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In times where we find ourselves with growing mission requirements, but less resources and people to complete those missions, we must find ways to increase the efficiency.
One way to do this would be getting to know each other, what makes us tick, the things that motivate us and the strengths and weaknesses the people you work with have.
You may think you know your co-workers, but how much do you really know? We probably know a couple family members’ names, what kind of car someone drives, or even what kind of pets someone has. These are good starting points, but what we need to figure out are the strengths, weaknesses and motivations people have.
A recent initiative called core groups is a type of resiliency training that allows units to get together and discuss topics such as honor, integrity and service, and areas that allow us to know someone’s past.
Core groups have taught me how to come out of my shell, while also teaching me how to get others to come out of their own shell.
The groups were started by Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, 20th chief of staff of the Air Force, who launched core groups as an initiative while serving as commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa.
He started these meetings because it gives Airmen the opportunity to share their stories between commanders, supervisors, and peers.
We have held three sessions and each time I’ve learned something about my co-workers that I never knew.
As one of three facilitators, I get a different group each time, so it’s not always the same group of people who are sharing their stories.
The discussions raise different suggestions, problems and personal experiences in order to share ideas, praise good things, fix issues and simply learn more about one another.
So, now you know what core groups are and how they can help your units get to know each other. Set aside some time to learn, fix problems and find solutions.
For more information on how to start your own core groups, email Senior Master Sgt. Jason Steege at Jason.steege@us.af.mil.
