"I want our entire workforce - officers, enlisted, civilian and auxiliary - to be aware of the attributes I expect our Officer Corps to strive to attain. Leadership is a bond of trust. I hope to engender trust by sharing insight on my expectations for leaders with all members of our Service."In reading the six-page document, I couldn't help thinking that, though the guidance was intended for direct application in active duty and reserve officer selection and promotion, its contents can and should be applied much more widely as guidance on leadership. As an Auxiliarist, I believe that our unique system of selection for progressively greater responsibility can benefit tremendously from the consistency that comes from principled guidance such as that which Admiral Papp has promulgated; in the absence of something Auxiliary-specific, we must look elsewhere, so I therefore urge Auxiliary unit commanders and nominating boards to take note and consider your 2011 selections in the context of the Commandant's guidance here. In general, I hope that any of our shipmates -- officer, enlisted, auxiliary, civilian -- aspiring to greater responsibility will give the document due consideration in any Coast Guard setting, for as the Commandant writes:
"We have the honor and privilege of performing meaningful work that is essential to the long term safety and security of our country... demand for our unique capabilities and leadership in responding to these dynamics has never been greater... we must cultivate and promote officers who possess the leadership skills and competencies to achieve mission success... It is our expectation that all officers will demonstrate a commitment to the culture and Core Values of the Coast Guard."Below I have digested and excerpted pieces of the original document for those not inclined to read in its entirety.
On "Servant Leadership" and "Responsibility, authority, and accountability"
"You should be particularly vigilant in your evaluation ofperfonnance to take note of those who step forward to serve and succeed in positions accompanied by additional risk and rigorous accountability ... Officers who undertake broadening assignments gain invaluable experience and judgment that will pay dividends to our Service in the future ... "Care and concern" is not just humanitarian interest in morale and welfare, it is also the ability to inspire, mentor, and encourage our people to greater levels of performance; to set the bar high ... leaders must display the strength of character to hold subordinates accountable for lapses in performance and/or behavior ... leaders must be mindful ofthe communities, industries, governments, and citizens that we serve ... We need leaders who can sustain key relationships to make our Service more capable and credible in local areas of operation and as well as in the greater maritime domain ... The range ofpartners includes federal, state and local agencies, tribal interests, as well as appropriate academia, industry, non-governmental, sovereign and international entities."
On "Honoring our Profession"
"Officers should select a specialty, and a sub-specialty, and continually work to gain experience, knowledge and proficiency in these areas ... We should promote leaders who demonstrate dedication to professional growth commensurate with their chosen specialty; show evidence of progressive development in their specialty as they ascend in rank ... live by our Core Values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty; seek responsibility, understand their authorities, exercise them judiciously, and ensure accountability ... the Coast Guard needs leaders who are active participants in affinity groups and professional organizations, using knowledge gained there for mentoring and other meaningful measures that foster individual development. We need leaders who strive to create a climate of equity that fosters an envirorunent where all individuals have the opportunity to prosper, advance in their careers and contribute their utmost to Coast Guard missions."
On the consideration and selection of more junior officers
"Look for leadership, accomplishment, and adherence to our Core Values. Discount minor errors, as long as subsequent performance reflects lessons learned ... should he establishing their specialty or are progressively demonstrating technical competence in their specialty ... should also he developing and honing their leadership skills."
On the consideration and selection of more senior officers
"Should he demonstrating evidence of mastery in their specialty and the analytical ability to solve complex challenges ... strong representational, oral and written communication skills ... commitment to the development and well-being of their personnel which may include a record of mentoring others, including reaching out into their field as well as diverse segments of our society ... Evaluate bow they exercise it, and whether they successfully lead teams to accomplish tasks. Look for innovation, vision and adaptability. Look for character and enthusiasm. Look to promote leaders who demonstrate the ability to complete major projects and initiatives vice merely proposing meritorious ideas or promising methodologies ... must also have an understanding of the major issues facing the Coast Guard."
On the consideration and selection of flag officers
"Give particular consideration to officers that stepped forward to take on the most difficult and challenging high-responsibility high-visibility assigrunents and leadership positions ... Required characteristics include: decisive, balanced and strategic decision making; poise, knowledge and presence that advances the reputation and excellence of our Service; political understanding, savvy and ability to impact national-level policy making as an advocate of our Service; demonstrated sound stewardship for public resources; and finally, humility...the basic characteristic of a servant leader ... We need our flag officers to be those recognized leaders with impeccable Service reputations and with whom subordinates, peers and seniors seek to serve. They must have a passion for our Service, clear conviction of purpose and the demonstrated ability to act in a collegial manner."
My final thought: Strong and much appreciated guidance wherever, however, and whenever you serve. Strive to meet the standard, and support others around you so that they can do the same.