I agree with WT that nuke officers do not possess some sort of inherently superior leadership ability, neither do nuke chiefs, nuke firsts, whomever.
Right on.
Brand Spanking New Nuke Officers possess a degree, are within standards, and have desire to work in the field.
Now, just like a CPO, first class, second class, etc., they may have some inherent leadership ability. But anyone can have this. Otherwise, through experience, confidence is built, and an ability to lead may come out.
I figure its easier to be a "leader" when your people cannot quit or refuse to work. It might make for a poor work environment, but the reality is that the Navy show must go on, disgruntled or non-disgruntled in tow.I am about to make the transition into the civilian world, where I imagine I will find the true test of leadership, where your subordinates can form unions, quit, or tell you to f off without going to mast the same day.
This view is a bit jaded. Do you think that all civilians love their bosses, and will just quit their jobs at the drop of a hat if their boss pisses them off? This is not reality. Even if there is not contractual obligation, there is still "life" that compels people to work even their boss sucks. Bills gotta get paid. Kids have to eat.
Further, I have seen plenty of sailors "quit", yet still get paid for the rest of their enlistment. It is pretty easy to do...and is done all the time....we call it "skating". Do just enough, never any more, never volunteer for anything extra, and count their days. It reflects quite POORLY on a Navy leader if too many of his guys "quit". Material condition will suffer, maintenance will be "half assed", and before long, everyone in the department will know it. All of that reflects on the ability of the COC (CPO, LPO) to keep sailors "happy" and working productively.
Anyone who feels that the nuke officer is some sort of intellectually superior breed is probably sniffing glue, regurgitating navlead palaver, or is one himself. Hopefully, I will find supervisors that are leaders because of knowledge, ability, and character and not because of a shiny collar device.
Right...no politics, no favoritism, from each according to his ability, to each according to his need. This must be what the real world is like...
No methinks it is you who is sniffing acetone....
Taylor