In discussing leadership and followership, we are sure to pick up a few “one-liners” in our careers. These serve as mantras — phrases that help us when we need them most — just as marathon runners use mantras to push through that wall at 23 of 26.2 miles.
When I’ve found myself in the most challenging situations as an Airman, supervisor, senior noncommissioned officer, or in these days as a first sergeant — these are the mantras that seem to resurface and give me the inspiration, motivation and focus I needed to continue cranking the mission. They just may guide you in times of adversity as well. Happy reading!
“If you keep saying ‘I’— people will look right past you.” This is an up or out Air Force. Yes, there is a certain amount of self-promotion that we must learn to do at times. Yet, as we earn our way through the ranks, there needs to be a drastic reduction in stating “I did this” and so much more “we” and “they” and “all of us accomplished this together.” What matters is what our units accomplish, what our sections achieve, and how much we push our Airmen to go further than we have. The Air Force does not “Fly, Fight and Win” on one person’s actions alone. It’s about our dedicated teams, and how they complete the mission every day. Promote the teamwork of leadership more than you ever promote yourself.
“It’s not about me.” Okay, very similar to the section above, but here is a different flavor to it. If you are a part of a unit that would fail without you — you have, in fact, failed that unit. One person making or breaking a mission is not a testament to how “good” someone is — it is a mistake on that person’s part to hoard information and knowledge. Our mission as leaders is to make ourselves obsolete — learn all we can, and then pass it on. Make Airmen miss you when you are gone, not need you when you can’t be there. Remembering “It’s not about me” is also very helpful when you are at odds with someone you must work with. Take yourself out of it — make it about the team and the mission. Differences will inevitably fade away to those that are working toward a common goal. “Own what you have, and love what you own.” There may have been a time in your career that you felt you were not being placed in the position that showed appropriate progression in your career (“It’s not about me” works here, too!).
If you didn’t get what you thought you deserved — reevaluate yourself before you discredit others. Ultimately trust in our system that made us the most feared and revered Air Force ever! Inspire that morale in our Airmen! Always leave it better than you found it and pave the way for your Airmen to take over and be better than you were — your dedication and leadership will be recognized. If you feel differently, there is a Little Blue Book that I’d like to suggest for your reading pleasure as well. “How do we get to YES?” If Airmen always hear “no” from you — they will stop coming to you. Spend time avoiding the negative — and Airmen will be positively drawn to you. “Eat Less, Run Faster.” Enough said. These lines have served as my compelling voice in times when I needed a push. Pass your own mantras forward — all they can do is help!
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In discussing leadership and followership, we are sure to pick up a few “one-liners” in our careers. These serve as mantras — phrases that help us when we need them most — just as marathon runners use mantras to push through that wall at 23 of 26.2 miles.
When I’ve found myself in the most challenging situations as an Airman, supervisor, senior noncommissioned officer, or in these days as a first sergeant — these are the mantras that seem to resurface and give me the inspiration, motivation and focus I needed to continue cranking the mission. They just may guide you in times of adversity as well. Happy reading!
“If you keep saying ‘I’— people will look right past you.” This is an up or out Air Force. Yes, there is a certain amount of self-promotion that we must learn to do at times. Yet, as we earn our way through the ranks, there needs to be a drastic reduction in stating “I did this” and so much more “we” and “they” and “all of us accomplished this together.” What matters is what our units accomplish, what our sections achieve, and how much we push our Airmen to go further than we have. The Air Force does not “Fly, Fight and Win” on one person’s actions alone. It’s about our dedicated teams, and how they complete the mission every day. Promote the teamwork of leadership more than you ever promote yourself.
“It’s not about me.” Okay, very similar to the section above, but here is a different flavor to it. If you are a part of a unit that would fail without you — you have, in fact, failed that unit. One person making or breaking a mission is not a testament to how “good” someone is — it is a mistake on that person’s part to hoard information and knowledge. Our mission as leaders is to make ourselves obsolete — learn all we can, and then pass it on. Make Airmen miss you when you are gone, not need you when you can’t be there. Remembering “It’s not about me” is also very helpful when you are at odds with someone you must work with. Take yourself out of it — make it about the team and the mission. Differences will inevitably fade away to those that are working toward a common goal. “Own what you have, and love what you own.” There may have been a time in your career that you felt you were not being placed in the position that showed appropriate progression in your career (“It’s not about me” works here, too!).
If you didn’t get what you thought you deserved — reevaluate yourself before you discredit others. Ultimately trust in our system that made us the most feared and revered Air Force ever! Inspire that morale in our Airmen! Always leave it better than you found it and pave the way for your Airmen to take over and be better than you were — your dedication and leadership will be recognized. If you feel differently, there is a Little Blue Book that I’d like to suggest for your reading pleasure as well. “How do we get to YES?” If Airmen always hear “no” from you — they will stop coming to you. Spend time avoiding the negative — and Airmen will be positively drawn to you. “Eat Less, Run Faster.” Enough said. These lines have served as my compelling voice in times when I needed a push. Pass your own mantras forward — all they can do is help!