Oh, to be able to get back into the "maker" mentality...
"When you're operating on the maker's schedule, meetings are a disaster. A single meeting can blow a whole afternoon, by breaking it into two pieces each too small to do anything hard in. Plus you have to remember to go to the meeting. That's no problem for someone on the manager's schedule. There's always something coming on the next hour; the only question is what. But when someone on the maker's schedule has a meeting, they have to think about it."
http://www.paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html
Friday, July 31, 2009
Complacency at sea...
""Complacency continues to be a major factor in many of the accidents investigated by the MAIB. The word 'complacency' is used by the MAIB, not to imply smugness or self-satisfaction, but to reflect the natural human consequence resulting from familiarity with a task or operation." From a report in Britain that too few Sailors are aboard ships...
We'd never let that happen to the US Navy...would we?
We'd never let that happen to the US Navy...would we?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Danger, Chester Nimitz...
I don't know who wrote this...but it's been reprinted at "I like the cut of his jib"...
"Navy leaders have a responsibility to make sure that their subordinates are challenged, rewarded, promoted and moved on to more demanding and more senior assignments in the most thoughtful and deliberate manner possible.."
This line is one of the most abused in the Navy. Many of today's "heavy lifting" staff jobs are hard and heavy because of poor leadership, poor planning, and wishful thinking...wrapped up in vacillation.
Ugh.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
American Girl Day at the US Navy museum!
Looks like P, V, and L will be there...and I get to go too...
Saturday, June 27, 2009
11:00am - 3:00pm:U.S. Navy Museum805 Kidder Breese Street, SEWashington, DC
Meet Valerie Tripp, author of many American Girl series! (booksigning from 11-1)
Enter to win a Molly McIntire Doll!
Prizes for those who dress like their favorite character!
Dolls are encouraged to come join in the fun!
Hands-on activities highlighting the era of:
Felicity MerrimanAddy WalkerSamantha ParkingtonKit KittredgeMolly McIntire
RSVPs are requested to ensure enough materials for all participants. Please call (202) 433-6826 or (202) 433-0280.
More details here
Saturday, June 27, 2009
11:00am - 3:00pm:U.S. Navy Museum805 Kidder Breese Street, SEWashington, DC
Meet Valerie Tripp, author of many American Girl series! (booksigning from 11-1)
Enter to win a Molly McIntire Doll!
Prizes for those who dress like their favorite character!
Dolls are encouraged to come join in the fun!
Hands-on activities highlighting the era of:
Felicity MerrimanAddy WalkerSamantha ParkingtonKit KittredgeMolly McIntire
RSVPs are requested to ensure enough materials for all participants. Please call (202) 433-6826 or (202) 433-0280.
More details here
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Defending the legacy
My friend at Information Dissemination has a post on CNO Gary Roughead speaking strategy.
"There are some who would say small patrol boat showing a small coastal Navy how to conduct a fisheries patrol is the best form of engagement, but consider what we have done with our African Partnership Station, where we took a little bit larger ship, an amphibious ship, where we could still go off and work with that coastal nation. "
Galrahn is excited because the mothership concept gets lots of play in the discussion. Which is good.
But then we have the counter of last week's Navy Times article that says Roughead wants to significantly reduce the number of amphibious ships. And those ships are the only ships that can really do the mothership role.
But...in the end, my problem with CNO's comments is that I am hearing what Seth Grodin is referring to here: "Sometimes we spend more time than we should defending the old thing, instead of working to take advantage of the new thing. I bet you can list a dozen "critical" industries that will be as relevant to life in 2020 as Singer is to our world today."
"There are some who would say small patrol boat showing a small coastal Navy how to conduct a fisheries patrol is the best form of engagement, but consider what we have done with our African Partnership Station, where we took a little bit larger ship, an amphibious ship, where we could still go off and work with that coastal nation. "
Galrahn is excited because the mothership concept gets lots of play in the discussion. Which is good.
But then we have the counter of last week's Navy Times article that says Roughead wants to significantly reduce the number of amphibious ships. And those ships are the only ships that can really do the mothership role.
But...in the end, my problem with CNO's comments is that I am hearing what Seth Grodin is referring to here: "Sometimes we spend more time than we should defending the old thing, instead of working to take advantage of the new thing. I bet you can list a dozen "critical" industries that will be as relevant to life in 2020 as Singer is to our world today."
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
EPCOT - Disney Day 2
OK - more on the Disney Trip.
On the second day we went to EPCOT. We had reservations for the breakfast in Norway (Akershus) and were also able to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours - the only reason to get up early with toddlers who usually sleep in. We were at the park when it opened early and had ridden three major attractions (Soarin', Test Track and something else) before the rest of the populace was allowed in. Very, very cool.
Then a late breakfast (11am) with the Princesses at Akershus, a run through the Living Seas and then back to the room for a nap. Which V was very good about. L, not so much. More on that in a bit.
Then, back to EPCOT for dinner, wander the worlds, take a few pictures and watch the fireworks. Then carry L from the fireworks where she fell asleep (no nap, rememeber) to the monorail, then wait for the second bus (first was full) , then walk the half mile to Shade of Green. With a kid over my shoulder. Oh, well...that's what Abu is for, right?
And...in the Living Seas we sat through "Turtle Talk with Crush". The most amazing thing I have ever seen. To difficult to explain...just go see it!
On the second day we went to EPCOT. We had reservations for the breakfast in Norway (Akershus) and were also able to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours - the only reason to get up early with toddlers who usually sleep in. We were at the park when it opened early and had ridden three major attractions (Soarin', Test Track and something else) before the rest of the populace was allowed in. Very, very cool.
Then a late breakfast (11am) with the Princesses at Akershus, a run through the Living Seas and then back to the room for a nap. Which V was very good about. L, not so much. More on that in a bit.
Then, back to EPCOT for dinner, wander the worlds, take a few pictures and watch the fireworks. Then carry L from the fireworks where she fell asleep (no nap, rememeber) to the monorail, then wait for the second bus (first was full) , then walk the half mile to Shade of Green. With a kid over my shoulder. Oh, well...that's what Abu is for, right?
And...in the Living Seas we sat through "Turtle Talk with Crush". The most amazing thing I have ever seen. To difficult to explain...just go see it!
Why?
...did I come to work today? Another Godin post that tells you to figure that out. I think I came in today to feel less guilty about not needing to come in.
Oh, and to write some on the blog.
Oh, and to write some on the blog.
Smart People - and how to talk to them
Seth Godin has a great post on what to do when the conversation moves past what you know. Shockingly enough, it's either speak up, or go and study!
Sadly, too many people choose to be quiet and do nothing. And then make decisions! Argh!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Disney - The Magic Kingdom
We did the Magc Kingdom over two days. Really one and a half since we got there on day 2 well after lunch. Anyway...plenty to do in 2 days and we had a great time, but still didn't see everything.
We rolled into the park by walking from Shades of Green to the Polynesian and then taking the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. From there we walked in, had our bags looked through (standard policy for all the parks), got our tickets activated (credit card like plastic magnetic strip things) and rolled into the park. And got in line for Dumbo. Because that's what the book said to do.
It was hot.
The line was long.
We got one great picture.
As a ride goes, we much preferred Aladdin's Magic Carpet - a shorter line and the addition of the "Spitting Camel", but you can't get a picture, on a ride, with Cinderella's Castle in the background anywhere but Dumbo.
From there we bopped around getting acclimated. Bought a water bottle topper for $3.75 - a Mickey Mouse rubber stauette that affixes to a water bottle and has a rubber/plastic tube/straw that turns the bottle into an easy and convenient way to drink from. Worth every penny and we bought one more before we went home.
Rode the Mad Hatter Teacup ride - big blast and V started coming out of her shell on that ride. Then lunch at Cosmic Rays - following some blogger notes I pulled down on my blackberry. P and I split the chicken and rib plate, the girls each had a kids meal.
Then off to the Indy Car Ride with the girls driving and around and around.
V would not, could not, make it through the entrance to Pirates of the Carribean, so she and I hung out waiting for P and L (who both had a great time). Then Aladdin, and finally an warly dinner at the Castle, resplendent with a photo with Cinderella, a waiter with milord and miladys (thanks, CJ, for great service, by the way). Good food, even better deserts, and moved on.
Because of the late night the evening before we called it early and went back to the pool at Shades of Green...which we later learned is where every preschooler who goes to Disney really wants to spend their time...in the pool!
I'll speak to day 2 at MK later...there's a necessary lead in.
Next - EPCOT and why "Extra Magic Hours" are really, really worth it!
We rolled into the park by walking from Shades of Green to the Polynesian and then taking the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. From there we walked in, had our bags looked through (standard policy for all the parks), got our tickets activated (credit card like plastic magnetic strip things) and rolled into the park. And got in line for Dumbo. Because that's what the book said to do.
It was hot.
The line was long.
We got one great picture.
As a ride goes, we much preferred Aladdin's Magic Carpet - a shorter line and the addition of the "Spitting Camel", but you can't get a picture, on a ride, with Cinderella's Castle in the background anywhere but Dumbo.
From there we bopped around getting acclimated. Bought a water bottle topper for $3.75 - a Mickey Mouse rubber stauette that affixes to a water bottle and has a rubber/plastic tube/straw that turns the bottle into an easy and convenient way to drink from. Worth every penny and we bought one more before we went home.
Rode the Mad Hatter Teacup ride - big blast and V started coming out of her shell on that ride. Then lunch at Cosmic Rays - following some blogger notes I pulled down on my blackberry. P and I split the chicken and rib plate, the girls each had a kids meal.
Then off to the Indy Car Ride with the girls driving and around and around.
V would not, could not, make it through the entrance to Pirates of the Carribean, so she and I hung out waiting for P and L (who both had a great time). Then Aladdin, and finally an warly dinner at the Castle, resplendent with a photo with Cinderella, a waiter with milord and miladys (thanks, CJ, for great service, by the way). Good food, even better deserts, and moved on.
Because of the late night the evening before we called it early and went back to the pool at Shades of Green...which we later learned is where every preschooler who goes to Disney really wants to spend their time...in the pool!
I'll speak to day 2 at MK later...there's a necessary lead in.
Next - EPCOT and why "Extra Magic Hours" are really, really worth it!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Disney - getting there
P got us flights on Air Tran. I had to suppress memories of Air Tran and the everglades, but that was a long time ago... Flights were the single most expensive part of the trip at just aroun $800 for the four of us.
This was the first flight that L and V can remember, and they were nervous. So were P and I. That nervousness faded after a day or two, but was something we had to deal with. One thing that helped L deal with the nervousness was her new camera. I found two V-tech cameras on sale at Radio Shack during an unrelated expedition. They take marginal images, but keep the kids busy and focused when mom and dad are shooting.
Over an hour wait at DCA, then a half hour finding our ride at Orlando (hint, when you land, turn on the cell phone that the driver is expected to call) Johnny from MHTransportation drove us in and stopped at Publix before taking us to Shades of Green.
I still wonder if the stop at Publix was as well planned out as we thought. I had a list of breakfast foods...but we had a number of breakfasts planned with characters. Anyway, we spent approximately $60 on water, milk, water, my favorite diet Arizona green tea, 3 bottles of wine, yogurt, cold cuts, bread and cereal. The cold cuts and bread were dinner that night and we slowly worked through everything else, ultimately leaving some unopened yogurt for the cleaning lady.
But...for food, the refrigerator at Shades of Green was the one thing I hadn't researched well. I'd expected a decent sized fridge since purchases on the way in were recommended. Instead we got one of the smalled dorm fridges I have dealt with. A gallon of milk had to be laid on its side to fit on the top shelf. Fortunately we had a lid that screwed on, so no leakage. But, the milk eventually developed ice crystals. That was annoying. If there is any one thing Shades of Green can do in the near future, it's upgrade those fridges to something like this. A 3.3 or 4.4cf fridge isn't that much more expensive and would have made things a lot easier.
I mentioned that we used the Disney Rewards Card to buy food. And water. But we also bought a case of water bottles. Why? Because bottled water is $2.50 a piece at Disney and we drank 6 or seven bottles a day. The first 3 were the ones we brought in and then we bought fresh cold water later on. The case paid for itself with the first 3 bottles.
That first night we walked over to the Polynesian Resort and waited for the 9pm fireworks. Which on Sunday nights are apparently at 10pm. Oops. Girls were tired, we were tired, it's a little over a half mile to walk back to the room and Monday was an early start because that's what all the books say to do. But the fireworks were still real cool!
This was the first flight that L and V can remember, and they were nervous. So were P and I. That nervousness faded after a day or two, but was something we had to deal with. One thing that helped L deal with the nervousness was her new camera. I found two V-tech cameras on sale at Radio Shack during an unrelated expedition. They take marginal images, but keep the kids busy and focused when mom and dad are shooting.
Over an hour wait at DCA, then a half hour finding our ride at Orlando (hint, when you land, turn on the cell phone that the driver is expected to call) Johnny from MHTransportation drove us in and stopped at Publix before taking us to Shades of Green.
I still wonder if the stop at Publix was as well planned out as we thought. I had a list of breakfast foods...but we had a number of breakfasts planned with characters. Anyway, we spent approximately $60 on water, milk, water, my favorite diet Arizona green tea, 3 bottles of wine, yogurt, cold cuts, bread and cereal. The cold cuts and bread were dinner that night and we slowly worked through everything else, ultimately leaving some unopened yogurt for the cleaning lady.
But...for food, the refrigerator at Shades of Green was the one thing I hadn't researched well. I'd expected a decent sized fridge since purchases on the way in were recommended. Instead we got one of the smalled dorm fridges I have dealt with. A gallon of milk had to be laid on its side to fit on the top shelf. Fortunately we had a lid that screwed on, so no leakage. But, the milk eventually developed ice crystals. That was annoying. If there is any one thing Shades of Green can do in the near future, it's upgrade those fridges to something like this. A 3.3 or 4.4cf fridge isn't that much more expensive and would have made things a lot easier.
I mentioned that we used the Disney Rewards Card to buy food. And water. But we also bought a case of water bottles. Why? Because bottled water is $2.50 a piece at Disney and we drank 6 or seven bottles a day. The first 3 were the ones we brought in and then we bought fresh cold water later on. The case paid for itself with the first 3 bottles.
That first night we walked over to the Polynesian Resort and waited for the 9pm fireworks. Which on Sunday nights are apparently at 10pm. Oops. Girls were tired, we were tired, it's a little over a half mile to walk back to the room and Monday was an early start because that's what all the books say to do. But the fireworks were still real cool!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Visiting Disney World
...just back from a five day visit to Disney World - Magic Kingdom (x2), Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Superb time - very tired - and digging out of the inbox and workingback up interest in working in general. More details to follow but some quick observations:
Use a Disney Rewards Credit Card - P set hers up 3 years ago and we used it to pay for every meal, drink, and souvenir from the time we walked into the park until we left. Critical when paying $30pp for buffets just so the kids can meet Eyore, or Ariel, of Cinderalla.
Thank you Disney for the Military Salute program. We'd never have done the trip without it.
Shades of Green is a tremendous deal!
Use a Disney Rewards Credit Card - P set hers up 3 years ago and we used it to pay for every meal, drink, and souvenir from the time we walked into the park until we left. Critical when paying $30pp for buffets just so the kids can meet Eyore, or Ariel, of Cinderalla.
Thank you Disney for the Military Salute program. We'd never have done the trip without it.
Shades of Green is a tremendous deal!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Idiots and the Internet
After three days I'm still not sure what the Daily Press intended when they published this guy...
Lately, there's more discussion regarding the near-sinking of the USS Cole, a huge warship that failed to defend itself from a dinghy loaded with a few Muslim extremists and a whole lot of explosives. If I was a member of the crew on the Cole that infamous day, I wouldn't be talking about what happened in the context of somebody "owing" me something. I'd be pretty low-profile, knowing that I, my shipmates, and especially my ship's captain and officers failed the United States and the Navy in not providing security that would have prevented a bunch of radicals from driving right up to my ship, detonating explosives, killing a lot of my fellow sailors and nearly sinking my ship.
Since COLE discussions have been pretty much off the radar for a few years I wonder where this guy comes from, why he wrote, and where he gets his opinions...because they stink.
Far better commentary and responses at the USNI Blog.
Lately, there's more discussion regarding the near-sinking of the USS Cole, a huge warship that failed to defend itself from a dinghy loaded with a few Muslim extremists and a whole lot of explosives. If I was a member of the crew on the Cole that infamous day, I wouldn't be talking about what happened in the context of somebody "owing" me something. I'd be pretty low-profile, knowing that I, my shipmates, and especially my ship's captain and officers failed the United States and the Navy in not providing security that would have prevented a bunch of radicals from driving right up to my ship, detonating explosives, killing a lot of my fellow sailors and nearly sinking my ship.
Since COLE discussions have been pretty much off the radar for a few years I wonder where this guy comes from, why he wrote, and where he gets his opinions...because they stink.
Far better commentary and responses at the USNI Blog.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Looking back...
Admiral Zumwalt is criticized for lots...and so is Admiral Boorda...but how many CNOs does the general public remember?
A post here reminded me that I regularly tell people to read Chapter 6 of Zumwalt's autobiography "On Watch"...and then CDR Salamander posts on diversity that also goes back to "I Like the Cut of His Jib"so I think...maybe it's time to relook at the Z-Grams...
Here's the list (from Navy History):
1. Relieving Admiral Moorer (Zumwalt assumes duties as CNO)
2. Retention Study Groups
3. Cryptographic procedures and Policy
4. 30 days leave authorization for officers receiving Permanent Change of Station orders
5. Civilian clothes aboard ship for First Class Petty Officers on certain ships in Sixth and First fleets
6. Dependent Air Charter Program
7. Navy Sponsor Program
8. Officer Assignment
9. Meritorious advancement in rate of superior performing career Petty Officers
10. Services to crews of transient aircraft
11. Enlisted requests to remain on sea duty
12. Civilian clothing on shore establishments
13. Post-deployment leave policy
14. Collateral duties
15. Statement of earnings (to all Navy members)
16. Swaps (established a centralized and automated exchange of duty program at Bureau of Naval Personnel)
17. Personal check cashing ceilings (increased to $50 per person per day)
18. Navy Finance Center 24-hour service
19. Below-zone percentage limitation suspension (concerning % of officers who could be recommended for promotion)
20. Lockers and washing facilities (for personnel who had to work in dungarees ashore)
21. Compensatory time off
22. Improving shore establishment habitability
23. CPO [Chief Petty Officer] advisory board to CNO
24. Wives ombudsman
25. Forces afloat liberty policy
26. Shore patrol staffing and training
27. Forces afloat operating tempo
28. Retention study group progress report
29. Leave policy for deployed units
30. Commissioned officers open mess
31. TyCom [Type Command] ship handling competition
32. Reenlistment ceremonies
33. Navy exchange and commissary advisory boards
34. Uniform changes
35. BOQ/BEQ conveniences (encouraged installation of beer vending machines in Bachelor Officers Quarters and senior Bachelor Enlisted Quarters)
36. Standards of service
37. Aviation squadron command
38. Holiday routine at sea
39. Extended commissary hours
40. Cash/check option at payday
41. Command excellence forum
42. Junior officer request for sea duty
43. Disbursing claims processing
44. Quarterdeck watches
45. Assistance to POW/MIA [Prisoner of War/Missing in Action] families
46. Refinement of 3-M [Maintenance Material Management] system
47. Responsibility for inactivating ships
48. People programs
49. Medals and awards
50. Cold iron status (to encourage liberal leave and liberty following return of ships from extended assignments)
51. Small craft insignia (new breast insignia)
52. Dissemination of CNO policy
53. Officer billet summary
54. CNO discussions with Navy personnel
55. Human Resource Management
56. Exchange duty for officers
57. Elimination of demeaning or abrasive regulations
58. Acceptance of checks in ships' stores
59. Professional development program
60. Action Line telephone
61. Reassignment of CWO [Communication Watch Officer] and RPS [Registered Publication System] duties
62. CNO senior officer forum
63. ComTac publications aboard ship (reduction of operational publications on board ships, thus reducing administrative workload to make changes to them)
64. Ship conning indication
65. Vietnamization challenge
66. Equal opportunity
67. Command inspection program
68. Civilian clothes aboard ship
69. Command in the grade of captain
70. Grooming and uniform policy
71. Battle streamers for Navy flag
72. Quarterdeck watches
73. Enlisted Vietnam volunteers
74. Preferential housing considerations
75. Sea/shore rotation
76. Outstanding recruiter awards
77. Enlisted blue working uniform
78. Inspection scheduling policy
79. Augmentation into Regular Navy
80. MCPOs on E-8/E-9 selection boards
81. Regular Navy warrant officer program
82. Boards, committees and guidance programs
83. Motor vehicle transportation for forces afloat
84. Copies of fitness reports
85. Legislation status reports
86. CNO scholars program
87. Navy uniform
88. Advances of pay
89. SecNav/CNO fellowship program
90. Responsibility pay for senior Naval advisors in Vietnam
91. Limited duty officer program
92. Civilian clothing aboard ship for nonrated personnel
93. People programs
94. Navy drug exemption/rehabilitation program
95. Master CPO of the command
96. Retention study group schedule
97. ComRats for hospital patients
98. Advance information about new duty stations
99. Officer swords
100. Personnel exchange program
101. Six-day sales operation at designated Navy commissary stores
102. Responsibility for standards of smartness
103. Sailor of the Year award
104. Challenge of 1972
105. Navy drug exemption and rehabilitation program
106. Quarterdeck watch officers
107. CNO Sailor of the Year
108. Continuation beyond 30 years of active service
109. Recruiting
110. Human resources development
111. Southeast Asia build up
112. Collateral duties
113. Career counseling program
114. Ecology spot reports
115. Alcohol and alcoholism among Naval personnel
116. Equal rights and opportunities for women in the Navy
117. Good order and discipline
118. Sea/shore rotation
119. Minority affairs assistance
120. Revised master chief petty officer of the fleet/force/command program
121. CNO change of command remarks
A post here reminded me that I regularly tell people to read Chapter 6 of Zumwalt's autobiography "On Watch"...and then CDR Salamander posts on diversity that also goes back to "I Like the Cut of His Jib"so I think...maybe it's time to relook at the Z-Grams...
Here's the list (from Navy History):
1. Relieving Admiral Moorer (Zumwalt assumes duties as CNO)
2. Retention Study Groups
3. Cryptographic procedures and Policy
4. 30 days leave authorization for officers receiving Permanent Change of Station orders
5. Civilian clothes aboard ship for First Class Petty Officers on certain ships in Sixth and First fleets
6. Dependent Air Charter Program
7. Navy Sponsor Program
8. Officer Assignment
9. Meritorious advancement in rate of superior performing career Petty Officers
10. Services to crews of transient aircraft
11. Enlisted requests to remain on sea duty
12. Civilian clothing on shore establishments
13. Post-deployment leave policy
14. Collateral duties
15. Statement of earnings (to all Navy members)
16. Swaps (established a centralized and automated exchange of duty program at Bureau of Naval Personnel)
17. Personal check cashing ceilings (increased to $50 per person per day)
18. Navy Finance Center 24-hour service
19. Below-zone percentage limitation suspension (concerning % of officers who could be recommended for promotion)
20. Lockers and washing facilities (for personnel who had to work in dungarees ashore)
21. Compensatory time off
22. Improving shore establishment habitability
23. CPO [Chief Petty Officer] advisory board to CNO
24. Wives ombudsman
25. Forces afloat liberty policy
26. Shore patrol staffing and training
27. Forces afloat operating tempo
28. Retention study group progress report
29. Leave policy for deployed units
30. Commissioned officers open mess
31. TyCom [Type Command] ship handling competition
32. Reenlistment ceremonies
33. Navy exchange and commissary advisory boards
34. Uniform changes
35. BOQ/BEQ conveniences (encouraged installation of beer vending machines in Bachelor Officers Quarters and senior Bachelor Enlisted Quarters)
36. Standards of service
37. Aviation squadron command
38. Holiday routine at sea
39. Extended commissary hours
40. Cash/check option at payday
41. Command excellence forum
42. Junior officer request for sea duty
43. Disbursing claims processing
44. Quarterdeck watches
45. Assistance to POW/MIA [Prisoner of War/Missing in Action] families
46. Refinement of 3-M [Maintenance Material Management] system
47. Responsibility for inactivating ships
48. People programs
49. Medals and awards
50. Cold iron status (to encourage liberal leave and liberty following return of ships from extended assignments)
51. Small craft insignia (new breast insignia)
52. Dissemination of CNO policy
53. Officer billet summary
54. CNO discussions with Navy personnel
55. Human Resource Management
56. Exchange duty for officers
57. Elimination of demeaning or abrasive regulations
58. Acceptance of checks in ships' stores
59. Professional development program
60. Action Line telephone
61. Reassignment of CWO [Communication Watch Officer] and RPS [Registered Publication System] duties
62. CNO senior officer forum
63. ComTac publications aboard ship (reduction of operational publications on board ships, thus reducing administrative workload to make changes to them)
64. Ship conning indication
65. Vietnamization challenge
66. Equal opportunity
67. Command inspection program
68. Civilian clothes aboard ship
69. Command in the grade of captain
70. Grooming and uniform policy
71. Battle streamers for Navy flag
72. Quarterdeck watches
73. Enlisted Vietnam volunteers
74. Preferential housing considerations
75. Sea/shore rotation
76. Outstanding recruiter awards
77. Enlisted blue working uniform
78. Inspection scheduling policy
79. Augmentation into Regular Navy
80. MCPOs on E-8/E-9 selection boards
81. Regular Navy warrant officer program
82. Boards, committees and guidance programs
83. Motor vehicle transportation for forces afloat
84. Copies of fitness reports
85. Legislation status reports
86. CNO scholars program
87. Navy uniform
88. Advances of pay
89. SecNav/CNO fellowship program
90. Responsibility pay for senior Naval advisors in Vietnam
91. Limited duty officer program
92. Civilian clothing aboard ship for nonrated personnel
93. People programs
94. Navy drug exemption/rehabilitation program
95. Master CPO of the command
96. Retention study group schedule
97. ComRats for hospital patients
98. Advance information about new duty stations
99. Officer swords
100. Personnel exchange program
101. Six-day sales operation at designated Navy commissary stores
102. Responsibility for standards of smartness
103. Sailor of the Year award
104. Challenge of 1972
105. Navy drug exemption and rehabilitation program
106. Quarterdeck watch officers
107. CNO Sailor of the Year
108. Continuation beyond 30 years of active service
109. Recruiting
110. Human resources development
111. Southeast Asia build up
112. Collateral duties
113. Career counseling program
114. Ecology spot reports
115. Alcohol and alcoholism among Naval personnel
116. Equal rights and opportunities for women in the Navy
117. Good order and discipline
118. Sea/shore rotation
119. Minority affairs assistance
120. Revised master chief petty officer of the fleet/force/command program
121. CNO change of command remarks
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
American Girl Dolls
For a decade now, my wife has run Oh, You Beautiful Doll - an internet showcase for American Girl doll clothes. We must now have three dozen of these $100 dolls in the house who serve as models for the doll clothing she sells. And, with two daughters of our own they, of course, must have their own dolls.
A Bitty Baby each. A pair of Bitty Twins...each. And two or three American Girls...each. Which aren't always put away at night. I keep waiting to wake up one morning to a cry of anguish as we discover that our golden retriever has chosen to worry away a leg, or an arm, or a face of vinyl...just to figure out how it feels.
Anyway...one of the spectacular marketing pieces to American Girl is their collection of books and movies. With the weather a bit too hot for spring playtime, youngest daughter V asked to watch "Felicity" yesterday afternoon. And, once I get over the idea of John Schneider as a colonial father, it's a good movie. Just enough colonial politics to give the girls a sense and an idea of what happened then and also helps to reinforce what we are reading at night in the books that the movie is based on.
A Bitty Baby each. A pair of Bitty Twins...each. And two or three American Girls...each. Which aren't always put away at night. I keep waiting to wake up one morning to a cry of anguish as we discover that our golden retriever has chosen to worry away a leg, or an arm, or a face of vinyl...just to figure out how it feels.
Anyway...one of the spectacular marketing pieces to American Girl is their collection of books and movies. With the weather a bit too hot for spring playtime, youngest daughter V asked to watch "Felicity" yesterday afternoon. And, once I get over the idea of John Schneider as a colonial father, it's a good movie. Just enough colonial politics to give the girls a sense and an idea of what happened then and also helps to reinforce what we are reading at night in the books that the movie is based on.
Time and decision making
"Vacillate" is a word I remember exclusively because of a quote relating to Midway and a Japanese Admiral who could not decide between launching and rearming his aircraft that were refueling on deck. And that inability to make a decision was a pivotal piece in that battle.
Seth Grodin writes about time and decision making. "First rule of decision making: More time does not create better decisions. In fact, it usually decreases the quality of the decision."
He goes on to talk about the potential for needing more information...but that can also lead to a decrease in the quality of the decision - analysis paralysis. I worked for a brief time for a well known and dictatorial Navy Admiral who has now moved on to the political world. He was known for brialliant strategical moves - as well as for a harsh, demanding, and demeaning work ethic. What was little known to those outside his close staff, was a penchant for delaying a decision until after the last minute.
You can get away with that in staff work...doesn't work so well in a car, or on a ship, or in battle.
A good rule of thumb - make a decision. Even if it is the wrong one, you did something. And, if you made the decision early enough, you may be able to monitor the outcome and alter it. If you wait until too late, you may be committed before you get a chance to influence things.
Seth Grodin writes about time and decision making. "First rule of decision making: More time does not create better decisions. In fact, it usually decreases the quality of the decision."
He goes on to talk about the potential for needing more information...but that can also lead to a decrease in the quality of the decision - analysis paralysis. I worked for a brief time for a well known and dictatorial Navy Admiral who has now moved on to the political world. He was known for brialliant strategical moves - as well as for a harsh, demanding, and demeaning work ethic. What was little known to those outside his close staff, was a penchant for delaying a decision until after the last minute.
You can get away with that in staff work...doesn't work so well in a car, or on a ship, or in battle.
A good rule of thumb - make a decision. Even if it is the wrong one, you did something. And, if you made the decision early enough, you may be able to monitor the outcome and alter it. If you wait until too late, you may be committed before you get a chance to influence things.
You're nuts if you believe me
Here's a post from Seth Grodin that I wish more remotely located leaders would ascribe to...
"You're nuts if you believe me
I'm the first person to admit that compared to you, I have no idea what I'm talking about. You're there, doing what you do, and doing it with skill.
Let me be really clear: My job is not to tell you what to do. I don't know what to do. You do."
And something I need to remember when I deal with my daughters. No matter how much more experience I have, it's my experience...not theirs.
"You're nuts if you believe me
I'm the first person to admit that compared to you, I have no idea what I'm talking about. You're there, doing what you do, and doing it with skill.
Let me be really clear: My job is not to tell you what to do. I don't know what to do. You do."
And something I need to remember when I deal with my daughters. No matter how much more experience I have, it's my experience...not theirs.
Monday, April 27, 2009
It's gotta be about you...
So...one more attempt at blogging. Visiting the Army MilBlog Open House with Maggie, and finally coming up with a more holisitic approach to what the blog about I'm launching.
Presentation guru Bert Decker rolled out a classic Seinfeld line in this recent post calling up the "it's not you...it's me" - and then proceeded to tell a story about the instrusion of his 4-year old into his morning time. And I CAN relate. Everything from the extra ten or fifteen minutes I would carve out on the ship between my wakeup call and opening my door to enjoying those nights when one, or both, of the girls choose not to sneak into bed with me and the Wif I understand it when someone, anyone, even Toby Keith, wants it to "be about me".
But...there is a time, and this is what Bert is talking about, when it has to "be about you"...and knowing that, and using that, is what is key.
I had the fortunate misfortune of witnessing the Navy's Public Affairs Officer speak at the aforementioned open house...some of it chronicled at Galrahn's place and more to come later from Maggie - but in the end the good Admiral, through either his own faults or the failings of his staff, walked into a room competely unprepared and then made it about him. About bloggers having to seek him to establish a relationship...and in today's world relationships are not found by sitting around and waiting. They are found by going forward and seeking people out - clearly articulated in an unrelated manner by Lyndy Kyzer as she discussed how she had gone out and found the bloggers present at the open house.
If you want your message to get across you need to know your audience. Learn something about them. Speak to them in their language. But still be yourself.
Just don't reverse the order and stop after the first bullet.
Presentation guru Bert Decker rolled out a classic Seinfeld line in this recent post calling up the "it's not you...it's me" - and then proceeded to tell a story about the instrusion of his 4-year old into his morning time. And I CAN relate. Everything from the extra ten or fifteen minutes I would carve out on the ship between my wakeup call and opening my door to enjoying those nights when one, or both, of the girls choose not to sneak into bed with me and the Wif I understand it when someone, anyone, even Toby Keith, wants it to "be about me".
But...there is a time, and this is what Bert is talking about, when it has to "be about you"...and knowing that, and using that, is what is key.
I had the fortunate misfortune of witnessing the Navy's Public Affairs Officer speak at the aforementioned open house...some of it chronicled at Galrahn's place and more to come later from Maggie - but in the end the good Admiral, through either his own faults or the failings of his staff, walked into a room competely unprepared and then made it about him. About bloggers having to seek him to establish a relationship...and in today's world relationships are not found by sitting around and waiting. They are found by going forward and seeking people out - clearly articulated in an unrelated manner by Lyndy Kyzer as she discussed how she had gone out and found the bloggers present at the open house.
If you want your message to get across you need to know your audience. Learn something about them. Speak to them in their language. But still be yourself.
Just don't reverse the order and stop after the first bullet.
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