***image1***As I reflect on the things that help me be successful as a leader, I think particularly back to the experiences I had growing up that set my course and approach to life. It all goes back to the role adults played setting leadership examples in my life and how they provided the foundation and values that allow me to be comfortable and centered in my daily responsibilities. It’s interesting how so many of those childhood lessons make my Air Force challenges today easier.
Take for example some of the things I learned as a Boy Scout. Back then, I learned to live my life according to the Scout Law, which emphasized being trustworthy, loyal, courteous, obedient and cheerful – just to name a few of its 12 points. Today, if I base my daily actions in that early lifestyle framework, I find myself naturally doing the right things for the right reasons. Also in scouts, there is an oath very similar to our military oaths. Every time I said that oath, just like when I repeat the Air Force oaths today, the act of affirming those commitments carried the weight of the responsibilities by which I chose to live my life.
Similarly, the Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared,” which translates very well to our modern Air Force mandate of “Readiness.” While today we have Combat Proud, I grew up making sure I left every campsite in better shape than I found it. And, we went swimming using the “buddy system,” my childhood equivalent of Combat Wingman, to ensure we all came back OK.
I learned from leaders at home, too. As the oldest of five boys, I always hit life’s gates before my brothers. I remember my mother’s words clearly as I would take on a summer job that I needed to do well and shine, because there were four other Spencer boys right behind me needing a clear path without hurdles, and my performance would affect their success potential by giving our family a good or bad name.
I had a great opportunity right before I moved here to Ramstein to see my former scout leader and thank him for taking the time to influence my life, and thank my parents and others as well. I firmly believe the time they spent being leaders in my life and community made me who I am.
Understanding how I became who I am and the things that influenced me when it was possibly a most crucial point in my development and makes me think about my responsibilities growing youth to leaders.
I think all of us have such a critical role in that, whether it’s as a parent raising a family, a volunteer working with youth organizations, or how we handle ourselves around children. The values we project and standards we enforce in our interactions with young people will show their merit or failure by the leaders they become. Take raising these emerging leaders seriously, and leave the campsite of the world better than we found it.
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***image1***As I reflect on the things that help me be successful as a leader, I think particularly back to the experiences I had growing up that set my course and approach to life. It all goes back to the role adults played setting leadership examples in my life and how they provided the foundation and values that allow me to be comfortable and centered in my daily responsibilities. It’s interesting how so many of those childhood lessons make my Air Force challenges today easier.
Take for example some of the things I learned as a Boy Scout. Back then, I learned to live my life according to the Scout Law, which emphasized being trustworthy, loyal, courteous, obedient and cheerful – just to name a few of its 12 points. Today, if I base my daily actions in that early lifestyle framework, I find myself naturally doing the right things for the right reasons. Also in scouts, there is an oath very similar to our military oaths. Every time I said that oath, just like when I repeat the Air Force oaths today, the act of affirming those commitments carried the weight of the responsibilities by which I chose to live my life.
Similarly, the Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared,” which translates very well to our modern Air Force mandate of “Readiness.” While today we have Combat Proud, I grew up making sure I left every campsite in better shape than I found it. And, we went swimming using the “buddy system,” my childhood equivalent of Combat Wingman, to ensure we all came back OK.
I learned from leaders at home, too. As the oldest of five boys, I always hit life’s gates before my brothers. I remember my mother’s words clearly as I would take on a summer job that I needed to do well and shine, because there were four other Spencer boys right behind me needing a clear path without hurdles, and my performance would affect their success potential by giving our family a good or bad name.
I had a great opportunity right before I moved here to Ramstein to see my former scout leader and thank him for taking the time to influence my life, and thank my parents and others as well. I firmly believe the time they spent being leaders in my life and community made me who I am.
Understanding how I became who I am and the things that influenced me when it was possibly a most crucial point in my development and makes me think about my responsibilities growing youth to leaders.
I think all of us have such a critical role in that, whether it’s as a parent raising a family, a volunteer working with youth organizations, or how we handle ourselves around children. The values we project and standards we enforce in our interactions with young people will show their merit or failure by the leaders they become. Take raising these emerging leaders seriously, and leave the campsite of the world better than we found it.