Commentary

What is innovative leadership? Why do we need innovative leaders? What makes your leadership style (or skills) innovative? Are you a creative, left-brained military member surrounded by right-brained, rule-oriented, critical thinkers?

“What the heck is an AGOW?” I have heard that question more than once during my seven months as the commander. In fact, when I found out I was getting this assignment, I asked the same question.

I learned early in life that diversity equals strength. I attended Robert E. Lamberton public school in Philadelphia at the age of 10. Though Lamberton had a reputation as a good academic school, diversity of the student body is what made it special.

If you’ve read or listened to the news any time in the past year, you’ve probably heard stories about the dire situation surrounding the Department of Defense budget. The Air Force is and will continue to be affected by the changes in funding levels that are being discussed. Many of the most visible and personal effects of these changes are likely to occur in the realm of personnel pay, retention and benefits.

Trust is a valuable asset in our Air Force. To me, it is the cornerstone to our core values. Throughout our military education we are taught to trust our fellow Airmen. We build a foundation around that trust.

Success is rarely by accident; each successful person can normally attribute their achievements to a leader who had a significant impact on their career and life. This January marks the 13th anniversary of National Mentoring Month, and it is appropriately themed “Mentoring Works!”

What images or thoughts does the phrase “shock and awe” give you? This phrase, originally included in a published paper by National Defense University in 1996, suggested its use to achieve rapid dominance with the goal to destroy or confound an adversary’s will to resist with no alternative except to capitulate.