What is the biggest thing you've had to change when you were promoted?

2015-07-09T04:54:05-04:00

I recently was advanced to E-6. I've been told that for years I've been doing the job of PO1, and I do well on the advancement exams. I feel like sometimes remaining at the command you kind of grew up in makes it hard for people to treat you as a senior. Not so much in my Division, but the command overall.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 4:59 AM

2015-07-09T04:59:16-04:00

For me is was adjusting to the role that I needed to fill. I was lucky enough to advance rather fast. I had the skills needed but looking back I can say that i was still a little unprepared for the role of a PO2. So i had to learn and learn fast what was expected of me.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 5:02 AM

2015-07-09T05:02:15-04:00

It is a challenge for sure, and one I am familiar with. Once upon a time I showed up at my first duty assignment in the Navy with three other airman. We all went the the same shop and 10 months later I was an AE2 in charge of a shift and all of them. Leadership always presents challenges, but in situations where you are promoted within or ahead of peers those challenges are intensified. Keep doing what got you promoted and let your performance speak for itself.

Response by Sgt Matt Koeneman made Jul 9 at 2015 7:10 AM

2015-07-09T07:10:03-04:00

Biggest change for me when I hit E-5 was toning it down. Sgt. K had to be more mellow and easy to talk to. Cpl. K was the NCO you didn't tick off cause he lloovveedd EMI.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-07-09T07:56:09-04:00

PO1 Shahida Virella, I agree with your statement "I feel like sometimes remaining at the command you kind of grew up in makes it hard for people to treat you as a senior." When I switched from NCO to Officer, those I "grew up with" had some trouble understanding that though I was the same person my position gave me a different perspective and different goals than I previously had.

I want to add that transferring into a new Unit 6 months later as a "fresh butter bar" had it's own challenges because then I was treated as if I didn't have a clue about what was going on because the NCOs and enlisted didn't know my background and I'm not one to go in saying I'm this or that but as they got to know me they realized I wasn't the run of the mill "butter bar".

I hope you have a great day!

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 9 at 2015 7:58 AM

2015-07-09T07:58:47-04:00

Uniform.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 9 at 2015 8:10 AM

2015-07-09T08:10:44-04:00

As I moved thru the ranks, it was about the E-6 time when I figured out that I needed to quit worrying about what everyone else was thinking and doing and start setting the example of what I wished every E-6 was like. See - I always would look at the people wearing the stripes I didn't have and think - "Man, I sure wouldn't have done that!" or "I would have done it THIS way!". So when I DID get that promotion, I made sure that I did the BEST job I could with what God gave me and I certainly didn't worry about who "treated me as senior" - Yes, you need to hold people accountable for any insubordination, disrespect and those things - with out these, the mission suffers, but at the same time, I never "expected" anyone to treat me a certain way - that's the example I wanted to set.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-07-09T09:41:21-04:00

Get in a position to be the LPO, I had to become the Mess Decks Master at Arms because the Sonar rate was full of senior E-6s. Taking the position of LPO will allow you to flex more of your leadership muscle and growth. Congrats and good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-07-09T09:46:35-04:00

Usually Promotion means changes for the best, every time I get promoted I have to move to another unit, in order to gain full potential and to influence others; I can do my job anytime, anywhere and I am able to influence subordinates, peers and superiors to believe, because I have a "Can Do" attitude...

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 9 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-07-09T09:47:48-04:00

I've always had a leadership mentality and a certain attitude even as an E1. The more I was able to rank up, the more I can unleash more of that attitude.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jul 9 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-07-09T09:48:43-04:00

When I went from Cpl to Sgt. I had to change using one knife hand to using two. That way I could guide my team of functioning idiots twice as fast. Also, in times of need you could give the ol' 1-2 karate chop, when stupid questions were asked.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Jul 9 at 2015 10:37 AM

2015-07-09T10:37:11-04:00

First off I'd like to say congratulations on your advancement! I have never had the situation that you're having but I have spoke with fellow NCO's in units that have. I'll attempt to let you know what I did some of them (Not All). Try to see yourself through the eyes of a third person, such as myself. From what you have written and my knowledge of SSG Paterson (an NCO that I knew that also grew up in a unit from E2-E6):
1) You have been doing the job of an P01 for years.
Could it be that some have looked at you as a P01 for some time and they are just as happy as the rest of us that you're finally holding the rank of the position you have been doing such a good job in?

2) You also do well in your advancement examinations.
Being creachers of habbit, such as some of us can be, they ( your peers) have come to expect nothing less of you & do not even realize their higher expectations of you because they know whatever task you have been handed it will be done & done right the way you have done for years? (Almost like being a big brother or sister the younger sibling doesn't acknowledge the things you've done because it's almost like it's expected after all you are the big sister & do it all the time for them?) Is it right, no. Does it happen yes as we seem to think it's a pain we forget to look at it as the trust they have grown to have in us.

3) Making it to E6 or in your case P01 is not an easy task.
I believe you have earned it and the members of your Unit has the greatest respect of you as one of their NCO's & will have your back if the situation or case ever arise for them to show you.

Sounds to me like yourself and your company is a lot like a family. Try to keep in mind that the younger members (brothers & sisters) are wishing they were like you and the older (upper ranks) may have other situations going on but will miss you & all you do/have done when you are gone (PCS).
Keep up the great job you are doing for us and your unit, I hope this may have helped you see & feel a little better of the situation you see youself in. Have a great day & always find a reason to smile. It makes life better for yourself and everyone around you.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-07-09T12:40:39-04:00

When I put on CW3 and was the senior WO of Signal on an installation. I had to mentor twelve other leaders on post and another two a few states away. This was during the turbulence of all of us deploying, redeploying or training up to go.
My change was that I had to 'get out of my foxhole' and focus on all the issues/problems and concerns of these other folks so we could all succeed together. This was years ago and I now have some good friends/colleagues out of the experience.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jul 9 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-07-09T15:58:08-04:00

When I made PO2 there were at least 10 PO3s, a few SN and below in the division and one PO1. So I had a lot of responsibility to step up to in port and underway. When I think back, all my buds, PO3s, simply did their job as expected and supported me as their new supervisor. In the end, it was no big deal being promoted ahead of my peers, we always worked together before to meet the mission.

When I was commissioned as a brand new butter bar, my best friend a SCPO, said he had always known me as Terry and he couldn’t call me Sir…but I damn well had better call him Senior Chief…we had a great laugh! I want you to know each and every time he called or interacted in some form it is always “Sir”.

My point is, as others have stated, it is nice sometimes to remain within your unit come promotion time especially so if your shipmates support you appropriately. However, you truly will find more professional and personal growth when you PCS.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 8:10 AM

2015-07-10T08:10:53-04:00

I remember as a junior enlisted soldier and junior NCO thinking Senior NCOs were gods. The biggest thing that has changed for me as I moved up is that they/we are not in fact gods. We are human...more confident yes but human

Response by PO1 Michael Gensburger made Jul 10 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-07-10T16:43:26-04:00

After a long time from the first ship I was on I went back as a PO1 and found that I was treated like a "plank owner". I found that most of the guys that were stationed there were friends and long time BTs from other ships that I had worked with or had been on. It felt strange to see my old work space and my name craved in some of the machinery parts .

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 11 at 2015 2:47 AM

2015-07-11T02:47:36-04:00

PO1 Shahida Marmol, I remember back when I first came in the Navy when a man would get promoted to Chief Petty Officer he would actually get transferred off his ship (or shore station) to a new command for this very reason.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 3:57 AM

2015-07-11T03:57:35-04:00

The hardest thing has been learning to let my guys handle more of the technical tasks and focusing on the operational ones. All the while trying not to judo chop my damn computer.

Response by SGT Timothy Rocheleau made Jul 12 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-07-12T16:39:35-04:00

I agree with your sentiment that "growing up and advancing to the E5 and above grades" makes it difficult for people to treat you as a senior enlisted member. Especially those who you have served with in the lower ranks. Sometimes they think that "we came up together so I don't have to show that respect for his/her new authority".

When I was promoted to SGT I had several people who were not interested in advancement past E4 and felt that since we served together as E4 and below that even though I was now an NCO they didn't have to take orders from me and could show disrespect in how they addressed me. It took one sit down with them to show them otherwise. The conversation should have never needed to occur but it did.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 5:43 PM

2015-07-12T17:43:01-04:00

The biggest thing I've had to change after being frocked to 2nd Class is a higher expectation I set for myself. Adding more collaterals, command involvement, etc. These are all things I've already done, but with the added understanding that bar has been raised.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 12 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-07-12T18:16:05-04:00

My operational limits and coordination became larger.

Response by LT Steve Wilson made Jul 14 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-07-14T14:21:12-04:00

I was a TSgt in the USAF and accepted a commission in the USN.
So I would have to say services.

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made Jul 14 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-07-14T14:59:19-04:00

Who you hang with. Putting on PO1 all of a sudden you are no longer allowed to hang out with the same people. Made it interesting pulling into ports and finding a port buddy.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made Jul 14 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-07-14T15:59:40-04:00

I believe you do the job the best you can, continue to be yourself and let your work speak for yourself. You will never get 100% to see you as you would like.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Jul 14 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-07-14T16:14:21-04:00

The biggest thing I had to change was my wardrobe. I became a Printer/Lithographer at the age of 4 1/2. There were no Pre-Schools so I went to work with my father, the printer. Being smart and bored easily, I learned the alphabet and typecast layout and began setting type before I could read. Since type is set, upside down and backwards, learning to read was harder for me. Since I knew more than another lithographer that I have ever come across, everyone was coming to me for answers before i made 3rd Class. That did not change later in life. I made Chief after 9 years in the Navy and have never looked back.

Response by CPO David Sullivan made Jul 14 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-07-14T16:45:42-04:00

Lead by example.. When you make Chief it will be a whole new Ball game.
Don't call Subordinates by their fist name it is Petty officer Jones. Always call your superiors by their first name. Chief... Sir or Ma'am...

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Jul 14 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-07-14T17:50:10-04:00

First off congrats on your promotion. The harder one tries to gain respect (even from a new rank), the more likely one is to fail. I focused my energy on mission/troop readiness and let the respect thing work itself out. If you do your job well, your command will see value in your efforts and as an E6 you'll become the SME, if your not already. With each promotion, you have to allow yourself to "grow into" your new rank. Flush the ego down the shitter, but stand your ground if disrespected. Take care of your troops and their successes will help solidify your reputation. One last thing that helps an E6 establish themselves is by not hesitating to take a good look at what you need to be a good Chief and start knocking out those quals. My objective as a PO1 was to make my Chief unemployed. As well, Navy has long been a qualification-based organization where even an E6 can become OOD or EOOW qualified. These are just two small examples but I'm sure you get the point. My ship, my shpmate, myself. Always in that order.

Response by LCDR Rich Bishop made Jul 14 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-07-14T18:36:40-04:00

Congratulations on your promotion!! Promotions at lower pay grades are usually not an issue at any command, E6 can be so/so, Chief, you need to move. It's never a bad idea to move at E6 either, for two reasons: You will learn a lot every time you move, new leadership - good and bad, what to replicate (Good leadership) and what not to do; you get to see new processes and procedures, you can share what you have learned in other commands to make your new command better and you will learn new / better practices; you get to teach / lead a new crew and learn from new chiefs...

Response by SCPO Anthony Wingers made Jul 14 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-07-14T19:07:34-04:00

When you are promoted, you change nothing. If you are doing the job properly and you have been promoted, you are already on the right track. Remember where you came from and what you hated about your seniors as you moved up, and what you respected. Avoid the former and do the latter. It is very simple. Respect your juniors as well as your seniors. Treat others as you would like to be treated, and never command when you can request. That being said, do not be afraid to order when necessary. There are times, such as in the heat of an emergency where you just do not have the luxury of time, and tone of command is what gets people to jump to right now. For normal jobs though, a simple request, politely delivered will serve you better than terse commands and orders. That seems to the be toughest item for nuggets (enswines) to learn as new o gangers. How to give an order without seeming to. Watch the Chief. If he is any good at all, you can learn from him. If he is not good, you can learn from that as well. Respect is earned and will come with time and good performance. It is not an overnight gift. There is a certain amount of cachet that comes with an extra chevron or rocker or star, but it only goes so far, and if presumed upon can actually hurt you. Respect those around you, do the best job you know how, and be loyal up and down. Good luck!

Response by PO1 James Friedman made Jul 14 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-07-14T19:41:39-04:00

The changed relationship with people who were now my juniors.

Response by PO2 Christopher Taggart made Jul 14 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-07-14T20:21:11-04:00

Congrats -- I remember being around so many Junior Officers and CWOs flying in the Helos I never cared about PO2 or if I made it to PO3. I knew I just had to keep my evals up and stay out of any trouble and get that GI Bill.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Jul 14 at 2015 9:26 PM

2015-07-14T21:26:35-04:00

As an FMF Corpsman stationed with Marines, I learned that some things change with rank. Going from HN to HM3, all fire or radio watches stopped automatically. I was also moved into the NCO barracks. From HM2 to HM1, the firstthing I did was tell my ChiefI didn't care what he did to change the work arrangement for a dead end HM2, but I wasn't working for him one day longer. The work I did in thatsection agedme a couple of years for every 3 months I did. My kids never failed to surprise me. The Milpersman and I were forced to be goid friends fir their benefit.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-07-14T22:46:50-04:00

Stop worrying about why they continue to treat you like a Second Class. Seize opportunities to truly distinguish yourself as a First Class and ultimately prove why you earned that third chevron. Just remember to avoid using the same old tactics to achieve different results......

Response by PO1 Jeffery Grove made Jul 14 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-07-14T23:22:29-04:00

I got promoted to E-6 PO1 with less than 6 years in the Active Duty and everybody else that got frocked the same time had between 14 & 17 years in so I really was not accepted by the junior PO's or the Top 4. It was hard to adjust because socially I was in the same age group as the E-4 & below but was expected to socialize with people close to my Dad's age. Good luck on your promotion and I would suggest that if you feel that the command don't respect you as a PO1 discuss the option of a transfer with your Division Chief.

Response by CWO3 John Ulstrom made Jul 14 at 2015 11:35 PM

2015-07-14T23:35:36-04:00

When I made Warrant Officer, I was told because I had so many different types of duty stations, that's what helped me get promoted. Also, there is some truth to your shipmates may not adjust to your promotion. When I mad Chief, I transferred and again when I made CWO2. I was close to retirement but also transferred again when I made CWO3. But it's really up to you. I really enjoyed going anywhere so it was a good fit for me to transfer when I did.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Jul 15 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-07-15T09:19:26-04:00

The biggest thing I had to change was to no longer be in the background or a backup person. I had to go from taking the orders given to the one giving them.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Jul 15 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-07-15T23:33:41-04:00

I went from a Repair Technician at Ma Bell (Yes that was a while ago to management and the transition wasn't that difficult. Everyone knew I was sharp because seen how many times I'd been leading tech on projects. It wasn't a big pay differential but certainly a larger responsibility. It being a union job too many of the rest weren't interested in doing anything more than they had to anyway.
As a Construction Electrician I worked in Public works which meant being able to not only assume a lot more things in the electrical field I was also working at sewage disposal and water treatment. The guys coming in form the battalions didn't have that experience and eve those senior to me allowed me to run the show. Promotions didn't make much difference.

Response by CPO Rob Daniel made Jul 16 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-07-16T12:27:51-04:00

Congratulations on your advancement!
Being told you have performed as a First Class for years is an excellent compliment, it means you worked above the expectations of your paygrade. This is always the goal of a motivated Sailor. You mention that you feel the Division sees you in the new role, but it doesn't seem to feel the same at the command level. Be patient, they are watching. It's time to begin thinking and working with the mindset of the Chief you hope to be. When they see you are elevating your game and walking the walk, you will find that things seem to fall into place. Keep a regular schedule with your mentor and use that feedback to be a better leader. Seek guidance from other Chiefs as well and provide feedback when you struggle. "The Mess" is your best resource because each person has been where you are and will help guide you to where you want to be. Building a strong relationship there will give you a broader perspective as you assume new roles within the command.
Don't just remember where you came from... Delegate some of your old collaterals (you will get new ones) to your Second and Third Classes. It is time to set them up for success. Build your whole team, not just the hard chargers, developer those who are just "doing their job" and never give up on those who always seem to get the wrong type of attention. You will now be judged on the success of your team.
To answer your question: The most difficult part of advancement for me was "Remembering that I didn't advance myself."
I may have passed a test, but my team built my evals. I may have worked above my paygrade, but my mentor helped me choose an effective path. The only real thing "I" did was listen and make use of the advice/examples around me

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Jul 16 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-07-16T17:38:14-04:00

To be promoted to an Leading Petty Officer (LPO) position , as 1st Classes were in short supply at that command, as a 2nd Class with no other 2nd classes in the department and transferred to a much larger department with 7 or 8 other 1st Class, then appointed LPO again. Truly no rest for the weary! When you are appointed 1st Class and LPO over other 1st Class in the department it can create an atmosphere of resentment from the ones who were hoping for appointment to that duty and foister ill-will within the 1st Class Mess. However, I had to remember that I was not there to win a popularity contest, I was there at the needs of the Navy and had to put up, put out and carry out the plans of my superiors and the Navy. This I had to learn in lets just say a trial by fire. If you have ever served in this capacity once, then it does not matter to you to assume this duty, you can take it or let someone else take it. Myself, first I learned to follow so I could become a better leader when the time came so, that was not an issue. Still when you come to a new unit you try to have or create good cohesion within the unit not resentment. I tried to treat all of those other 1st Class in the 1st Class mess as my equals when it came to decision making, by inviting suggestions and including their ideas along with the accolades with comes with good decisions they made to solutions to the units problems, however when there was no cooperation from one or the other then, the badge of leadership and office had to be justly applied. In short you cant make everyone happy no matter how hard you try! But still you have to try.

Response by PO1 Tracy Rainey made Jul 16 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-07-16T20:54:53-04:00

Yes it is better if you move right away.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 17 at 2015 7:20 AM

2015-07-17T07:20:30-04:00

I calmed down a bit once I went from PSG to 1SG. I was heel on wheels as a PSG.

Response by MSG Gary Saffell made Jul 18 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-07-18T18:12:44-04:00

In the Navy when I was promoted to Chief Lithographer, it was the biggest change in my career to
that point. The fact I was a reservist at the time didn't help much because there are NO Naval Print shops to go to as on our 2 week training then was there still was a difficulty as a Chief (supervisor/administrator) to be assigned anywhere to enhance my training as an LIC. Discouraging to say the least. When I transferred to the Army and took a cut to E-6 and changed MOS, I was able to be promoted and function in a more common MOS, the next major change was at the Master Sergeant level. Biggest change was the best. I was actually able to perform as an E-8 and was rewarded with the sense of dependability, reliability, and respect because of what I was able to actually accomplish as a senior supervisor. In answer to the question, Master Sergeant gave me much more satisfaction and sense of accomplishment,and worth to the Service as our Country than any of the previous positions/levels.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-08-02T18:48:12-04:00

Really, looking back the biggest change I really have had to make moving up through the ranks, has been to step back bit by bit and delegate tasks and responsibilities. I am not a born leader but a made one (with the help of my peers, mentors, and junior personnel). I think the fact I try to take pride in everything I do has made it easy to advance while making very few major changes. This trait makes me try even harder, also this means taking on greater responsibilities is par for the course.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 3 at 2015 8:08 AM

2015-08-03T08:08:34-04:00

I had to change my thinking. From being a worked to being a leader. For me it was an easy transition but for many it can be difficult.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-08-10T14:30:16-04:00

How I viewed war and the paradigms of war. What are components of war and the different ways of fighting. If we compare our revolutionary war with the Iraq war, what will we find out about Iraq?

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Aug 10 at 2015 7:13 PM

2015-08-10T19:13:00-04:00

Going from SPC To SGT I believe was the biggest challenge... This struggle was actually one of "immature E4 to mature E4". It began well before E5. Not only was I an immature kid in my 20s, but I also had to force myself to become a lot more aggressive and decisive.

I think it is easy now... The transition. Which, I can honestly say Is constant. I have recently been transitioning in my civilian career from one of my current role, to that of the mindset of those in positions higher than me.

I believe that doing this is the most effective way to show your leadership that you're ready. Some people stop talking to you, but the smart ones get it. They embrace your changes and support you.

Because of this, being in the same command is irrelevant. It is how you carry yourself day to day, and how you perceive yourself. If you are doubting yourself because of people's attitudes, you will surely not change the tone toward you in a higher level position.

Response by PO1 Dennis DeStefano made Dec 16 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-12-16T13:55:27-05:00

How long have you been there? Rotate early if possible? Do a Swap? often times you see this with PO1s who are promoted to CPO it is just hard sometimes.

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Dec 17 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-12-17T11:58:16-05:00

As all our circumstances are different, the advice will be too. One thing for sure is that in order to effectively lead, you can not have close relationships with your former peers. Going from PO2 to PO1, I found myself challenged all the time by former peers that wanted to argue or discuss orders. Lay down the law and let them know their input is appreciated and required, but the final decision always rests with you. Your "new team" is now with your Chief and your DivO. That is the relationship you need to cultivate while doing your best to "take care" of your troops. The command will see that in time. Don't force it or rush it. We all have to grow into our new ranks. Remember: "My ship, my shipmate, myself". In that order, always.

Response by SPC James Jackson made Mar 22 at 2017 9:57 PM

2017-03-22T21:57:56-04:00

Nothing.... I always did the best job I could and unlike a lot of people, being a soldier is who I always loved and knew I was supposed to be. I wasn't there for just the g.i.bill or stuff but to be a soldier, so living the life was simple for me. The hard part for me was being hurt to the point that the Army felt they had no more use for me and I was involuntarily medically discharged.