professional skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to accept instruction or direction. Use this block to evaluate job performance whether or not the member is performing duties normally associated with his or her rating. BLOCK  29  -INITIATIVE.  Evaluate  the member’s ability to act appropriately and independently without specific direction while exercising sound judgment. Assess the member’s ability to set goals and performance standards both personally and for others. Also use this block to evaluate the extent to which the member demonstrates resourcefulness and persistence in the face of obstacles. BLOCK  30  -RELIABILITY.  Assess  the extent to which the person can be depended upon to perform assigned tasks successfully and the person’s ability to persevere to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks. Also use this block to evaluate the extent to which the member is at his or her assigned place of duty when needed, the member’s degree of support for command and Navy policies and initiatives, and the member’s level of personal integrity. BLOCK 31 -MILITARY BEARING. Rate the member’s personal appearance, including physical fitness; wearing of the uniform; and, when appropriate, neatness in civilian attire; knowledge and practice of military courtesies; and the way the person presents himself or herself as a member of the Navy. BLOCK  32  -PERSONAL  BEHAVIOR. Assess the member’s personal behavior, conduct both on and off duty, and demeanor during the reporting period. As the evaluator, in arriving at the final mark in this trait, consider any military or  civilian  offenses  committed  during  the reporting period. Also use this block to judge the extent to which the member presents a model of exemplary behavior, including the degree of self- control under stress. BLOCK  33  -HUMAN  RELATIONS  IN- CLUDING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY. Evaluate the member’s ability to work successfully with peers, subordinates, and superiors and his or her contributions to command morale. Focus on evaluation of the member’s support of the Navy’s equal  opportunity  program. BLOCK 34 -SPEAKING ABILITY. Rate the member’s ability to effectively use the English language to express himself or herself orally. Also rate the person’s correct usage of the language, clarity  of  speech,    and  organization  and presentation of thoughts. Consider performance in  formal  presentations  and/or  informal discussions. For persons in paygrades E-1 through E-3, a grade in this trait is not re- quired unless they clearly demonstrate they have this ability. BLOCK 35 -WRITING ABILITY. Evaluate the member’s ability to effectively use the English language in written communications. Rate the quality of the person’s written work, presentation of thoughts, and correct usage of English grammar. For persons in paygrades E-1 through E-3, a grade in this trait is not required unless they clearly demonstrate they have this ability. BLOCK  36  -DIRECTING.  Evaluate  the member’s skill at leading others to the successful achievement of a common goal. Consider the member’s ability to delegate, to gain commitment from others, and to challenge and inspire subordinates while maintaining positive and realistic expectations. Completion of this block is mandatory for personnel in paygrades E-4 through E-9. For persons in paygrades E-1 through E-3, a grade in this trait is not required unless they clearly demonstrate they have this ability. BLOCK  37  -COUNSELING.  Assess  the member’s skill at counseling personnel. Appraise the person’s ability to confront where warranted and praise where justified, along with the person’s ability to help subordinates resolve professional and/or personal problems. Also evaluate the person’s support of the Navy retention programs. Completion of this block is mandatory for personnel in paygrades E-4 through E-9. For persons in paygrades E-1 through E-3, a grade in this trait is not required unless they clearly demonstrate they have this ability. BLOCK 38 -MANAGEMENT. Evaluate the chief petty officer’s ability to successfully manage people and the material, financial, and time resources under his or her control. Measure the member’s ability to plan and organize, to optimize the use of available resources, to monitor results, to create team spirit, and to develop subordinates. 2-23