Theory and Philosophy

Dealing with the question "Why?"

Our Sailors are not robots. We can give orders, but sometimes our orders don't make sense, or sometimes our orders are just bad. And sometimes.. our sailors call us out on it. "Why" do I have to do that? Why are we doing that? Why don't we don't this way? Or that way?

It's easy to bristle at this question, but instead of fighting with our Sailors, we can use it as an opportunity to teach.

I'm not paid for you to like me!

I hear Navy leaders say frequently: "I'm not paid to be liked". Often this can mask sub-par leadership behavior. If you find yourself saying this, take the time to look introspectively into your leadership style. You might not get paid to be liked, but you are paid to inspire your Sailors to be LIKE you.

Servant Leadership

There are many styles of leadership. I subscribe to and advocate the "Servant Leadership" model. The Servant Leader puts the Sailor or subordinate first and foremost. Ensuring the success of the Sailor and treating them with respect and dignity will produce as a natural byproduct success in the mission.

Building a culture of combat readiness

Why do we serve? What is the point of our leadership? Its to build combat readiness. Period. End of story.

Three roles of the SWO Department Head

What does a SWO Department Head do? Quite a lot actually, but we often do less than we need to do, and more than we want to. Trying to stay focused on the primary roles of the SWO DH will help us be more effective and more capable leaders.