MIDN Murphy

CDR Lund
NS 401
15 SEP 15

Last year, Gunnery Sergeant Schoot tasked me with

planning the annual Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball. I

had to successfully plan and execute an event for over 200

people given only the date of the event and a budget.

At the beginning of this experience, I did not have a

specific vision. I briefed my initial ideas to Gunnery

Sergeant Schoot. He responded with, it is your birthday

ball Murphy, you decide, not me. After failed attempts of

validation from Gunnery Sergeant, I realized that he

intended for me to take initiative and plan this event based

on my vision. I set my goals towards organizing an event

that the battalion would enjoy on that evening, but more

importantly remember and appreciate for a long time

afterwards. I planned to achieve this goal by creating

memorable details and incorporating the general desires of

the battalion.

It did not take long for me to realize that I needed to

rely on others to help me achieve this goal. Through the

delegation process I learned the importance of having a

clear vision. By explicitly describing my ideas to those

working under me, I was able to carry out my mission more

efficiently. I prepped my working parties with charts,

designs and specific budgets to clearly communicate my

ideas. I learned that delegating is an essential tool for a

leader, but only when used correctly. By tasking out

responsibility to others with specific instructions and a

clear goal, I was able to organize a memorable Navy and

Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The constant line of clear,

concise, communication among my committee leaders and their

working parties was crucial to the success of the birthday

ball.

This leadership experience challenged my perfectionist

work ethic. However, I developed a specific concept and

trusted my peers to follow my guidance. The birthday ball

was a successful representation of my vision, and it also

motivated one of my peers to take leadership in planning the

birthday ball for next year. I consider inspiring others to

implement their own ideas towards achieving a goal to be the

ultimate form of mission achievement.