Story about communication: The Lieutenants lesson about attitude

It was a bright, sunny day at Fort Bragg, a bustling military base where soldiers of all ranks worked hard and trained even harder. The air smelled of fresh grass and engine oil, and the sound of boots marching echoed in the distance. On this particular day, a young second lieutenant decided to take a break from his duties. He’d been filling out paperwork all morning, and his throat felt as dry as the dusty training fields. So, he strolled over to the vending machine near the barracks, dreaming of a cold, fizzy soft drink to quench his thirst. The lieutenant reached into his pocket, pulled out a crisp dollar bill, and smoothed it out with his fingers. But when he went to slide it into the machine he realized something terrible. The vending machine only took coins, and he didn’t have a single one! He patted his pockets again, just to be sure, but all he found was lint and that lonely dollar bill. He scratched his head, wondering what to do next. That’s when he spotted a young private walking by. The private was whistling a cheerful tune, his uniform neat and his boots shiny, clearly in a good mood. The lieutenant waved him over and said, “Hey, you there! I need some help. I’m trying to get a drink from this stubborn machine, and all I’ve got is this dollar bill. Do you have change for a dollar?”

The private stopped, turned toward the lieutenant, and flashed a big, friendly smile. He dug into his pocket and said, “I think so, let me take a look! I’d be happy to help you out.” His voice was bright and eager, like someone excited to do a good deed. He started pulling out a few coins, counting them in his hand. But then, something strange happened. The lieutenant suddenly straightened up, his back stiff as a board, and his face turned serious, almost like a storm cloud had rolled over that sunny day. He narrowed his eyes and said, “Soldier, that is no way to address an officer! Where’s your respect? Don’t you know there are consequences for disrespecting someone above you in rank? I’m going to teach you a lesson about attitude, Private!” The private froze, his hand still clutching the coins. His smile faded, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. He blinked a few times, thinking to himself, “Wait a minute, what just happened? I was only trying to help!” He didn’t know the lieutenant at all, they’d never even met before this moment. But he did know how the military worked. There were rules, and one of the biggest was the chain of command. That meant officers were in charge, and privates like him had to listen. So, even though he was confused, he stood there quietly, waiting to hear what the lieutenant would say next.

Lieutenant crossed his arms and leaned in a little closer. He said, “We’re going to start this whole thing over, Private. And this time, you’d better respond the way you’re supposed to. You’re a soldier, not my buddy. Do you understand me? Now, let’s try again. Do you have change for a dollar?” The private took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders, and snapped to attention. He raised his hand in a sharp salute, just like he’d been trained to do. Then, loud and clear, he said, “No, I do not have any change, sir! And yes, I have learned a lesson about attitude, sir!” His voice was steady, but inside, he was still a little puzzled. He’d only wanted to help, was that so wrong? The lieutenant nodded, looking satisfied. He said, “Good. That’s more like it. You’re dismissed, Private.” Then he turned back to the vending machine, still holding his dollar bill, and muttered to himself about finding someone else with coins. The private saluted again turned on his heel, and walked away, shaking his head just a tiny bit as he went.