posted on May 01, 2009 00:06
Over the past few months, I have reviewed several leadership books. Last month, I finished up a quick review of
Collins’ Good to Great. I hope you have enjoyed this exploration. For me, it has helped me add more tools to my toolbox and I hope it did the same for you.
Before I get into this month’s column, I want to express my great admiration for the families of those serving in harm’s way. You are my heroes! I know being a military spouse is never easy; without your love and understanding, our Shipmates would not be able to serve as they do. I think Chief Robbie Lane put it best at his retirement when he said of his wife – “She was there when I returned.” I pray that you continue to seek assistance when needed, work through the challenges of being a military spouse, and love your heroes that serve in harm’s way. I also pray that each of your loved ones returns to you safe and sound every time he/she deploys.
For my Shipmates deployed in harm’s way and the loved ones awaiting their safe return, may God watch over each and every one of you and surround you with His love. Shipmates, you are our most valued asset, and I appreciate all you do to support freedom and democracy.
Last month was National Military Appreciation Month – a time to honor, appreciate, and remember military personnel (active, reserve, guard, and veterans) and their families for their service to our country. I failed to remember it. To remedy this, I want to note the support state governments are providing to Service members and their families. In Virginia, the Military Survivors and Dependents Program (MSDP) provides education benefits to spouses and children of Service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who become more than 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict. For more information on what support your state offers, visit http://www.nmfa. org/site/DocServer/May_2008_Newsletter. pdf?docID=12581.
For the families, if your loved one is forward deployed in a combat zone, I highly recommend Ft. Rucker’s MWR site, http://www.ftruckermwr.com/troops_links. htm, which lists free stuff for troops. Check it out!
For my Sisters and Brothers in the Washington, DC, area, please do not forget about our heroes recuperating at Bethesda and Walter Reed. They need our support. SgtMaj Merl Annis is the best advocate and POC I know. You can reach him at merl.annis@yahoo.com.
Congratulations to all Master and Senior Chiefs selected by the FY-10 Selection Board! Calm seas and following
winds for Chiefs Robbie Lane, Sultan Camp, and Mic Royce as they flow into retirement. Remember, once a Chief, always a Chief!
I am a slow reader and find it challenging to make time to read. However, my goal for this month’s column was to review Captain Stew Fisher and Captain Perry Martini’s leadership book, Inspiring Leadership: Character and Ethics Matter. I have mentioned their book in previous columns. While I have not finished the book, I am inspired by their approach and am learning valuable insight into how character plays into being a real leader. This book is truly a “guide for deep reflection.”
Now for this month’s topic, I started this column back in October 2007 writing about the Chief’s Mess; and I’ll finish the column writing about the Chief’s Mess. In September 2007, Captain Mike Lambert (Retired) wrote an article in Proceedings titled, “Anchor Up, Chiefs! Reset the Mess.” He started the article, “Move over Naval officers, deck plate leadership is the chief petty officers’ domain.” I wholeheartedly agree with Captain Lambert. We Chiefs are responsible to the entire chain for ensuring the deck plates are ready to meet mission requirements. He called for us to retake ownership by inserting ourselves in our Sailors’ lives and recapturing our proper and traditional role as the deck plate leader. He also reiterated MCPON Campa’s words, “Chief petty officers are first and foremost deck plate leaders charged with developing Sailors and enforcing standards.”
Some within the Mess have taken this call to heart and stepped out smartly while others are still playing Chief! We cannot afford to play chief.
As a Chief, we must insert ourselves into our Sailor’s lives even when it is difficult or challenging to do so. We must enforce even the simplest infraction because turning a blind eye tells the Sailor (whether officer or enlisted) that it’s OK to commit the infraction. And, we must step up to perform as the Chief whether it is conducting a CDB, writing an award, counseling positive or negative matters, or just being there for the Sailor or her/his family. We must be the Chief!
I will say it here that we Chiefs cannot do it alone. We need the entire leadership triad to engage also. This may not be the best analogy, but I think back to when Secretary Clinton was First Lady; and she
said it takes a village to raise a child. She was correct. In Navy speak, I will say it takes the leadership triad to lead Sailors. We, as Navy leaders, must work together to enforce standards, properly care for our Sailors and their families, and ensure the Navy is successful at meeting its mission requirements.
While I am not perfect, I am willing to keep plugging away or as Captain Lambert called it, “Anchor up” to lead Sailors.
We all know Sailors who need a Genuine Chief in his/her life. And, Captain Lambert notes that “more than 30 years ago, I began my life as a Sailor being raised by Navy chiefs. By most accounts, they did a good job. I would not have progressed from seaman recruit to captain without strong CPO leadership at every level . . .” Under MCPON West’s leadership, we must continue to be intrusive at every level, ensure there is enlisted representation at the table, and effectively lead to ensure we meet our Sailor’s needs. We must “Anchor Up!”
I close this month’s column stating that this is my last column as your VP for Enlisted Programs. This month, I am mobilizing to support the Overseas Contingency Operation. I have enjoyed serving you, my Shipmates, and am excited at Chief Courtenay Nold’s selection as your new VP for Enlisted Programs. She brings much to the table, including experience working with disabled Veterans, an understanding of on-line social and military engineering tools, and a common sense approach to matters important to enlisted Sailors. Chief Nold will continue to voice enlisted members’ concerns to our leaders and represent you at every opportunity.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve. If I can ever be of assistance, feel free to e-mail me at ralphhensley2003@yahoo.com. God bless you all.