Enlisted chiefs break down leadership traits

by Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/11/2013 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- "Leadership is not a popularity contest," said 9th Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. James Davis. "Leadership will keep you up at night, because you care about your Airmen and Soldiers. If it matters to them it's got to matter to you."

Davis, and fellow Shaw AFB, S.C., senior enlisted leaders gathered to speak at a quarterly leadership panel, June 28.

The enlisted leaders spoke to more than 100 service members during the panel, which was sponsored by the Shaw Top Three. They addressed what it takes to be in a leadership position, how to become a good leader, certain obstacles you are faced with in those positions and knowing your people.

All of the Shaw senior enlisted leaders agreed that in addition to gaining trust from your people, commitment to your duty around-the-clock is a must while being on top and leading from the front.

"There are going to be times where it is going to come before your family and your personal desires," said Ford. "At those times you will need to put your people first and stay focused on taking care of them."

After speaking about the main components of leadership, the chiefs and command sergeant major answered questions from both enlisted and commissioned service members.

Four U.S. Air Force chief master sergeants addressed the crowd with Davis: Chief Master Sgt. Darrel Ford, 20th Operations Group superintendent, , Chief Master Sgt. James Wilkerson, 20th Fighter Wing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Suzanne Talbert, 20th Mission Support Group superintendent, and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Rice, 20th Maintenance Operations Squadron superintendent, as well as U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier, Third Army/U.S. Army Central senior enlisted advisor, attended the event.