Criticism & the Naval Officer

How should a junior officer handle criticism passed from subordinates to the chain of command?

• Assume these are very important and must be dealt with immediately

• Act like you care in front of the subordinates, but totally disregard the criticism

• Understand the comment might have low validity, but receive with an even composure

• Disagree with the subordinate in front of all the other troops to keep them from criticizing

  again

Which word means relations marked by harmony, conformity, accord or affinity; or a good

professional working relationship built on mutual trust, honesty, and integrity.

Which word best describes a judgment or evaluation delivered to an individual with the purpose of

improving that individual?

• Destructive criticism

• Equanimity

• Constructive criticism

• Both b and c

What is the staff officers responsibility in providing advice to senior officers?

• Use judgment and experience to provide the best advice

• Use the internet to try and find the advice

• Pressure subordinates to provide insight and advice

• Tell the senior that it is not their responsibility to decide

Once a senior officers decision has been made, what is the role of the staff officer?

• Ask as many questions as possible

• Argue the validity of the decision

• Delay execution of the decision

• Do their part to execute the decision

Why do seniors sometimes not follow the advice of staff officers?

• Most staff officers are not capable of good advice

• Senior officers are taught to only use advice from other senior officers

• Seniors look at a larger picture than young officers are able to look at

• Staff officers are not known for having common sense

How should the junior officer view the fitness report?

• As one of many indicators of how they are doing

• As a starting point to discuss with the boss how they are doing

• The sole clear picture of how they are doing and where to improve

• Both a and b

What is more useful than the fitness report?

• The office entry into the COs office is the most important to get right

• The discussion during the fitness report debrief is very important

• Trying not to be more than 10 minutes late for the debrief

• Smiling and being overly friendly at the command parties

Which standards are an integral part of a naval leaders job?

• Standards of readiness

• Standards of appearance

• Standards of training

• All of the above

What must the young officer understand about counseling subordinates?

• All subordinates should have the ability to perform as directed

• Not all subordinate have the ability to perform as directed

• All subordinates should have the dedication to perform as directed

• It is easy to motivate underperforming

  subordinates