If you were to assess your command in these six categories, how would you score?
The foundation for success in any command can, in part, be attributed to these six areas that form the enduring foundation upon which a successful career can belaunched:
1. Sponsorship/first 72 hours:
Proactive interaction by a sponsor and ombudsman can solve many issues before the Sailor and family arrives aboard. Paving the way for a smooth transition and making each Navy family feel like a genuine part of their new command can ensure a family commitment of support to enable success for all.
2. Assign a Mentor:
Leader’s should be proactive in mentoring; give junior Sailors and peers the benefit of your experience. There are formal and informal means in which to execute an effective mentorship program. Each of us can attribute our own success to a great mentor. Ensure our Sailors understand the value of senior and peer mentorship.
3. Indoctrination:
A great sponsorship program must be followed up by an effective indoctrination program. This will send a strong, positive signal that we value the talent and skills of the Sailor and we have a plan to integrate them into the team. Additionally it immediately sets the tone on what you expect of the Sailor and also what should be expected from you. Requirements and best practices can be found in OPNAVINST 1740.3C.
4. Leadership:
Career Development Boards (CDBs) - Leadership involvement, primarily by the CMC, the Chief’s mess and the Command Career Counselor, is critical to the success of every Sailor. CDBs are required within 30 days of a Sailor reporting aboard, and again at 6 and 12 months. (Many commands can't get EVALs/FITREPS done on time and you can imagine their success in accomplishing the CDB requirement).
5. Ombudsman program:
Ombudsman are trained to disseminate information from the chain of command to the families, including official command information, Quality Of Life opportunities, and community information. They can also provide referrals and are instrumental in resolving family issues before the issues require extensive command attention. EverySailor and Family member should know the Command Ombudsman. How do you advertise your Ombudsman?
6. Recognition:
The end of tour should not be the only time a Sailor is recognized. Recognition can also include mid-tour awards, Flag Letters Of Commendation, letters of appreciation, and highlighting accomplishments in the POD and other public venues. Be creative, praise in public, and make your Sailors know they are appreciated. Something as simple as public recognition, a hand shake or a pat on the back often means more than an official award.
1 comment:
Hi Mike,
It's been some time since I stopped by and as I was reading I was struck again by your words on some of the essentials of getting command right. I remember the CO of another Echelon IV unit asking me one afternoon if we routinely held muster in formation and held formal awards ceremonies and did things like award Letters of Commendation and Achievement Medals and Good Conduct Medals and that sort of thing and I told him that we did it every month and always had. He had been at his command at this point for over a year and had never held an all hands muster and awards ceremony. Whatever else he was doing it wasn't making sure that the sailors felt appreciated for their hard work and dedication.
I remember I took a detachment to Failaka a long time ago and when the CO announced that he had the word from NAVCENT that we could put in four sailors for awards I told him I already had my four sailors award packages ready to go. The SEA stopped by a little later and asked if I could consider possibly letting some other departments get an award so we wrangled. Still, preparation was easy since there really isn't much to do on a deserted ordnance strewn island off the coast of Kuwait.
Hope you're doing well.
All the best,
Curtis
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