What is a leader really saying when they say, "Don't check up"?

2015-08-17T12:22:13-04:00

Perhaps you have had a leader that when asked a particular question about their wherabouts or what's going on with a different soldier of theirs, because that soldiers whereabouts are not known and they are needed. Are they cooperative or do they respond with, "don't check up"? Or perhaps something of a similar nature. What message are leaders really sending when they respond in that manner?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 17 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-08-17T12:29:43-04:00

You have to understand your leader do not nor do they have to answer to you. With that said remember you're in the military they only have to answer to those over them. If you have issues with the way they answer you or feel like you are being treated unfarily by them then take it up with them directly. Make sure you are correct in your assumptions and that you have your ducks in a row. Good luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-08-17T12:49:04-04:00

They are sending a message of poor leadership qualities and that they think the Soldiers are below them and don't have the right to question what they observe and see so that they understand what is going on.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 17 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-08-17T12:51:53-04:00

I think it comes down to tact. While we are all one team, if you come up to someone without tact, your simple question of "Hey where is PFC Smith" can come off as "Come on SSG, why aren't you tracking your troops?".

I'm in no way saying that SGT Private RallyPoint Member or whomever didn't use tact in the situation but merely trying to lay out an example of how people's attitude can impact how they they hear the question.

I think if a leader is to say "Don't check up", it shows that they are more concerned about their personal image rather than concerned about the image of the team. We can all use a second site of eyes in this crazy world.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 17 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-08-17T12:53:35-04:00

"Check down not up" is the fallback saying of shitbags who know they're doing the wrong thing and don't want to hear about it. Soldiers are SUPPOSED to check up. We are their mentors, their leaders, their examples. They are suppposed to be looking at us at all times to see precisely what right looks like. If you can't stand scrutiny for your actions, you likely aren't doing what you're supposed to...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 17 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-08-17T13:10:15-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would like to have more details before I respond to your question and know exactly what is happening between (you, if it is you and if you don't mind explaining) or if if is about someone else that you are asking the question for?

If I were questioned by a lower ranking individual on where someone was I would probably think about the question first to ascertain why I was being asked in the first place. If I was in a good mood, I would have said, "Why are you asking did you misplace them?" with humor. If I was in a serious/work mode, I would say, "SGT why are you asking me where this individual is?" I would never be rude and say, "don't check up". I'm just being honest and if there was general concern on the whereabouts of an individual then I would be just as concerned and say, "Hey, let's find out together!" Again, all of these responses are totally depenedent on rank and the the rank of the individual we are missing - does that make sense.? I think it is pour leadership at any level to not take a question seriously or in good humor! Telling some one to "buzz off" doesn't say much about the individual and their character as a leader in my opinion. This is how I would have handled the situation - share more and we can discuss further!

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Aug 17 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-08-17T13:16:30-04:00

this is a polite way to say "mind your own business." I have heard this as a Soldier, but I would ask my Sqd.Ldr if he/she would listen to my perspective, and they would. hat way I spoke my piece without any retribution.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-08-17T16:42:19-04:00

Basically you are misinformed and attempting to get involved in something above your level of responsibility.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 17 at 2015 7:38 PM

2015-08-17T19:38:26-04:00

Sounds like a leader that is hiding behind their rank....if they are taking care of Soldiers, there is no reason for anyone to question them....it is when a leader is our "ghosting" is when the Soldier will know they are not where they are supposed to be. You absolutely HAVE TO lead by example, at all times!