SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-dissent-bring-solutions

You disagree with your commander's plan. What is a respectful way to dissent?

Use the chain of command and offer a solution, not just a complaint.

Start playing free

  1. Go through the chain of command and suggest a fix ✔
  2. Post about it online so others agree
  3. Quietly do a worse job until they notice

Why: Respectful dissent stays professional and calm, goes through the chain of command, and recommends solutions. Pick your battles: a matter of principle matters more than a matter of style.

Huh, didn't know that: Learn to Lead also says only criticize an idea if you can sum it up fairly first.

The dad joke
What did the cadet say when the plan had a flaw? Let me suggest a better route.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Go through the chain of command and suggest a fix. Respectful dissent stays professional and calm, goes through the chain of command, and recommends solutions. Pick your battles: a matter of principle matters more than a matter of style.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3: Indirect Leadership, chapter 9 (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    Use the chain of command. Stay professional and in control of your emotions. Recommend solutions
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Leadership & CadetsIn leadership, what does the word dissent mean?Leadership & CadetsIn American thinking, where does a leader's rightful power come from?Leadership & CadetsWhose dissent helped lead to the creation of an independent US Air Force?

That's stuff everyone should know.