Being A Great Division Officer (Part 8)

Last post in a series on leading at the Divo level

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed" (2 Tim. 2:15)

Remember these two words and you will succeed as a Division Officer: humility and service. You are at the entry point of a demanding profession that requires a sense of humility as you learn from all ranks and all types of people - soak it in. You are in a position to serve (not be served). As a leader you do not have the luxury to accomplish your agenda - it is not all about you. Just like a Doctor during residency you are earning your way into a profession that requires much from you. I challenge you to work hard - earn it! Possess a fierce and unrelenting work ethic. Work everyday as one unworthy, striving to legitimately earn the privilege of leading Sailors and being counted amongst the leaders aboard a U.S. Navy warship.

The Divo verse: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58)

Being a Great Division Officer (Part 7)

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:2)




- Make decisions and hold others accountable. You have the same Commission as a Naval Officer as the CO and are expected to be a steward of this ship’s people and equipment.
- Work to earn trust and autonomy. Great work creates trust. Trust creates autonomy. Autonomy allows for ownership of your schedule.

Perspective

“It’s only a football game. They’re all heroes.”
– Coach Niumatalolo after winning the Army Navy game, 12 DEC 09.

/pərˈspɛktɪv/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [per-spek-tiv]: the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship.




Leaders must have the ability to appropriately frame all the information received and perceive it in such a way as to distinguish the relative priority of importance.

Now that the game is over - cheer on our Army team mates as they continue to do the hard work of the nation on the ground. Go Army! Beat the enemy!

Great perspective Mr. Dobbs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_v5WADP5rw

Go Navy! Beat Army!

Gone to Philly to cheer on Navy!

I would like to thank everyone that has read/continues to read the blog - over 350 hits in the first 5 days! I'll be writing again Sunday afternoon - hope to see you then.

Go Navy! Beat Army!

Carrying Stones

I read this excerpt from Keller's "The Prodigal God" attributed to Elizabeth Elliot (the story is apocryphal and not found in the Bible).

I felt convicted and driven to prayer.

"One day Jesus said to his disciples: "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." He didn't give any explanation. So the disciples looked around for a stone to carry, and Peter, being the practical sort, sought out the smallest stone he could possibly find. After all, Jesus didn't give any regulations for weights and size! So he put it in his pocket. Jesus then said: "Follow me." He led them on a journey. About noontime Jesus had everyone sit down. He waved his hands and all the stones turned to bread. He said, "Now it's time for lunch." In a few seconds, Peter's lunch was over. When lunch was done Jesus told them to stand up. He said again, "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." This time Peter said, "Aha! Now I get it!" So he looked around and saw a small boulder. He hoisted it on his back and it was painful, it made him stagger. But he said, "I can't wait for supper." Jesus then said: "Follow Me." He led them on a journey, with Peter barely being able to keep up. Around supper time Jesus led them to the side of a river. He said, "Now everyone throw your stones into the water." They did. The he said, "Follow Me," and began to walk. Peter and the others looked at hi dumbfounded. Jesus sighed and said, "Don't you remember what I asked you to do? Who were you carrying the stone for?"

So, I wonder, today, who do I carry this stone for? How about in my career?

Fraternization = Failed Leadership

"For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]." (Rom. 2:11)




Navy Times article on USS James E. Williams fraternization

"Such a large number of fraternization cases in one command is a clear indication of a leadership failure," stated Adm. J. C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "This leadership failure fostered a command climate that allowed the fraternization to occur. The responsibility of the commanding officer for his or her command is absolute. It is our tradition that with responsibility goes authority and with them both goes accountability. This accountability is not for the intentions, but for the deed. Nobody trusts or has confidence in leaders who believe they cannot be held accountable for what they do. And when confidence and trust are lost in those who lead, we fail. The James E. Williams' commanding officer and command master chief are being held accountable for the fraternization that occurred on their watch."

What are your thoughts on frat? What would you have done different (depending on what level of leadership you are at)? Are many of the tenants of Christ-like leadership counter to military anti-frat policy? Is there an increased risk/danger for the Christian leader to fraternize? I hope to hear from you.

Prodded By Purpose

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself." Acts 20:24



It is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then you are not bothered by what God requires; common sense is your guide, veneered over with Christian sentiment. You will be more prosperous and successful, more leisure-hearted, if you never realize the call of God. But if once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God wants will always come like a goad; you will no longer be able to work for Him on the common-sense basis.

What do I really count dear? If I have not been gripped by Jesus Christ, I will count service dear, time given to God dear, my life dear unto myself. Paul says he counted his life dear only in order that he might fulfill the ministry he had received; he refused to use his energy for any other thing. Acts 20:24 states Paul's almost sublime annoyance at being asked to consider himself; he was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had received. Practical work may be a competitor against abandonment to God, because practical work is based on this argument - Remember how 'useful you are here, or - Think how much value you would be in that particular type of work." That attitude does not put Jesus Christ as the Guide as to where we should go, but our judgment as to where we are of most use. Never consider whether you are of use; but ever consider that you are not your own but His.