Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    HHBN Command Sgt. Maj. Rietta Owens gives leadership advice to Soldiers on Respect

    HHBN Army Command Sergeant Major provides advice on respect

    Photo By Spc. Robert Vicens Rolon | Command Sgt. Maj. Rietta Owens is the senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the...... read more read more

    COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

    01.08.2020

    Story by Spc. Robert Vicens Rolon 

    14th Public Affairs Detachment

    FORT CARSON, Colo. — “When I talk with Soldiers, I try to understand what they need me to understand from them,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Rietta Owens, who after nearly 28 years of Army service, still enjoys going to work every day and interacting with people from all walks of life, helping Soldiers solve problems and making sure the mission is accomplished. “I respond to Soldiers as individuals and I don’t give everyone the same response.”

    Owens, who serves as the command sergeant major of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion for the 4th Infantry Division, understands that the Army is made up of diverse Soldiers — and that is its strength, she said. Therefore, you have to take into account the makeup of the individual before deciding the best approach to communicate with them.

    Over her long and successful career, which at one time earned her the privilege of working across the hall from Michelle Obama in the White House, Owens has witnessed first-hand as the Army culture has shifted for the better, becoming more intentional in taking care of its Soldiers.

    A large part of that shift has been keying in on the Army core value of Respect, and understanding the impact of connecting with Soldiers as people first, and not as merely tools to accomplish a mission.

    “Saying that she is always respectful, and never disrespectful to a senior or subordinate, understates how good she is as a leader,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Morris, HHBN’s commander, who works hand-in-hand with Owens on a daily basis.

    Morris recognizes Owens as the driving force behind recognizing Soldiers’ achievements, and doing so in a public. The result is that more Soldiers are presented awards during HHBN’s Motorpool Monday formations. It is part and parcel to Owens’ philosophy of respect, which fosters an environment where Soldiers feel valued.

    “Everything she does shows respect to her Soldiers,” Morris said. “Whether the Soldier is a PFC getting ready to exit the Army, or a sergeant major with 30 years, she respects your service.”

    The Army’s success depends on its ability to acquire, retain, and develop the best personnel, Owens said. A people-first strategy is the way to accomplish that goal. After all, people are the Army’s biggest and most important resource.

    “If there is mutual respect between peer to peer and leaders to subordinates, there will be an environment where Soldiers feel like their opinion matters,” Owens said. “ Those opinions bring more value to the group. Respect is the bond that builds cohesive teams.”

    Within the theme of Respect and in her own words, what follows hereafter is Owens’ advice for Soldiers in today’s Army:

    Speak your truth

    "I think Soldiers should speak the truth no matter what the situation is — no matter what rank they are.

    People won’t always accept what you have to say, so you have to pay attention to your audience. You must recognize if it is necessary to speak, and identify the right time to speak. You should never compromise yourself, saying only what your supervisor wants to hear.

    Do you wait and have a one-on-one conversation to speak with your supervisor when you have a different perspective or opinion? What about when we’re all sitting around a table working on a project? Is it time to speak, or be quiet?

    When specific guidance is being given, that is the time to hold and listen. When commanders make decisions, Soldiers should take those standards and guidelines, then execute them.

    However, if you’re an expert in something, even if the person outranks you and has an idea about how something needs to be done — if your experience can show there is a better way, give your feedback. Especially if you’ve experienced the specific situation and can provide insight, that’s the perfect time to speak up.

    Soldiers need to develop the maturity when to give perspective and feedback and when to listen and execute. Discernment comes with time and experience, and I have faith that Soldiers will recognize the difference when the time comes.

    Everybody’s feedback is valuable. You never know if your superior has thought about things the way you have.

    Remember, not everyone is going to embrace Private John Doe’s opinion on something, but all Soldiers should feel respected enough to share a different perspective, and leaders need to take the time and hear those perspectives out.

    If you find yourself in a situation where things didn’t go your way and you didn’t get the answer or the decision that you wanted, you have to move on. The decision has been made and that’s going to be it. We have rank structure for a reason. Once you speak your truth and provide your feedback, you’ve done your due diligence and your job. Things will work out for the best. You’ve done what you were supposed to do so don’t hang on to the things outside of your control.
    Managing Conflict

    When you have conflict with a peer, subordinate, or supervisor, remain professional and don’t discriminate on the basis of a difference of opinion.

    Have a one-on-one discussion to figure out the issue. Sometimes, the disagreement may just be a misunderstanding.

    I get it — junior Soldiers are going to feel afraid to approach someone that outranks them about something that bothers them. That’s why the respect for people is so important.

    When there is mutual respect between both Soldiers, conversations should be easy.

    Of course, we’re not always going to see eye to eye on everything, but we’re all a team. We should always strive to get on the same page.

    Even when there is a risk that the one-on-one conversation won’t resolve the issue, there is always value to sitting down and having a conversation about different perspectives. If you were given the opportunity to sit down and to say what was on your mind, even if things are not resolved, at least agree that the mission of the unit is the main priority, and let your differences go.

    Overcoming negative action

    The advice I would give a Soldier who had a negative consequence, is — be it an Article 15, an unfavorable counseling, or something else — don’t let that negative action define you.

    You can always recover. Move forward. Continue to Soldier to the best of your ability and people will recognize the potential in you. Everyone has that time in their life where things didn’t go the way they hoped for themselves. You can’t live in that.

    You have to realize you made a mistake, but nobody’s perfect. You have to rise above. As long as you learn from your mistake and make it a lesson, the potential is unlimited. Don’t make the same mistake twice, and grow from it."

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.08.2020
    Date Posted: 02.12.2020 15:39
    Story ID: 359952
    Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US

    Web Views: 135
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN