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CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS PROGRAM

DA Pamphlet (Draft)

Summary of Change
DA Pam 600-XX

This pamphlet:

• Provides guidance for soldiers, commanders, and others in implementing the Army's consideration of others program

FOREWORD

As leaders, we have an obligation to foster a positive command climate and develop a culture in which soldiers treat one another with dignity and respect.

The Consideration of Others Program is a tool which introduces leaders to a method of cultivating such a climate. This program uses small group interaction as the forum for resolution and learning. If we are to inculcate a sensitivity and regard for the feelings and needs of others, we must institutionalize this program.

The Consideration of Others Program addresses a philosophy that goes to the heart of military readiness. It allows leaders an opportunity to impart the knowledge of the Army values and encourages soldiers to learn and adopt these values as their own. This program is not limited to any particular type of subject or circumstance and covers the broad spectrum of civility, respect for others, and military teamwork.

Consideration of Others is a command program. Equal opportunity personnel play a key, but not sole, supporting role. Consideration of Others involves linking the awareness, the actions, and the responsibility of the individual soldier to his or her duties as a members of a military team. Consideration of Others addresses all of the major aspects of the human dimension of combat readiness. It will promote organizational excellence at every echelon of command.

 Personnel-General

 Consideration of Others Program

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

DENNIS A. REIMER
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff

Official:
Joel B. Hudson
Administrative Assistant to the
Secretary of the Army

History. This printing is an initial publishing of this publication.

Summary. This pamphlet provides guidance and procedures on Consideration of Others Program.

Applicability. This pamphlet applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve. It also applies to the U.S. Military Academy and the Reserve Officer Training Corps and to applicants for entry into the U.S. Army. Procedures in this pamphlet are not modified during mobilization.

Proponent and exceptions. The proponent of this pamphlet is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (DCSPER). The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions to this pamphlet that are consistent with controlling law and regulation. Proponents may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief under their supervision within the proponent agency who hold the rank of colonel or the civilian equivalent

Interim changes. Interim changes to this pamphlet arc not official unless they are authenticated by the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. Users will destroy interim changes on their expiration dates unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to Headquarters, Department of the Army, (DAPE-HR-L), WASH DC 20310-0300.

Distribution. Distribution of this publication is made in accordance with the requirements on DA Form 1209E, Block 2360, intended for command levels A, B, C, D for Active Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve.

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

• Purpose
• References
• Explanation of abbreviations
• Consideration of Others
• Background
• Objectives

 Chapter 2 Program

• Commanders' Guidance
• Considerations of Others Program Guide
• Role of the EOA
• Handbook
• Facilitator Training
• Small Group Dynamics

 Appendix A

• References

Glossary

Chapter 1 Introduction

1-1. Purpose

This pamphlet provides an explanation of the Consideration of Others Program. It delineates the program objectives and implementation process.

1-2. References

Required and related publications and referenced forms are listed in Appendix A.

1-3. Explanations of abbreviations

Abbreviations used in this pamphlet are explained in the Glossary.

1-4. Consideration of Others

a. General.
As described in the U.S. Army Human Relations Action Plan, human relations is treating others with dignity and respect; thereby incorporating their individual talents to the success of a team. A successful human relations climate is one that maximizes our soldiers' awareness of how their individual actions affect others, emphasizes respect between and for soldiers of all races, creeds, gender or national/ethic heritages, and enables soldiers to clearly understand the linkage between their actions towards others and their unit's ability to accomplish the mission. The Consideration of Others Program is systematically designed to create, maintain, and sustain an environment of respect and dignity throughout the Army.

b. Background
Major General Robert F. Foley piloted this program while assigned as the Commandant of Cadets, United States Military Academy (USMA). He felt that serious and controlled discussions were the only way for cadets to address, gain insight, and appreciate gender differences. The USMA program was successful, and upon being assigned as commander of the Military District of Washington, Major General Foley expanded this program. The Chief of Staff of the Army subsequently instituted it throughout the Army. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel was designated as the proponent for this program. Army Major Command (MACOM) commanders and Equal Opportunity Advisors were given information on the Consideration of Others Program through various command channels.

The Consideration of Others Program has become a core requirement of the Army Service Specific Training at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

c. Objectives.
The program requires leaders to conduct classes in a small group, interactive format instead of a classroom lecture format. The leader is the group facilitator. MACOMs are responsible for facilitator training. The goal of this small group interaction is to get soldiers to process information in the context of their roles as members of military teams. An additional goal is for leaders to be actively involved in helping soldiers learn and internalize the Army's values and accept the important dimensions that diversity and respect for others bring to mission accomplishment.

The Consideration of Others Program is based on the commander's analysis of a unit's needs. It emphasizes the actions and responsibilities of the individual soldier. This program has been designed from the outset to leverage existing information technology so that both already existing and newly-created resources (lessons and programs) used by local commands will be made available Army wide.

Consideration of Others does not replace existing command emphasis programs. It is not a vehicle for "sensing sessions." Furthermore, it is not an EO program, nor limited by a mandatory set of lesson plans. Consideration of Others is a tool which commanders can use to systematically improve their organizational climate.

 Chapter 2 Program

a General.
The Consideration of Others Program is mandatory for all commanders. It should be tailored to the specific needs of local commands. Commanders will implement "Consideration of Others" training down to detachment, platoon, or squad level.

b. Guidance to Commanders.
A military unit must excel as an organization in order to successfully accomplish its mission. As the difficulty of the mission increases, so does the need for excellence in a unit's organizational character. The Army uses the term "unit cohesion" to describe organizational character. This term has a great deal of value, not the least of which is its acceptance by a wide range of Army authorities as a common term of reference to use when discussing issues relating to how soldiers operate and fight as a team. The exact term we use is not critically important. What is critically important is that our soldiers live and work in the type of organization which makes them want to excel and give their total commitment to the unit's mission; to exhibit in practice the "selfless service" we value as American soldiers.

Consideration of Others program is a tool which focuses on the vital linkage between the individual soldier and his or her role as a member of a military team. The capability of each of your soldiers to recognize that their attitudes, actions, and words affect others in the unit; and their willingness to take responsibility for those actions, and words- to the point of changing them when necessary -is what Consideration of Others is all about.

The Consideration of Others Program is not a "cure all" for every organizational challenge. Your job as a commander has been and always will be extremely challenging. Consideration of Others is a tool to focus your assessment, orchestrate your efforts, and allow you access to the resources other commanders have used when faced with the same or similar challenges. Commanders and other leaders must be aware of key concepts of the Consideration of Others Program:

• Consideration of Others is not just equal opportunity but covers all aspects of the human dimension of combat readiness
• Leader involvement at all levels down to teams and sections
• Small group focus with approximately 13-20 members
• EOAs are primary resources assisting with coordinating and training
• Commanders are responsible for the effectiveness of this program

Consideration of Others must be easily and readily adaptable to each commander's priorities and each individual unit's needs. The design of Consideration of Others Program parallels the operational or mission planning design that is used by commanders daily. It is necessary for a commander to complete the following actions to facilitate a successful Consideration of Others Program:

• assess your command climate
• identify primary or key areas of concern
• identify specific training needs
• determine priorities
• identify and commit resources

The resources which commanders can potentially bring to the Consideration of Others program are extensive. At brigade or above, Equal Opportunity Advisors will have received training on the Consideration of Others program and may serve as overall coordinators or even at times, as instructors. Commanders at all levels have access to key NCO leaders (CSMs, First Sergeants), chaplains, medical personnel, IG, and JAG officers or even civilian academic or professional sources. All of these could play important roles as training resources when you develop your command's unique Consideration of Others emphasis.

An assessment, small group instruction, and your personal commitment and involvement in the program are elements which will make or break Consideration of Others in your command. Consideration of Others has been developed for you, the commander. It is a tool designed to help you build unit cohesion and assist you in the complex task of leading soldiers. This vital task must be done well if we are to fulfill our primary mission: to fight and win the Nation's wars.

c. Considerations of Others Program Guide.
While Consideration of Others does not specify a required amount of training quarterly or annually, it should be incorporated as an integral way of doing training. A unit Consideration of Others Program should have the following:

• A unit policy, which includes the commander's guidance, including the minimum hours for Consideration of Others training for that unit.
• Training NCO should maintain a training schedule of Consideration of Others classes taught and a roster of facilitators.
• Every soldier in that command should be aware of the Consideration of Others Program and its intended goals.

Prior to Consideration of Others training of civilian employees who are in a collective bargaining unit, commanders must notify union(s) of the intent to implement the Consideration of Others Program and provide them details regarding anticipated implementation procedures. Questions concerning labor relations obligation with regard to the consideration of others program should be addressed to the applicable Civilian Personnel Office.

d. Role of the EOA.
CSA has directed that equal opportunity advisors at all levels be proponents for this command program. Army Service Specific training at DEOMI will include a twelve hour block of instruction on the Consideration of Others Program. The Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA) is key to successful implementation of the Consideration of Others Program at brigade level or above.

This program will result in a greater role for Equal Opportunity Advisors (EOAs) in the command structure and increase the interest of leaders in the importance of diversity. It will also impress upon soldiers that the lasting, far-reaching, and detrimental effects of alcoholism, racism, ethnocentrism, gender discrimination, unsafe sex practices, etc. on our mission can be reduced by programs emphasizing the Army value of "respect." It is important to note that while EOAs are primary players, they are not the sole players. They are a resource available to teach and coordinate. Equal opportunity is only one part of Consideration of Others. The Consideration of Others Program will provide us a mechanism to ensure that the human dimension is not neglected in our quest for combat readiness.

e. Handbook.
The Consideration of Others handbook is available at website www.odcsper.army.mil. The handbook highlights eight focus areas which are supported by seventeen lesson plans. Each focus area reinforces role of the individual soldier as a responsible member of a military team.

f. Facilitator Training.
There is no mandatory training level or certification standard for Consideration of Others facilitators. Commanders may or may not have the luxury of having trained or certified small group facilitators available for the Consideration of Others program. Leaders must be the most capable personnel available, clearly able to handle themselves appropriately in a small group setting. You or your training officer/NCO should use care in selecting leaders for small groups. It is recommended that facilitators be sergeants or above. It is also recommended that EOAs establish a training course similar to the EO representative course to teach basic small group facilitative skills.

g. Small Group Dynamics.
The key element to the Consideration of Others Program execution is small group instruction. Most of the lesson plans call for discussions, rather than lecture. In all human interactions there are two major ingredients: content and process. The first deals with subject matter of the task upon which the group is working. In most interactions, the focus of attention is on the content. The second ingredient process, is concerned with what is happening among and to group members while the group is working. Group process or dynamics deals with such items as morale, feeling, atmosphere, influence, participation, styles of leadership, leadership struggles, conflict, competition, cooperation, etc. In most interactions, very little attention is paid to process, although it is the major cause of ineffective group action. Sensitivity to group process will better enable leaders to diagnose group problems early and deal with them most effectively. Since these processes are present in all groups, awareness of them will enhance a person's worth to a group and make him or her more effective group participant. The facilitator plays a large part in determining the spirit of the small group. Facilitators should encourage discussions, allow Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to contribute to the fullest extent without dominating the group, keep group discussions ongoing, and be aware of time. In keeping the group discussions on-going, it is important that no one person dominates, the group is kept on task, rank and leadership positions do not interfere with group dynamics, and prejudices are checked.

Appendix A

References

Section I

AR 600-20

Army Command Policy (cited in paragraph 6-21)

Section II

Related Publications

A related publication is merely a source of additional information. The user does not have to read it to understand this publication.

DA Consideration of Others Handbook (www.odcsper.army.mil)

Prescribed Forms

This pamphlet prescribes no forms.

Referenced Forms

This pamphlet references no forms.

Glossary

SME
Subject Matter Expert

USMA
United States Military Academy

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