Change of perspective

Camaraderie is very important in the navy, but conflicts still arise time and again. A mediator can help to find a solution.

 Carolin Hilgendag-Pawel

First Lieutenant Alex B. is a motivated young soldier. After a long period of training, he is now looking forward to his first post as section leader, where he can take on responsibility. He has learnt a lot over the last few years and now wants to put this knowledge to good use. However, the first few days and weeks are not easy. Sometimes it feels like there are only a few hours between support and rejection. Time and again, there are disagreements between him and chief boatswain Christian D., his master. Mistakes were made and deadlines were not met. Things can't go on like this and B. seeks dialogue with his superior, Corvette Captain Eric F. He advises him to be more assertive and to acquire the missing technical knowledge more quickly. He had to show his comrade that he was the section leader and take on leadership responsibility. Months pass and the situation does not ease. In addition, the conflicts are now being aired openly and it is almost no longer possible to fulfil the task in this section in a targeted manner. B. had imagined it all very differently. Is this not the right job for him after all? "Maybe I should apply for a transfer," he finally thinks. Two months later, Eric F. immediately felt the effects of the conflict when Alex B. approached him with a transfer request. However, the unit is unable to approve this request as important projects are pending and there is no prospect of a replacement. Eric F. therefore has no choice but to deal with the conflict between the parties involved.