Monday, January 25, 2016

Schriever builds ethical leaders

by 2nd Lt. Darren Domingo
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."

Friday, January 08, 2016

Make a difference



By Chief Master Sgt. Mike Heath, 30th Medical Group / Published January 07, 2016

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Will you make a difference in someone else's life today? We have all heard someone say, "Take care of your people and their families." Have you ever stopped to think why we hear this so often?

As Airmen, our number one responsibility is to accomplish the mission. However, without smart, dedicated, hard-working people and the unconditional support of their families, the mission would not get accomplished. This philosophy is not new. In fact, it's been a fundamental concept in our Air Force culture for many years, but are we truly putting forth our best effort on a daily basis to be involved in the lives of our people and understand the needs of our Airmen?

Genuinely caring for your Airmen is essential and helpful when providing honest and realistic performance appraisals. Mentor those whose development with which you are charged. Make sure they can do your job someday. Teach them from your experiences -- the good, the bad and the ugly.

Share your successes and failures and tell them how you handled them. Make it a teaching moment so you can make them better leaders.

Taking the time to develop Airmen is not an easy task and it's not something that can be done only online or by computer based training. It takes human interaction, patience, effort, and an ability to evolve. Enable and motivate people to accomplish the mission. Give a sense of accomplishment and make sure they are recognized for it. If done properly, no doubt you will instill confidence in others and ensure the success of tomorrow's leaders.

It's not about you. It's about other people. When you take care of your people, help them accomplish their goals and live up to their potential, and great things will happen. Not only will the mission get accomplished, but innovation and excellence will ensue. These things can happen when you realize it's not about you and you take care of your people. You and I share a common blessing in that we are members of the finest country in the world. I have faith that you will endeavor to make our country even better in the future by making a difference in someone else's life today.

I was entrusted with the incredible responsibility to be a supervisor more than 25 years ago. I started something that first morning as I prepared for work. As I was so proudly putting on my Air Force uniform I looked into the mirror and said, "Will you make a difference in someone else's life today?" I have asked that question every day since. When I get home at the end of my duty day, as I take off my uniform, I look in that mirror again and ask myself, "Did you make a difference in someone else's life today?" Sometimes the answer is no, so what do I do the next day? Try harder!

So I ask you; will you make a difference in someone else's life today? If you do, it could inspire an Airman for a lifetime.