From the Deckplates: A Chief’s Guide to Naval Leadership for New Officers

Drawing on 26 years as a Senior Chief, Don Sawyer offers guidance for new junior naval officers on leadership, division management, wardroom politics, and developing as an officer, from the enlisted perspective From the Deckplates provides new naval officers with the practical wisdom and guidance typically shared only in the Chiefs’ Mess—the unwritten rules, human element, and real-world advice that technical manuals cannot capture. Drawing from 26 years of naval service as a Senior Chief, Don R. Sawyer has created a comprehensive guide that addresses the real challenges new officers face: managing divisions, working with Chiefs, navigating wardroom politics, earning warfare qualifications, and developing into effective leaders. The book covers the full spectrum of naval leadership from a Chief’s perspective: wardroom dynamics, division structure and team building, communication strategies, crisis leadership, ethical decision-making, digital leadership, and career development. Each chapter includes practical examples, concentrated wisdom, and actionable advice providing the enlisted perspective. This book fills a critical gap in naval professional development literature, providing the authentic voice and practical wisdom that Chiefs share with junior officers—the guidance that makes the difference between struggling and thriving in naval leadership.