50th Space Wing Public Affairs
1/19/2016 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Airmen attended a Total Force Leadership Development course to learn the importance of ethical leadership Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.
The class was a video seminar entitled, "The Power of One," an ethical leadership study by John Maxwell, a speaker and author of several best-selling leadership books. The course drew its content from Maxwell's book, "There is No Such Thing as Business Ethics."
Chief Master Sgt. Alexander Hall, 50th Network Operations Group superintendent, opened the class with his thoughts on what it means to be an effective leader.
"What do you need to be, to become a successful leader?" asked Hall. "I would proffer that you need to be trustworthy, assertive, flexible and self-confident. But above all in my mind, you need to be able to make good decisions."
Students filled in workbooks during video sessions and participated in group discussions between video sessions.
Master Sgt. Rontrell Boone, Wing Staff Agency superintendent, led the course and facilitated discussion.
Boone, a former military training instructor, shared many ethical decisions and dilemmas he observed and experienced during that four-year period of his service.
"I wanted to bring some of my past military ethical experiences so we could get a military perspective and make it hit home for the folks who attended the class," said Boone.
Students also asked questions and shared experiences dealing with ethical choices.
"I think it's very important to hold these classes; we had important cross-talk from senior and junior members so we could get on the same page," said Boone. "As a senior NCO, I want to know how our younger troops are thinking, and I think it's beneficial for them to know the perspective of [senior leaders]."
Senior Airman Chellandrea Cole, 2nd Space Operations Squadron GPS remote site liaison, said attending the course was an opportunity to grow as a leader.
"I'm interested in learning some leadership techniques, things to add to my tool bag," said Cole. "Coming out to [courses] like this will always give you pointers and tips. You can always do better and strive for more."
Cole enjoyed the lessons learned, but said she benefited more from group discussion and input from the class leaders.
"I loved [the class]; the input and cross-talk we had in here definitely opened my mind up to some new ideas," she said. "It was the people in the class that really made it [worthwhile]. Master Sgt. Boone and Chief Hall really did a great job of driving home the points that John Maxwell was making."
The course touched on topics including the importance of ethics, the golden rule and the "Midas Touch," the idea of going the extra mile in service of other people.
"My favorite part of the course was the Midas Touch segment," said Cole. "That is huge because mediocrity is easy for a lot of people. A lot of people are okay with just being average."
Cole explained the Midas Touch is important because it talks about helping people who can't help you in return.
The course was the second installment of leadership development at Schriever. Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Artis, 50th Space Communications Squadron, said there is another class scheduled for March.
"Originally our thought was to hold a course quarterly, but they may be more frequent because there are many more volumes and resources available," said Artis.
Boone is anticipating the lessons learned during the course will translate into the work centers throughout the base.
"I'm hoping the attendees will take what they've learned, bring it back to their units and apply some of the principles we talked about," he said. "It mainly boils down to treating people the way you would want to be treated and having a mutual respect."
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