Page 28 - USCG Chief Petty Officer Logbook

• A good C.P.O. should know [their] unit. [They] should be familiar with the general operation of each department, know the name and rank of all officers and department heads. [They] should also know the ramifications of each department from an administrative angle. Delays should be eliminated so that each job, each problem, will be handled expeditiously.
• Important verbal information and data relevant to [their] unit should be noted in writing for possible future reference.
• Read and study carefully all official publications and directives concerning areas of a C.P.O. ‘s duties.
• Take pride in discharging duties in a thorough manner -- being accurate, complete and neat!
• A good C.P.O. is constantly on alert to improve [their] efficiency and that of [their] department. Whenever an idea occurs, make a note and discuss it with your superior officer.
• A good C.P.O. should answer the telephone clearly, providing relative information, [their] name and department. Speak distinctly with
~ Published in the June 1975 issue of The CHIEF
proper modulation; don’t “hurry” your words. Create a good impression, your telephone manners reflect on your department as well as yourself. Be courteous at all times. Never display an impatient tone in your conversations. When taking messages, write down the salient points -- then you will be more accurate in transmitting the message.
• All written directives and instructions should be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion -- you will find it will pay dividends.
• Keep a notebook in which to jot down miscellaneous notes and memorandum.
• A good C.P.O. should be able to compose accurate reports and write letters in many instances -- if you are weak in this regard, seek assistance and advice from your superior.
• Keep a small directory for names, addresses, telephone numbers and other data, of the people or companies with whom you may deal.
• Unfortunately, a person often fails to exhibit a high degree of initiative or exert effort -- in fact, [they] sometimes demonstrate down-right laziness. We
are a highly specialized Service -- it behooves each and every one of us to put forth our best effort at all times.
• A good way of increasing your efficiency is to write down any mistakes you make and any shortcomings of which you are aware. Help yourself become more efficient. Remember, your department head or superior officer
is frequently too busy to notice every minute detail of your work -- [they] rely on your knowledge, accuracy and efficiency in discharging your duties.
• Be accurate -- not only in the notes you maintain, but in your performance of duties in an efficient manner.
• Remain calm in the face of an emergency. Take your time, but get to the “heart” of the problem in a thorough manner. Use your best judgment in solving the particular problem or emergency.
• A good C.P.O. will find that only
by reading, studying, observing and learning can [they] keep abreast-of changing conditions and “new” things happening in [their] unit. [They] should not be complacent or too quick to congratulate [themselves] on
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20 TIPS FOR THE CPO [Words of Wisdom]