On Leadership "On Leadership” is a new feature column where our Rotary Wing Flag Officers are able to submit articles on leadership topics of their choosing. RDML Alvin “Bull” Holsey proposed the idea and provided the lead article on “Mentoring - What Matters Most?” in the Fall 2019 Issue. The batting line up is as follow: VADM Richard Snyder (Winter 2020), RADM Daniel Fillion (Spring 2020), RDML John Gumbleton (Summer 2020), and RADM Jeff Hughes (Fall 2020) so stay tuned and enjoy.
Commander’s Intent Requires Communicare By VADM Rick Snyder, USN
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trademark of high functioning commands is that all members understand commander’s intent. The commanders make it a priority to communicate often what they expect. This is an adage proven true since the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
I have found that the vast majority of our folks come in each day wanting to work hard, contribute to the mission, and do what leadership and the organization want and need them to do. So, it is incumbent upon leadership to harness this innate desire to work for the good of the organization and mission accomplishment.
In a pre-battle memorandum to his Captains, Vice-Admiral Nelson wrote, “in case signals can neither be seen, or perfectly understood, no captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of an enemy.” Commander’s intent, clearly understood, and reinforced by effective communication up and down the chain of command, resulted in a resounding British victory.
This is done by ensuring that our folks know and understand leadership’s goals, objectives and vision for the organization. That is what will focus their day-to-day efforts in the right direction. Communicating the goals, objectives, and vision is vital to effective leadership and organizational success.
Flight operations from the aircraft control tower aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Larry S. Carlson, USN
Rotor Review #147 Winter '20
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