09-04:00

When I was OE Division CPO on a destroyer, we got a newly commissioned ensign for division officer. Another Chief and I sat down with him and advised, 'We will take care of things from our pay grade down, you take care of things from your pay grade up, and we will meet regularly.' It worked out well.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 1:43 PM

2016-06-16T13:43:14-04:00

PO2, listen to your Chiefs. Use your Chiefs for everything. Ask the your chief anything you don't know/understand. The Chiefs are there to train you. Trust but verified.

Response by PO2 Chase Nichols made Jun 16 at 2016 2:28 PM

2016-06-16T14:28:12-04:00

Never forget where you came from and always lead by example!

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 6:45 PM

2016-06-16T18:45:59-04:00

Humble yourself and learn your job. Utilize knowledge not only from your chiefs but lower enlisted as well......those e-3s and e-5s are the ones actually doing the work, so you may learn more from them.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-06-16T18:50:11-04:00

You have seen life from one side. What did you see as good and bad among your leaders (AKA officers)

Copy the things that were good, avoid the things that were bad.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Jun 16 at 2016 9:19 PM

2016-06-16T21:19:07-04:00

Simple rule shipmate: respect begets respect...

Response by PO2 Melisa Hart made Jun 17 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-06-17T13:00:17-04:00

Never ask your trips to do things you wouldn't do yourself. Don't be afraid to get dirty with your people

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 5:03 PM

2016-06-17T17:03:06-04:00

Go slow, don't try to show that YOU are in charge right away. Listen to your senior enlisted advisors. They have the knowledge and experience that you need to learn. Always remember that everyday you learn something new. Look for those learning experiences. Don't "pull" rank. Everyone knows you are now an officer. They don't need reminding. Do your job with authority. People respect and follow great leaders and always remember that you know the whole picture. Most times the crew members don't, so don't take it personally when someone questions your directional orders. Explain things as best you can. If your crew looks good, so do you.

Response by CWO2 Richard Rose made Jun 17 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-06-17T17:25:57-04:00

Listen to your Chiefs, as has been stated by the Chiefs that have also responded. General Eisenhower authored a book on leadership. I am at a loss as to the correct title, but a Google search will give you a number of leadership qualities he expected from Officers. Being able to communicate both in writing and verbally are absolutely critical to your success. Get your qualifications for your designator ASAP. Do not forget the Chain of Command. Be approachable, but junior personnel must not ignore the chain of command unless it is critical that only the DIVO must get involved with due to privacy issues. Otherwise, your LPO and LCPO should have had an opportunity to correct most any issue. Placing a junior on report is a last resort. Trust your LCPO. Years ago I wrote a 30 point check off list for a new DIVO. I am sure OCS will give you a lot of training. You will be bringing a lot of leadership knowledge to your class at OCS. Finally, Lead By Example.

Response by PO2 Stephen Cline made Jun 22 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-06-22T17:12:58-04:00

Don't let it go to your head.

Response by PO2 Lato Sensu made Jun 23 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-06-23T12:33:40-04:00

do not be a "buddy" to the crew--

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-06-28T14:09:58-04:00

Don't forget where you came from.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-07-03T08:56:21-04:00

1) Don’t be a douche.
2) Your guys are more important than your career.
3) Be good at your job.
4) It’s not your unit. (Leadership wise)
5) It is your unit. (Responsibility wise)
6) Don’t lie, ever, for any reason.
7) You make mistakes – admit them.
8 ) Leader is not equal to BFF.
9) You’re not the smartest guy in the unit.
10) You can never quit.
11) You are not the focal point of your subordinate’s lives.
13) Get your boss’s back.
14) Have a sense of humor.
15) Do the right thing.
Borrowed from the rhino den.

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Jul 6 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-07-06T10:23:27-04:00

There are two types of leaders...those with the title and those that everyone listens to. Learn to use your resources and there are no better resources than your senior NCOs who for the most part have been in the military longer than you have been alive. Your people want to know where the "fences" are(boundaries). Be fair, firm, and consistent. Arrive before everyone else and leave after they do. Be productive, be functional and treat all with respect. Do not back down to your subordinates. If you make a mistake, do not allow it to cause you to lose face. If you think you have "stepped in it", ask your senior NCO how to fix it. If you get to that point where you refuse to "reassess your direction" you are screwed.... Just an old guy hoping to help somebody...

Response by PO2 Dan Shulla made Jul 7 at 2016 11:49 PM

2016-07-07T23:49:03-04:00

Remember where you come from.

Response by PO2 Paula DeSoto made Jul 8 at 2016 7:59 PM

2016-07-08T19:59:32-04:00

Do not go into a command thinking you know all. Most of your enlisted will have more years and experiance than you have been alive. Learn to pay attention and learn. Also remember we as enlisted will respect your rank first, you as a person must earn it.

Response by PO2 Jeff S. made Jul 19 at 2016 9:22 AM

2016-07-19T09:22:33-04:00

Lead by example don't ask your men to do anything that you either haven't or are willing to do yourself. Anyone can be a boss, only a few are great leaders. There is a difference.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 1:48 AM

2016-08-12T01:48:19-04:00

Never ... ever ... forget the struggles you endured as a junior enlisted. They are you workhorse ... and if they lose faith in you or feel like you are a tyrant ... all is lost.