[ExTxMarine]

As an Army officer I always remembered the only difference between me and a Captain or Lieutenant was time and I was always saddened to see other officers treat their subordinates badly.

There is an old saying in the Marine Corps: "There's only one difference between a 2nd Lieutenant and a Private First Class...the PFC has been promoted!"

In other words, they are both new, inexperienced, and low-ranking workers. That's not meant as a derogatory remark, it's just the TRUTH.

So, why treat anyone with disrespect, because you were once there as well.

[wastoute]

Exactly! Poor treatment of subordinates is evidence of a character flaw. Leadership requires rolling up your shirtsleeves. You have to earn respect. The first step is to demonstrate you are willing and able to get in there shoulder to shoulder and do ANYTHING they are expected to do and in such a way that makes it clear what your standards are. You can not allow “private moments” to be fertile ground for griping against you but instead turn those moments to appreciation of your concern for them. Their loyalty is the reward you hope to gain. You can demand and deserve respect for your rank. Your service to them through your NCOs will get them to go the extra mile when you need them. THAT is what leadership demands.

I could never understand how any officer could fail to understand such basic requirements. But then I guess there is truth in the phrase, never trust an officer above the rank of Major. Great wisdom in the book Catch 22.

[wastoute]

I was in the Medical Corps. It is even worse. The lowest rank is Captain. The highest is 0-6. It is the flattest pyramid in the world.