Commanding Officers measure the success of their commands by many different metrics, most of which are immediate and tangible. Not me. I always considered that my command would be measured (by me) as having been successful if the people who worked for me continued to thrive--and the measurement of that metric is being selected to command ships of their own.
I made my people a promise--plan well, execute precisely and be the best ship--and all will prosper. This is quite a statement, given that nearly two thirds of those eligible are never selected to command. But I saw it work once many years ago, and I knew we could pull it off. Anyone who has been around surface warfare can tell you that there is a perception of back-stabbing and sink-or-swimism. Not on my ship.
Just got an email this morning from one of my Junior Officers. In it, he revealed that he had been talking with another guy from the ship. Turns out that we are six for six in eligible officers being selected for command (two Executive Officers and four Department Heads).
I cannot be more proud.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
6 comments:
You are a hell of a leader, but you have absolutely no sense of humor.
And you should be Bryan! Well done to you and your fellow officers.
I believe the record in PRINCETON (where you were XO) was just as good.
You make old Dad & Mom very proud.
You hang good paper.
I see an excellent example in a young man who was one of your junior officers aboard Princeton
Post a Comment