Take the Correction and move on!

2014-04-25T09:22:18-04:00

I guess I am a little frustrated. If you make a correction on a Soldier, why do they feel the need to justify what they are doing wrong or why their uniform is wrong or even argue with you? I am by no means a perfect NCO, we all need adjustments at times. The need to argue or the attempt to seem disrespectful is not needed. Even if the person making the correction may not be correct there is no need to make a scene out of it, just say "Roger" make the change and move out. If you feel they were incorrect look it up and if you know where they can be located tactfully present them the regulation and then help educate them. Why are we so afraid of receiving constructive criticism. It is all about becoming a professional. Even professional atheletes have bad days and their coaches help them. I find it funny how some soldiers want to pick and chose some of the new changes in AR 670-1 because it benefits them and already have adapted to it but the ones they dont like they want to continue to dismiss.

Response by SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL made Apr 25 at 2014 9:44 AM

2014-04-25T09:44:09-04:00

SFC Melendez,

Keep doing what you are doing. Not every Soldier you correct will show that type of behavior. I make it task everyday for my Soldiers to find something wrong with me and I do the same for them. This will only make them better professionals and leaders.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 25 at 2014 10:02 AM

2014-04-25T10:02:14-04:00

Being able to accept a correction (or professional criticism for that matter) is a sign of character...having said that, I would have to also say that the inability to accept these things may very well be a character flaw; but one that can be improved upon. Keep doing the right thing; if you are correct and have properly interpreted the applicable regulation and are professional and respectful in your actions when pointing out the deficiency, you have nothing to worry about and you'll just have to let the frustration go. You did your job. Period.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 25 at 2014 10:20 AM

2014-04-25T10:20:09-04:00

I am notorious for this. When I am corrected, I simply say thank you. Nothing more. This has recently proven to be a problem with a DS 1SG in the shoppette who apparently felt I needed to start apologizing or something. What was the issue? My ACU top was a little brighter than the bottoms. It turned into a 3 minute conversation.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 25 at 2014 10:26 AM

2014-04-25T10:26:02-04:00

I just fix whatever is wrong, say thanks, and move on. Not much more to do than that...

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 25 at 2014 10:46 AM

2014-04-25T10:46:20-04:00

Unfortunately a lot of todays Soldiers, not all but a lot, are not used to having their shortcomings pointed out to them or have been raised in a culture where it is felt that they need to have every little thing explained to them before they will make the correction. I used to refer to them as "Generation Why", because that is what would usually follow a lot of the information being put out to them be it a tasking, a class, or a "fix your damned uniform" moment.

Response by SFC Douglas Eshenbaugh made Apr 25 at 2014 11:05 AM

2014-04-25T11:05:57-04:00

I was once told that if you think everyone around you is insane it's actually you who is insane.

I've never had problems with Soldiers showing disrespect when I make on the spot corrections. I do know a SSG in another platoon that has that problem all the time. It's not a rank issue it's a tact issue. When I make a correction it's professionally done, treating the Soldier as an adult even if they aren't acting like one. He on the other hand just starts right in on them. The new guys usually try to defend themselves because they feel they are being attacked. The ones that have been around for a while just say 'Hooah' until he leaves.

So I would say, think about the last time you made an on the spot correction and think about how you came off to that Soldier. Did you treat him/her with respect due to a fellow warrior or did you just start in with the hand pointing and one way block of instruction. If your doing everything right then your obviously running into poorly trained Soldiers.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Apr 25 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-04-25T11:11:15-04:00

One thing to be sure of is that you are making a correction that needs to be made. I often see SNCOs making corrections based on information that they hear and it is not always correct. There are small things in orders that while not commonplace are actually correct. Also there are times that something that is accepted is not actually authorized but everyone looks the other way. So my thing is ensure you are correct before you point something out amd try and correct it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 25 at 2014 1:08 PM

2014-04-25T13:08:53-04:00

I seem to have a very different view on the topic of "tact", at least as it pertains to this topic...
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If someone makes a blunt correction on you, without "pretty please" on top of every sentence, and you outrank them, frankly that little moment of percieved rudeness is the least of your due penance. They should never have had to make that correction in the first place.
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Instead of getting offended, try being ashamed for having to be corrected by your subordinates. Internalize the lesson and go from there, don't just turn it into a dramatic moment. That moment happened because of YOUR error, don't try to defelct it on the person making the correction.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 10:42 AM

2014-04-26T10:42:54-04:00

While making the correction a leader needs to ensure the correction being made is actually "correct". Otherwise the "corrected" would therefor making the correction to the Leader in-turn; to which the same question would be asked, why not apply the correction and drive on.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 9:12 AM

2015-01-07T09:12:07-05:00

Too funny. I just posted this exact topic last week with the exact same frustration. Especially with higher ranking individuals who for some reason feel above the rules or who are constantly correcting soldiers on things but not on items they fee are "stupid". Just frustrating.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 7 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-01-07T09:19:28-05:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member You had me along for the ride till you got here "Even if the person making the correction may not be correct there is no need to make a scene out of it, just say "Roger" make the change and move out."

Sorry that dog dont hunt with me and most any service member I served with.

YES, if I'm in the wrong and someone notices, makes a correction I should say, crap.. thanks,, got it, fix it on the spot if I can and go back to what i was doing.. no fuss

But human nature, type A personalities will not let a person be accused incorrectly without a response..,. To ask or wish otherwise is a lack of understanding of how we are wired.

Your be professional cuts both ways........ if Im worng, corrected I should be professional... If Im not messed up and the correction (and corrector) is mistaken then we BOTH should be professional ...I'll professional respond, tell you why your mistaken, YOU be professional admit your mistake or at-least be willing to call it a draw and do the research to confirm or deny...