Aaron Bresnahan posted on September 01, 2010 00:09
September 2010 Navy
by Aaron Bresnahan
Over the past few months, we have been recognizing our Sailors of the Year for 2009. Each one of the selectees has performed at levels above the norm and has exemplified the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. The Sailor of the Year program, first established in 1972 to recognize fleet Sailors and later expanded in 1973 to the rest of the Active Navy and Reserves, helps improve unit morale and performance. These fine Sailors were worthy and deserving of being rewarded for their efforts.
At the same time, we just announced the next wave of Chief Selectees. These selectees are our star performers and recognized as leaders on the deck plates due to their sustained superior performance. These efforts also deserved to be recognized.
These formal events or career milestones tend to gain the most attention; however, there are many other informal ways to help sustain superior performance as well. One of the best ways is to have honest and open communication with superiors, colleagues, and subordinates and to show courtesy and respect to one another. Oftentimes, we get so busy, we forget to share a kind word or even to say thank you for a job well done. Oftentimes, we are so focused on the minutia of life that we can only see what’s wrong instead of what’s right. We need to start recognizing excellence as much as possible.
In a recent interview with VADM Dirk Debbink, Chief of the Navy Reserve, he said that he had the privilege to sit with PS1 Michelle Reed at CNRF Norfolk. He watched her perform a detailing assignment for one particular Sailor. He said that the care she took and the number of different databases that she had to check to make sure an enlisted billet assignment was optimized for one Sailor really impressed him. What impressed me most was that he took the time to recognize excellence.
A few days ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chief Ryan Klie at NOSC Baltimore. When I spoke with her, she had already been working for twelve days straight without a break. However, when I asked her for help with a drill problem, she dropped what she was doing and let me know that she would assist in developing the desired result. She was courteous and respectful, and she was leading by example.
Command Master Chief James Warren retired in 2009 after a rewarding 25-year career. His last tour was as the Command Master Chief of NOSC Norfolk. Although it was his time to go, it was sad for many to see him leave. This is because he was known for his devotion to duty and his care and concern for Sailors. He is now serving in a civilian capacity as the CNRFC Family Support Program Manager.
Master Chief Warren’s career is illustrative of the many kinds of leaders that find a home in the Navy. He saw many personnel and mentoring programs come-and-go while he served. However, the one thing that remained constant for him was his desire to develop the best attributes in people. His replacement, Command Master Chief Wydena Mosley, hasn’t missed a beat either. She is focused on developing her Sailors and is known for recognizing jobs well-done.
Recognition of excellence can help Sailors advance and improves retention; but more importantly, it is the right thing to do. Our Navy has invested a lot of resources into our Sailors, and we should reward those that exemplify the highest standards of achievement; sometimes with a kind word, sometimes with a pat on the back, or sometimes by more formal recognition programs.
At a recent Navy Leadership training course that I attended, I heard an interesting view of what it takes to help a team be successful. CAPT Joe Lauletta, from the Center for Personal and Professional Development, said that there were four things to keep in the forefront when in a leadership role: 1) Do the right thing! 2) Everyone has 24 hours in a day, so maximize every hour for continuous improvement; 3) Surround yourself with good people; and 4) “Respect” and “Courtesy” don’t cost anything, so recognize people’s value and contributions.
I couldn’t agree more. Being courteous and recognizing people for their efforts, whether in the workplace, in the home, or at the shopping mall, will go a long way in supporting our Navy and making this a better nation for all.