Master Duty Commander Case Study

Question 1. B In my military National Guard unit we only meet two weekends a month and two weeks or more out of the year for military training. There is only a couple of military members that work in our unit full time. They work during the week as well as the weekend we have training. One person comes to mind when I think of someone that has the most power and influence in my unit where I work. Master Sergeant Alves is one of the full time military members in my unit. In most military units the commander is looked at as the most powerful influential person in the unit. The commander leads the unit and delegates his authority to the sergeants. Our commander does have a lot of influence over the unit, but Alves is the person every member seems …show more content…
Powerful managers can intercede favorably on behalf of someone in trouble. When I had some personal issues outside of work, he was the first one I reached out to tell him what was going on. In return he gave me some good advice before I met with our commander to discuss my consequences. Get approval for expenditures beyond the budget. The government runs on a tight budget. Alves has helped our unit stay on track with our spending and helps balance the unit’s costs before the end of the fiscal year. Get items on and off the agenda at policy meetings. Every month before we have our weekend training, he sends out an agenda of what type of training we will be conducting, who is behind on their medical checkups, and who is behind on certain training. Get fast access to top decision makers and maintain regular, frequent contact with top decision makers. In the military, going to the proper chain of command is a big deal. I have a supervisor that is not the best leader so when I need help with paperwork being signed or guidance, I go straight to Alves and he usually goes directly to the top person to get what I need. Two basic factors determine a person’s power in an organization: personal attributes and position …show more content…
I only have a few subordinates under my command. I do not think that I am on the level as Alves, but I believe that I have a lot of powerful influence over them. I know I have a long way to go to progress as a leader within my unit. I do plan to gain more power and influence within my unit as my military career progresses. Expertise, personal attraction, effort, and legitimacy are four personal characteristics that are important sources of power (pgs. 288-292). If I follow these characteristics I know this will assist me influencing subordinates as well as my colleagues. I have six years of army active duty and four years of air force reserve expertise. My variety of military experience will help guide me in looking at situations from a diverse point of view. I maintain I desirable characteristic. I never disrespect anyone even when I think I have been slighted. Last month at training I personally told my troops to meet me in the office after our morning briefing. One of them showed up 15 minutes late. Other sergeants and I have noticed this troop has lacked some discipline in the past. I had taken on the task to mentor and counsel him. I had asked him why was he not at the meeting on time. He replied that he had to go shave. I asked did he tell me or any of the other supervisors. He replied “no man” with an attitude. I suddenly felt disrespected and asked him who he was calling man. I think I shocked everyone because I usually