Leadership with little sponge footballs

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Mark Robinson
  • 9th Air Refueling Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  There are no off-limits targets in the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, and for those who walk the upstairs halls of Bldg. 187, you better be ready with receiver instincts and quick hands.

Airmen and objects alike are all fair game these days for a spiraling Mighty 9th red-on-white sponge football and rank is no discriminator. Some think the footballs are meant for fun. I think they create leadership lessons. Here are a few that come to mind:

Don't let a football nail you in the jaw, the gut or anywhere else you're not ready to defend. Be prepared. You never know what's coming your way. Challenges might come through email or they might come on the line. Maximize your training and stay proficient, not just current, at your skill.

Don't fumble, juggle or otherwise cause a turnover. Stay focused and concentrate on excellence. You can't afford to give one away, however that may apply. You're too valuable to the team. Your budget is too tight. No one wants to pick up a mess you've left behind. When mistakes happen, do your best to recover quickly.

A "head's up" is almost always the best course. If the football is getting bigger and faster, but not moving in your windscreen, let an Airman know. Preferably, your boss. Bad news doesn't get better with age.

Some aren't natural athletes, so practice won't always make perfect. But it helps. Don't shy from discomfort. If your throws are wobbly, spend some extra time with your squadron's Joe Montana. If you can't catch, run routes with your group's Jerry Rice. Trust me, your supervisor will recognize and reward your initiative and you'll gain credibility with your peers.

Rushed plays don't work because sometimes the team might not be ready to block for you. Let the play clock run down a little, or call time out if needed. But avoid procrastination or lackluster performance will become your game plan. Find your balance.

If you're the only receiver and are tired of being thrown to, think you're not getting enough touches or maybe you're the quarterback and are upset with your receiver's production -- give, expect and demand a huddle. Feedback is your obligation and duty.

Lastly, championship teams thrive on trust and confidence. Be a good wingman. Anticipate struggles, recognize dips in resilience and congratulate successes. In the "world's greatest tanker squadron," we have only one rule when it comes to hallway catch: Don't drop the ball.