Tag: command excellence

CO – XO relationship – Command Excellence In Action – NIOC Pensacola, Florida

In top wardrooms, (like that of Navy Information Operations Command Pensacola, Florida – as an example) the COs and XOs get respect because they have earned it. Junior officers model themselves after their superiors.

Junior officers know that the command tone is set by the senior officers and they follow the tone set by their superiors. If the senior officers are formal, the wardroom respects that formality. If the senior officers prefer a more jovial atmosphere, junior officers go along.

Junior officers in top commands recognize that it is the CO’s command and do what they can to represent the CO’s interests as completely as possible both inside and outside the command.

From Command Excellence – Wardroom Summary. Full text is HERE.

Command Excellence – Admiral Nimitz

Fleet Admiral (FADM) Chester Nimitz created command excellence in every command he was a part of. He did not broadcast his expectations, but conveyed them subtly to his officers. He demanded excellence not for his sake, but for the sake of the men themselves and their own prides and self-fulfillment.

Nimitz believed that sound strategy is based on knowledge, information and technical experience. He gave an order and relied on his men to do what they thought best under a given situation. He once said “horses pull harder when the reins lie loose.” Nimitz kept his door open to his men. He believed the best ideas did not come from the top, but often from the men.

From: AN ASSESSMENT OF STRATEGIC NAVAL LEADER COMPETENCIES
Commander Michael A. Strano
USN

“I’m still learning every day. I still try to do my best and refuse to worry about things over which I have no control.” – Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz

VADM Stockdale Award Winners Reinforce Proven Command Excellence Principles


The superior Commanding Officer:

(Commanding Officers such as Commanders Paul E. Lyons and Robert E. Smith, the 2008 VADM James Bond Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award winners)
  • Targets Key Issues
  • Gets Crew to Support Command Philosophy
  • Develops the Executive Officer
  • Staffs to Optimize Performance
  • Gets Out and About
  • Builds Esprit de Corps
  • Keeps His Cool
  • Develops Strong Wardroom
  • Values the Chief Petty Officers Quarters
  • Ensures Training if Effective
  • Builds Positive External Relationships
  • Influences Successfully

The Complete Text below:

Navigating a New Course to Command Excellence