AFVOA Newletters of Year 2010

Page 23 of 50 2. DON’T go to your own meals unless you are satisfied in hour mind that those you are responsible for are being properly fed. 3. DON’T say “Hi, you” or refer to those in the ranks as “What’s-your-name.” Learn the names of your subordinates; it can be done rapidly with practice. They appreciate being addressed by their proper names. 4. DON’T neglect to investigate any complaint submitted, but don’t be imposed upon. 5. DON’T show favouritism. If your subordinates think your are unjust and partial, things will go wrong. 6. DON’T overwork your staff. There is a difference between overworking and working hard. 7. DON’T hesitate to keep the “backward” ones at work. The good ones will look after themselves. 8. DON’T curb the subordinates’ initiative: direct it in proper channels. 9. DON’T permit the NCOs to be aggressive or over bearing towards the rank and file; insist on the same kind of attitude which you set for yourself. 10. DON’T forget to study your subordinates. Learn their idiosyncrasies. Mark the weak ones and those on whom you can implicitly rely to their jobs efficiently. It is equally important to study the idiosyncrasies of your superiors. The higher the rank the more important it is that you should keep a watchful eye on their “hobbies”. It may be “toothbrushes”, “cubic air space” or “flying regulations”; whatever it is, if you wish to succeed, you will require to use your ingenuity and tact in the matte of idiosyncrasies. 11. DON’T allow the sick to remain on duty. Order them to “report sick” 12. DON’T forget to supervise by occasional checks the duties you have delegated to subordinates. 13. DON’T desert your subordinates the moment the day’s work is done. Take an interest in their entertainment and ‘off duty’ amusements. Help organize them; it is part of your duty. 14. DON’T make recommendations for promotion unless you are certain the person concerned is competent. You have a duty to the State, the Service and your unit. 15. DON’T forget that a house divided against itself will come to grief. Be loyal to your CO in thought, word and deed. Your Personal Efficiency 16. DON’T scorn knowledge of service matters. It is better to know a thing and not want the knowledge than to want it and not know it. 17. DON’T lack initiative; we are not all born with it, but it can be cultivated. 18. DON’T be afraid to make up your mind quickly and rightfully. This is termed “character”. Take charge. 19. DON’T forget to cultivate tact; you will want it all day long. Some people are always at the beginning, middle or end of a row which could have been avoided. 20. DON’T forget confidence is begotten of experience and knowledge. The latter must be acquired by your own efforts. Experience comes to you. 21. DON’T use civilian terms for service matters. The Service vocabulary is your professional language. It is essential that you should understand Service expressions. 22. DON’T when given an order, explain all the difficulties you will have in carrying it out. Overcome them and give effect to the order as speedily as possible. In other words “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today”. Do it now! Your Uniform