Commentary by Chief Master Sgt. Alex Escarcega
9th Space Operations Squadron
9/16/2011 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- While I was contemplating what to write about in this month's paper, several ideas came to mind; new space capabilities, new changes to the Dress and Appearance AFI (36-2903) and various others. Then I saw a picture of a road sign outside an Army post in Afghanistan. I decided to write about a topic that is easily overlooked and often taken for granted: Leadership! The Air Force Professional Development Guide (PDG) offers some useful information.
Leadership Self-evaluation, a leader must understand the scope of his or her responsibilities. The following questions give insight into what is expected of a leader and can help anyone aspiring to develop the necessary leadership skills. If you are truly honest with yourself, you will probably not answer, "yes" to all of these questions. Your negative responses will provide you a direction upon which to focus your leadership improvement efforts.
Do I have the courage to make tough decisions and stand by them?
Am I flexible when dealing with changing situations?
Can I remain enthusiastic and cheerful when I am confronted with seemingly impossible tasks?
Am I willing to do my best with what seems to be inadequate means?
Can I inspire people to achieve outstanding results?
Am I willing to take reasonable risks to allow my subordinates to grow and become more productive?
Am I willing to let my subordinates be creative?
Does my manner invite communication?
Do I really listen? Can I withhold judgment until I have all the facts?
Am I willing to accept my subordinates' failures as my own yet immediately recognize their successes as theirs?
Am I able to do many things at one time? Can I manage a complex job?
Can I carry out orders, as well as give them?
Advice to leaders, there are no magic formulas when it comes to being a successful leader--leadership is an individual and personal thing. Every leader develops a unique style. The best advice may be to "be yourself." Be honest, tell it like it is and insist that your people do likewise. They set their behavior patterns based upon your example. Advice from a successful leader can be a beneficial tool to the aspiring leader, but where the aspiring leader applies this tool will determine his or her success.
Comments
9/29/2011 6:18:03 PM ET I was a sergeant in the Army as a airborne infantryman. I learned many things in the time I was in. I served 15 months in Iraq and did many joint exercises with special operations before I got out do to my wife being stationed At Vandenberg. The one thing that is most important is leadership. In the army to be promoted it is based on a point system as well as an oral board. To be considered for even testing for promotion you must meet the points required as well as being recommended by your superiors. This is based on your work ethics as well as your leadership abilities. I have seen through my time at Vandenberg that the Air Force has terrible leadership. I say this because I see first hand how the promotion process works. For example You have a great leader who does his job and is proficient at it. A person who can treat his troops with fairness but knows when to take disciplinary action when need be. This individual may have everything a good leader may require but may be terribl
Matt, Vandenberg AFB
9/21/2011 6:22:11 PM ET Well Done.... It takes more than popularity to be a good leader
