"The backbone of the Navy" is how one
old adage sums up the importance of the Chiefs quarters. Superior
commands are especially quick to acknowledge the Chief Petty Officer's
special role and contribution. The uniqueness of that role is a function
both of the position the Chief occupies in the organizational structure
and of the job qualifications that must be satisfied before the
position is attained. Chiefs have considerable managerial and technical
expertise and are the linchpin between officers and enlisted.
For there to be a strong Chiefs quarters, the Chiefs must feel that they
are valued and that they have the authority and responsibility to do
the job the way they think it ought to be done. In superior commands,
the Chiefs feel that their special leadership role is sanctioned and
appreciated by the rest of the command, especially the CO. In these
commands, the Chiefs are included in all major activities, particularly
planning. Their input is sought and readily given. If they believe that
something won't work or that there is a better way to do it, they speak
up.
Chiefs in superior commands lead by taking responsibility for their
division. They motivate their subordinates, counsel them, defend them
when unjustly criticized, monitor and enforce standards, give positive
and negative feedback, communicate essential information, solicit input,
monitor morale, and take initiative to propose new solutions and to do
things before being told.
The Chiefs play a key role in the enforcement of standards. Because they
are out and about, they see for themselves whether job performance and
military bearing meet the Navy's and the command's requirements.
When work is done well, they offer recognition and rewards; when it is
done poorly, they act to correct it. They also know the importance of
modeling the kind of behavior they expect their people to display. If
they expect their personnel to work long hours to get something done,
they work the same hours right along with them. Their concerns extend
beyond their immediate areas, however.
Chiefs in superior commands act for command-wide effectiveness, promoting the success of the unit as a whole.
Although they have a strong sense of ownership and take responsibility
for their division's activities, they are able to look beyond the job at
hand: when other departments or divisions need assistance, chiefs in
superior commands are willing to help.
The superior Chiefs quarters usually has a strong leader who plays the
role of standard-bearer for the command, creates enthusiasm, offers
encouragement, and drives others to excel. It is usually someone whom
the other chiefs perceive as fair, who stands up for their interests and
those of the crew, who listens with an open mind, and who has
demonstrated a high degree of technical proficiency.
In
superior commands, the Chiefs quarters functions as a tight-knit team.
The Chiefs coordinate well, seek inputs from each other, help with
personal problems, identify with the command's philosophy and goals, and
treat each other with professional respect.
Finally,
this ability to perceive larger goals and to work toward them as a team
extends to their relationships with division officers. Chiefs in
superior commands are sensitive to the difficulties that arise for
division officers, who lack experience and technical know-how but must
nevertheless take their place as leaders within the chain of command. A
superior Chiefs quarters supports and advises these new officers fully
and tactfully.
