Regarding family, a new company officer should do which of the following?

• A. Tell them that it is against policy to talk about the job with them
• B. Keep the expectations of the new position private so family does not have to worry
• C. Warn them that the job must come first for a period of time but their needs will be met later
• D. Listen to their expectations and needs and communicate the expectations of the new position

Answer: (D)

Open, two-way communication with family about the new role is essential. A new company officer should listen to family expectations and needs, then clearly explain what the position will require—such as time commitments, on-call duties, training, and potential odd hours or emergencies. This exchange helps the family understand what to expect, allows everyone to adapt, and reduces stress or misunderstandings at home. It also demonstrates leadership by establishing realistic boundaries and shared goals, which supports the officer’s effectiveness on the job.

Why this works better than the other approaches: assuming there’s a policy against talking about the job with family or keeping expectations private creates secrecy and misalignment, while warning that the job must come first without discussing needs ignores the family’s role in supporting performance and can breed resentment. Engaging in honest dialogue and setting clear expectations builds a cooperative home front that strengthens overall readiness and morale.