Our TMRs are generally not supported and I know we would not receive distribution attachments for our deployment. The BDE S4 and I have tried to get the BDE CDR and CG to understand the restraints that we have in our specific SSA MTOE construct, but we are told that we have to expeditionary with our organic assets. Our main problem is that we…[Read more]

Thought of one other thing!

Staff/Commander/XO’s get a pack of these!

You’ll get business cards… put them in your leader/continuity book. Write little notes on the back about why that person is important. The DRMO Manager. The finance office manager. The urinalysis dude. They all have business cards…

One quick TTP:

It took me WAY too long to realize that an “open-door policy” did not mean I needed to keep my door open all the time… (I mean, I’m not an idiot, I knew, it didn’t literally mean that…) I had my office door open WAY too much as a Commander and Staffer so that I was “approachable” and my Soldiers could be inspired by how much…[Read more]

Attached are some tools. Every great continuity book starts with a great Table of Contents… it’s like your thesis statement for why your successor should invest the time to read through that ratty old binder…

“Leader book” = “continuity book” for this purpose. I had one of these daggone things customized for S4, too… if I could only find…[Read more]

I like this scenario A LOT! #TooReal

Boom! there you go. A universe of emotions run through your head in a split second. The strongest emotions are anger and defensiveness. They swirl like a powerful black hole in this universe, pulling you toward that voice in the back of your head telling you to pipe up with, “I’m sorry. Say that again, from…[Read more]

The training went well. Of course the defense had to be set up in the pouring rain! It wasn’t perfectly executed, but everyone learned a lot and actually thanked me for taking them to the field. Sustainment units sometimes get locked into doing the jobs in the motor pool and forget all field standards/practices. We know where we are at concerning…[Read more]

What a great question! Tools and best practices! Fire for effect! Good news at the bottom.

For straight XO resources, this old post has some awesome products. Follow the instructions to access the digital dropbox.

For time management resources, your commander may have provided you counseling similar to the attached. The important part is the…[Read more]

My questions:

What is the reporting mechanism for standards met? Does DTMS become the system of record? As viewed at which echelon for review? Does the DTMS reported training readiness then influence the patch chart? resourcing/manning guidance?

Which Army units are the test bed for OBJ-T and what are some of the best practices coming from that…[Read more]

Tools. Tools. Tools. (and a story)

At one point, I had six FRGs simultaneously. They were kick@$$. The spouses did events. They were self-sufficient and even, when needed, self-policing. With the support of a FRSA all the admin was seamless and easy…

Then, I had one FRG, it was a struggle. Participation was low. There were really weird admin…[Read more]

There is a strong connection between the discipline found in an organization and how the organization establishes productive norms for giving and receiving criticism. Great post!

Establishing a culture of discipline can take different actions at Company Level and Platoon Level or in different types of units. This post discusses discipline at the…[Read more]

Great topic. Great TED podcast.

For hardcopy reading on the topic, I recommend the following three books:

Difficult Conversations, Thanks for the Feedback, and Getting Past “No”

All books that helped me at various stages/positions/assignments to receive and/or give feedback well (or as well as possible in certain circumstances). This is…[Read more]

Great topic, wanted to add some input. I am currently mid-stride of my post-command broadening opportunity…

Pursue broadening opportunities! Pursue broadening opportunities!

You will struggle to find mentors that can advise you on broadening opportunities because broadening assignments are by their very nature unique. So, most mentors have…[Read more]

Almost a year after the first question… the discussion continues, here:

Student to Lieutenant pt.5

See you there!

~Jeff