My three 's to success

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Clarence Lukes
  • 570th Global Mobility Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  I'm reminded as I go through C-130 requalification training of our love affair with memory aides. From flying operations to air base opening, we use "catch phrases" to help us remember important ideas that we often find difficult to recall. I would like to add one more to your leadership toolbox. The "Three Cs to Success" has worked for me and I'm hoping they will work for you.

The first "C" is comfort. We are always told to get outside of our comfort zone. There are proven benefits to this edict that help us better understand our limits and our assigned jobs. The idea is valuable in our professional development, but at some point, even when you're outside your comfort zone, you immediately begin to make the unknown comfortable. Leadership throughout an organization's chain of command seeks to accomplish the mission while providing personal and professional growth opportunities for their subordinates. The ultimate product of this interaction is the development of Airmen who are more comfortable at their assigned duties because they have been tested to be more capable. Comfort is the foundation of my three Cs to success.

The second "C" is consistency. For any given task, the more comfortable you are, the more consistently you'll produce positive results. If you've participated in any sporting event, you'll quickly identify with this principal. How many successful athletes rise to the top of their sports by being inconsistent? How many leaders communicate their vision effectively by being inconsistent? In the profession of arms, consistency is a vital leadership trait that often makes the difference in mission effectiveness. My worst squadron commanders were the "Jeckel and Hyde" type. Both temperament and message were at odds. It is my opinion that leaders need to be comfortable with their vision, consistently communicating it or fall prey to a lack of credibility with their subordinates.

The third "C" is confidence. You show me an athlete who is comfortable with his equipment, consistent with his game and I'll show you a champion with extraordinary confidence. Confidence provides exponential results. Confidence allows Airmen to perform difficult tasks safely and efficiently. We've all had our confident moments.

Times characterized with terms like, "being in the zone." Unfortunately, confidence is often fleeting, but we may be able to tap into our confident behavior more often by revisiting the first two Cs to success. Our beloved Air Force is constantly developing; thus, leadership needs to provide opportunities for their subordinates to build their confidence to help facilitate the required change and bring about the desired effects.

Just like with most products available on the market, my three Cs to success may not be for everyone or every situation. However, I believe it may provide a means to an end for those searching for better ways to lead and follow. Hopefully, by tying together as suggested comfort, consistency and confidence in your future endeavors, you will achieve the success you're after. Now "let's get at it!"