Saturday, January 18, 2014

Follow this example of leadership

MEMORANDUM

From: Commanding Officer
To: All Officers


Some thoughts:

(1) A junior officer must be most concerned with his or her performance in the job assigned. There is too much discussion in our ranks about the merits of particular jobs as "career enhancing". It's natural to look upon various jobs in different lights - you might like one better than another - but don't get caught up in the "I need this job to get promoted syndrome"...that's bull.

(2) Continue to show our people you care. You must follow my lead and my example. I expect you to - and I watch closely. That ranges the gamut from counseling, to mid-watch visits, to attending command events, to going to basketball games.

(3) DON'T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM. I want to concentrate on important matters and continue to emphasize "dealing with facts" - not rumors and B.S.

(4) Finally, leadership by example is not a buzz phrase. We cannot, as officers and chiefs or petty officers, expect to gain respect and credibility unless we can do it too. Keep that professional curiosity, keep working hard and take pride in making NSGA the best.
Once again, I need and expect the support of each one of you to make Misawa a better place to live and work. We are on a positive tack. With your help, we'll sail smoothly through 1980.

J.S. MCFARLAND
Commanding Officer
U.S. NSGA Misawa, Japan
1 February 1980

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Captain L,

I really like this memo a lot! It is straightforward and to the point. After reading it (which takes less than a minute) I know exactly what the CO expects of me. Simple and authoritative. Outstanding!

Unknown said...

Captain L,
I really like this memo a lot! It is straightforward and to the point. After taking the less than 2 minutes to read it -- I know exactly what the CO expects of me. Simple and effective. Outstanding!