Whenever a VIP visits they put table cloths on the tables. At least where the VIPs will sit, and in this case they were taking up two tables so we took our food into the non-VIP side so when they came in we wouldn't be disturbed.
The Commander of the California Army National Guard came in and spent a day or so visiting. He shook some hands, walked around, said nice things and promoted Major Fall to Lieutenant Colonel which is a nice raise and something he has been waiting for.
But some lucky Soldiers get to eat with the General and the other VIPs. The S1 (Major Beauty) wanted to make sure her Soldiers didn’t embarrass themselves or others: “Okay! What are the four rules!” with an emphasis of somebody who really wants to help.
“Ma’am, the first rule is sit up straight!”
“That’s right! Don’t slouch! You aren’t at home. You aren’t with your friends. This is the General and this is a business lunch not a party with your buddys!
What is rule number two?” “Make eye contact!” By the end of the morning they were having staring contests making eye contact, getting all bug-eyed at each other. They were ready to look deep into the General’s eyes with confidence.
“And number three is practice answering the questions he is going to ask you! Everybody rehearse the answers for: Where are you from? Don’t say, “Uhhhh, umm, Fresno.” Say “Sir, I am from Fresno and was born in San Francisco but we moved to Fresno when I was 16” or something like that.” If he asks if you are going to school don’t answer “Yes Sir.” Instead mention where and what you are studying and try to apply it to the Guard. “I am going to Fresno State sir, where I am using the G.I Bill to pay for college. After I get back from deployment I will finish up and maybe even go to OCS, sir!” That is a mouthful which is why you practice it now.
“Last rule?” “Ma’am, I know! Don’t use profanity!” “No! That is a great rule, but you shouldn't use profanity at the table anyway. The last rule is make a firm handshake and say, “Thanks for coming to visit us, Sir; or It is nice to meet you sir or something like that. Have a firm grip, make eye contact and speak to him like you mean it! No crab handshakes, or limp wrist or timid “Oooooh! You are the General!” handshakes” as she demonstrated to them over and over. A firm, strong grip with palm on palm and make sure he can tell you are proud of yourself when you grip it. He is a general and you are a Private but you are both Soldiers!”
“Private Jones, what do you say if he asks how many people are in the Brigade?”
“Um. Well, I tell him we have about 1786. Right?”
“Jones! You have to tell him like you OWN that PERSTAT report!” she said with emphasis, like a football coach emphasizing the right thing to do.
“It isn’t “about” 1786. Either it IS 1786 or it is something else. You do this every day. You have to KNOW the number. You have to OWN it! Now try it again. Practice it!”
“So after I went over the rules with them they were practicing and they were shaking hands and getting into each other’s space saying, “Thanks for visiting us!” with a long stare and almost creepy they were in so close.” She showed me how they were doing it. Then she touched my arm like she always does to get my attention and she said, “And Private Jones came up and said, “Ma’am: I OWN that PERSTAT report! I do it every day and I know EXACTLY how many Soldiers we have on ground, on leave, pregnant, hospitalized, TDY, on quarters and every other of the 26 statuses they could hold. I am READY!”
Every job is important and every Soldier takes pride in what they do. Sometimes they need to be reminded just how important their piece is. Good leaders help their Soldiers understand and express it. Major Beauty OWNS the S1 shop. Absolutely!
The Commander of the California Army National Guard came in and spent a day or so visiting. He shook some hands, walked around, said nice things and promoted Major Fall to Lieutenant Colonel which is a nice raise and something he has been waiting for.
But some lucky Soldiers get to eat with the General and the other VIPs. The S1 (Major Beauty) wanted to make sure her Soldiers didn’t embarrass themselves or others: “Okay! What are the four rules!” with an emphasis of somebody who really wants to help.
“Ma’am, the first rule is sit up straight!”
“That’s right! Don’t slouch! You aren’t at home. You aren’t with your friends. This is the General and this is a business lunch not a party with your buddys!
What is rule number two?” “Make eye contact!” By the end of the morning they were having staring contests making eye contact, getting all bug-eyed at each other. They were ready to look deep into the General’s eyes with confidence.
“And number three is practice answering the questions he is going to ask you! Everybody rehearse the answers for: Where are you from? Don’t say, “Uhhhh, umm, Fresno.” Say “Sir, I am from Fresno and was born in San Francisco but we moved to Fresno when I was 16” or something like that.” If he asks if you are going to school don’t answer “Yes Sir.” Instead mention where and what you are studying and try to apply it to the Guard. “I am going to Fresno State sir, where I am using the G.I Bill to pay for college. After I get back from deployment I will finish up and maybe even go to OCS, sir!” That is a mouthful which is why you practice it now.
“Last rule?” “Ma’am, I know! Don’t use profanity!” “No! That is a great rule, but you shouldn't use profanity at the table anyway. The last rule is make a firm handshake and say, “Thanks for coming to visit us, Sir; or It is nice to meet you sir or something like that. Have a firm grip, make eye contact and speak to him like you mean it! No crab handshakes, or limp wrist or timid “Oooooh! You are the General!” handshakes” as she demonstrated to them over and over. A firm, strong grip with palm on palm and make sure he can tell you are proud of yourself when you grip it. He is a general and you are a Private but you are both Soldiers!”
“Private Jones, what do you say if he asks how many people are in the Brigade?”
“Um. Well, I tell him we have about 1786. Right?”
“Jones! You have to tell him like you OWN that PERSTAT report!” she said with emphasis, like a football coach emphasizing the right thing to do.
“It isn’t “about” 1786. Either it IS 1786 or it is something else. You do this every day. You have to KNOW the number. You have to OWN it! Now try it again. Practice it!”
“So after I went over the rules with them they were practicing and they were shaking hands and getting into each other’s space saying, “Thanks for visiting us!” with a long stare and almost creepy they were in so close.” She showed me how they were doing it. Then she touched my arm like she always does to get my attention and she said, “And Private Jones came up and said, “Ma’am: I OWN that PERSTAT report! I do it every day and I know EXACTLY how many Soldiers we have on ground, on leave, pregnant, hospitalized, TDY, on quarters and every other of the 26 statuses they could hold. I am READY!”
Every job is important and every Soldier takes pride in what they do. Sometimes they need to be reminded just how important their piece is. Good leaders help their Soldiers understand and express it. Major Beauty OWNS the S1 shop. Absolutely!
No comments:
Post a Comment