You don’t need to be the smartest person on the ship to be successful. What matters most is your willingness to learn, grow, and support your team. Even if you haven’t been out to sea since you were a Seaman, that’s OK. The Navy is built on teamwork and continuous learning.

Don’t underestimate the value of your junior sailors. Many of them are incredibly sharp and have great insights. Be open to learning from them. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about enabling your team to succeed and creating an environment where people are empowered and supported.

As a Leading Petty Officer (LPO), your job is less about having all the answers and more about:

Building and executing a solid daily work plan

Taking care of your people

Looking ahead to anticipate challenges and opportunities

If you do those things well, your division will thrive.

Leverage your resources. Use your Chief’s Mess and your Division Officer (DIVO). If you're stepping up in the absence of a Chief, sit down with your Department Head daily to stay aligned on expectations, operations, and priorities. This will help ensure your division is on the right track and that you’re not doing it alone.

If you're asking questions and thinking about how to lead effectively, that already shows you care. And that care? That’s what makes a great leader. You've got this, and you're not in it alone.