Lightning Leadership course opens to all personnel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Devante Williams
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Airmen from across the base gathered to learn about leadership techniques in a professional development program designed to promote leadership through a series of guided discussions on Nov. 19, 2015.

"Lighting Leadership Gold is about learning and growing together," said Master Sgt. Ida Bushey, 56th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor.  "It's designed to strengthen us as one team, one fight--that's why it's available to enlisted members, officers and civilians."

Lightning Leadership began when the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence members came to Luke in July and presented the course to Lighting Leadership committee members. They took the tools PACE provided and now offer courses quarterly.

"These lessons are not specific to being an Air Force member, but to challenges we all face," Bushey said. "For example, knowing how to grow from your mistakes, or understanding how to find value in all teammates are always important to know and we all become better for it."

The course was divided into two sessions: one in the morning and one in the afternoon and is focused on connecting attendees with one another and helping them become better leaders.

"The course was amazing and very productive," said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Brown, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron First Term Airman Center team leader. "We had officers as facilitators for the course, and it was nice to see their perspective of things we talked about. The open discussion format is perfect and it allowed everyone to share their opinions."

With the second edition of Lightning Leadership Gold in the books, Bushey hopes that a more diverse group will attend the next course.

"Enlistment members come out full force at our courses," she said. "It would be nice to see more officers and civilians join us. They will be able to take what they have learned and take the message to others. The course is here for all of us, not just enlisted."