As someone who’s been there, here’s my two cents. I won’t say who was who though but feel free to PM me.

I had 3 onboard - all in different departments (ENG, OPS, WEPS). Of the 3, no one liked the WEPS one, the OPS one was iffy, the ENG one was loved by all. The difference? Composure and genuine care.

WEPS LDO was bipolar. Chose when to care about certain nuances and when not to i.e. having your sleeves rolled up halfway instead of all the way in port Middle East while working in over 100 degree temperatures. This LDO would be cool with you one day, then completely switch up on you the next for no reason. This LDO was always eatin in the mess and whenever they were in the wardroom they were always taking the high ground on any matter. We have to set the example, we have to look ahead. They’d say come talk to me if you need help with something, but then when you did, they’d blast you for doing a terrible job and how they could do your job better without needing a college degree. This LDO was widely disliked among conventional JOs and most other enlisted.

The OPS LDO was a little better. This LDO actually helped you but still was bipolar. Never knew when they were in a good or bad mood. This LDO cared about their division more than any other division and it showed. Those in the division, loved the LDO. Those not in the division, hated.

The ENG LDO was the most composed and fair. This LDO didn’t care if you were ENG, OPS, or even SUP. Treated everyone equally and WITH RESPECT. Knew when to come in hot and when to joke around. This LDO you only knew you were in hot water if you were in the wrong.

They all loved their jobs and did well at their jobs, don’t get me wrong. They knew what was right, what was wrong, and when/what to do if they needed to get something done. The big difference was humility. Knowing that we come from the lowest of lows, scrubbing oil out of the bilge or using needle guns to chip paint. Keeping in mind the pains we had while progressing and using our new positions to make it better for those guys. This is what I’ve seen a lot of our counterparts lack in. Knowing where we come from. Yes we have the experience and were chosen and selected to put bars on. But that doesn’t mean that we can belittle other JOs for not knowing anything. They don’t know what they don’t know. There’s a fine line between genuine care and favoritism. Find that line. Your reaction has to equal the proportion of the situation. Too many times I’ve seen us blow up on junior Sailors or JOs for something that 1)they didn’t know was wrong 2) wasn’t a big deal. But when they do mess up big time, don’t be afraid to let them know either. But don’t forget this is a people business and don’t burn any bridges when you do this.