ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. –Webster’s dictionary defines two-way communication as “involving or allowing an exchange between two individuals or groups,” but does this always work the way it is intended?
I can recall just about every single difficult conversation I had, or should have had but didn’t, throughout my 30 years of service. Of the ones I didn't have the reasons ranged from, it was too uncomfortable, would they listen, or worse, I didn’t want to be seen as a complainer.
Regardless of the situation, I always learned more when I did speak up, than when I didn’t. When I confronted my fear, and took the first step through the door to open communication, it always worked out for the better.
Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and for change, for you, and for those ahead, beside or behind you.
The Fort Hood Independent Review committee shared its findings in December 2020 with the rest of the Army, an important moment for all the nearly 1 million uniformed Soldiers and almost 247,000 Army civilians.
The findings of that in-depth and exhaustive panel investigation reinforced that the only effective Army organization is one in which leaders actively drive a culture that fosters responsibility for everything a unit does or does not do, building accountability, transparency and trust.
Decisions made about conversations that should have taken place, voices that should have been heard but were not heard for fear and or status quo. Decisions to speak up, to say something, to share are either made or not made based on the trust, climate and culture of leaders within organizations.
What happened at Fort Hood is not isolated, it is a leadership example we can all learn from. The difficult conversations must be had. We must have the courage to address situations that are hurting or chipping away at our people. We must take a stand, share, trust, act, and resolve what’s on our mind, address what we see that is not right and drive a culture that fosters unity for all, our Army, our people!
To build a culture of trust is to empower, communicate unequivocally, with transparency and hold people accountable so that our people want to come to us and share. We must stand up and talk to our leaders when something isn’t right, or seek clarification if we don’t understand.
Marcus Aurelius said if we “look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.” Ancient philosophy teaches mental endurance in the face of hardship - we must embrace the opportunities, the obstacles, so that we can knock them down for others and grow in the process. “Through perception, action, will, we can achieve - despite obstacles.”
“He says the best way out is always through
And I agree to that, or in so far
As I can see no way out but through” - Robert Frost
“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” — Epictetus
2021 maybe have been challenging, but I was proud to watch all of you persevere and successfully accomplish the mission. I truly look forward to charging into the new year with you all.
People First
Army Strong
Your Command Sergeant Major,
Kristie Brady
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