Leadership Perspective in a Practical Application-ACSC LC509
...wear their talents can be put to good use. Our squadron, like most of today’s Air Force, is young and somewhat inexperienced. You do an outstanding job at your “job”. The everyday operation: getting the mission done safely, effectively, and on time -- is flawless. However, getting ready for, and going through an inspection is not an everyday occurrence. For most of you, the recent inspection was probably your first major inspection. The good news is, we have a small group of folks weaved into this squadron who have a wealth of experience and have been through many, many major inspections. This knowledge and experience base will provide the foundation for us to lean on during this time of preparation. Now where do I “The New Guy” come into play during this process? First, I am one of those “Old Guys” I previously mentioned with the experience under my belt to call upon for help or advice. I have spent untold hours going through training folders, cleaning up program books, and sifting through mountains of paper prior to an inspection. I have “Been There – Done That”. Secondly, I am here for you. If you need something, I’ll get it for you. If someone is standing in the way of you accomplishing your assigned task, I’ll either get them out of your way, or find a way around them. Third, I AM here to push you! If you think back through you life you’ll probably come to realize the folks you really remember and respect are the same folks who pushed you to become better. Maybe a teacher or coach or simply a friend, but in some way they forced you to work hard to become better. Well, that will also be my role. I am going to expect a lot out of each of you. There will be times when, I’m sure you’ll hate me. That’s OK! Someday you will appreciate the fact that you had to work as hard as you did to reach the goal. However, I will never ask any of you to do something I will not be doing myself. I will be there with you putting in the same long hours and hard work I am asking of each of you. Now what do I expect of you? Obviously, I expect each of you to work hard to overcome this adversity. This upcoming inspection will tell volumes about this unit as a whole. Coming out of a failed inspection to shine again will not only prove to the Wing leadership you all know how to persevere, but it will be an indicator for each of you individually as to your metal. Second, I expect you to use your chain of command. Those put in supervisory positions over you are there for a reason. They are not just your bosses. They are mentors, problem solvers, and managers. Go to them, confide in them to help you tackle the toughest issues before you. Finally, I expect each of you to LEAD. Each of you is in charge of at least one aspect of this squadron’s ops. I am empowering each of you to run your programs as you see fit. Never come to me, or your supervisor, expecting us to make a decision pertaining to one of your programs. If you need advice, our doors are open. We are here to guide you on a course of action, not be the decision makers. The final decision as to how each of you gets ready for this inspection is up to you. I will back your decisions 100%. YOU are the talent and knowledge base for your program. Take it and run with it. ...