Leaders create foundation for future

  • Published
  • By Col. Timothy Zadalis
  • 60th AMW acting commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Defining leadership and explaining why I lead is a challenge, but searching within to determine why you have chosen a career that demands leadership is even more daunting. 

As I pondered the question it became clear that my reasons have changed over the years. 

A career in the military carries a significant burden and each of us will be called upon to make difficult decisions and lead others through challenges. However, leadership in the Air Force also carries the burden of the future — each of us has the responsibility to prepare the next generation of Air Force leaders. Both challenges require preparation and it is that preparation that has motivated me. 

Throughout my career I have been challenged by leaders. I was given opportunities where I could make a difference. Not simply a change for change sake, but a difference that left a work center a better place for others. Seeing the difference and the impact I could have was the catalyst for motivation and to this day I strive to make a difference — no matter how small. 

It is from those leaders who challenged me that I garnered insights that are now the primary reason why I have chosen to lead. But it was the words of one commander that changed my career. One day while sitting in my office I commented that I would rather be out with a crew actually doing the mission. 

His comment back to me resonated. He said that in a cockpit I could lead one crew to great things, but in the position I held, I had the opportunity to influence every crew in the squadron and every crew could accomplish great things. 

It was then that I saw what so many leaders before me had. That success was no longer in individual accomplishments, but rather the accomplishments of those you influence — those you lead. 

So that’s what motivates me today. Seeing your success and watching you rise above challenges that you face on a daily basis. I draw my strength from the awards you win, the obstacles you overcome, and watching each of you make a difference in ways that I could not. My role is simple now, create the foundation, make sure that you have opportunity to excel, and sit back and watch the next generation of leaders surpass what I only dreamed of achieving.