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12 Sep 2014
‘The butterfly effect’
Shortly after taking command, the Wild Duck Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge requested I explain to his Airmen exactly what the pilots would be doing on training missions during an upcoming temporary duty. I was embarrassed that he had to ask. In this specific case, I had thoughtlessly kept these details from our closest partners. I had
12 Sep 2014
Advise Airmen of rights before asking questions
Every day supervisors are faced with challenging scenarios and situations that require them to engage in efforts to help their Airmen. When this engagement is due to a negative act such as theft, damage to property or other possible legal violations, we must resist the instinct to question them directly.One scenario I am presented with all too
9 Sep 2014
Innovative followership, leadership
Innovate, innovate, innovate. We hear this all the time in today's leaner military. It's a rather catchy word and sounds very impressive. However, innovation has to begin somewhere. Can followers innovate? Can leaders innovate? I submit the answer to both questions is a resounding "yes." Unfortunately, one thing that keeps us from challenging the
9 Sep 2014
How to know everything, yet know nothing
You have probably heard the adage, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." What does this really mean? I've personally heard it referenced when discussing promotions, but I've also heard it when talking about getting things done. These are really interrelated. If you can work your boss's boss's priority, you can become your boss's "go-to"
4 Sep 2014
Balance, key to successful AF life
I believe proper balance is the key to a successful life in the Air Force. Over the years I've come to realize that it takes a concentrated effort to maintain balance between a professional life as an Air Force member and personal or family life. Both require constant learning, adjustments, development and attention. It's easy to give 100 percent
4 Sep 2014
Avoid claustrophobic career
I have heard many times that education is the great equalizer.The Air Force takes in people of all races, cultures and backgrounds and unifies them under simple beliefs and values. The enlisted force structure serves as the common language for force development, and education plays a major role. We all know education creates opportunity, and yet
22 Aug 2014
New form second chance to do EPRs right
Without fail, every time I am around a group of young NCOs, there is one subject guaranteed to come up -- the enduring question of "How can I write a stronger EPR for my Airman?"My answer to this question is fairly standard and is one that a chief shared with me many years ago. The easiest path to improve the strength of your Airman's enlisted
22 Aug 2014
Plan for final out
How many of you are prepared for life outside of the military? Seriously, if you were told tomorrow was your final out, what would you do?We are currently in an environment where Defense Department rollbacks are a serious issue we must all contemplate. Fewer officers are being commissioned. Last year there was only one nonrated Officer Training
8 Aug 2014
ntentional leaders make things happen
As I write this column I am within 48 hours of closing out my squadron command. Like most people who find themselves at the end of a long journey, I am retrospective about what I've learned. As such, I feel I have a unique perspective on command, more specifically on leadership. So I think it is appropriate to share some of what I have learned thus
8 Aug 2014
Serve Airmen by knowing them
Knowing your Airmen is not a new concept in the Air Force. This concept has been mentioned in various professional development situations and throughout guidance from Air Force senior leadership for some time now. As with many processes and concepts this is easier said than done and takes significant commitment from the leader. In short it demands