Chief discusses keys to success

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillon
  • 60th AMW command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CA. --  Happy New Year to one and all. We are now well into 2006 and things are as busy as ever.

As we began the new year, some if not all of us have made resolutions and set goals to improve the personal, professional, spiritual or social aspects of our lives.

As you pursue these goals, I would like to bring to your attention to some specific aspects that I consider critical to good order and discipline and to success at all levels.

Professional
A profession is an occupation requiring advanced education, training, a system of rewards, self policing and certification. A professional according to Webster is the act of, or engaging in the high standards of a profession.

Ask yourself, do you meet the pure definition of the word? You should strive to set and exceed the standard. Never do anything less than your best, “good enough for government work” is not an option.

Everywhere you go, everything you do, every word you say must communicate to the casual observer that you are the exception. Talk the part, be the part, enforce the part! This is not the expectation reserved for those labeled as No. 1, it is the expectation for everyone. Your actions in the public eye or in a private venue reflects on all of us.

Ask yourself, if the professionalism of the force was predicated on me, what would the perception of the Air Force be?

Attitude
In a middle school gymnasium in Southern Maryland a banner read, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” This simple yet profound statement clearly resounds throughout every level of the organization.

But what is an attitude? It is in every respect an expressed physical behavior of an inward feeling, thought or emotion. Our feelings and emotions must not be allowed to control our behavior or actions. Each of us may find ourselves experiencing a day that began too soon or lasted too long.

When you find yourself in this position remember, although you cannot control time, you can control what you do with the time you have available.

Smile, be positive, always be willing to lend a helping hand or an attentive ear, correct substandard activity in a positive manner, and remember, nothing is impossible.

Begin each day with a clear vision, give each day your all, and end each day with your best.

Appearance
In my years as a Security Policeman we judged others by their appearance. Why? Because they were the first example a visitor to the base saw at the gate, and our culture demanded an exceptional appearance.

Every morning when you get up and get dressed, stop by the mirror on the way out the door. Ask yourself, am I meeting Air Force standards? Am I a reflection of what I expect my Airmen to be? Am I a positive representation of the Air Force to the community?

If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions, start over; you are not ready to face the men and women in blue.

Respect
Respect is not a checklist item performed without personal involvement.

Respect for authority and clear recognition of rank and position is our responsibility, but respecting the rank and not the person is not an option. We are who we are 24 hours a day and rationalizing this fact away does not change it.

Respect is saluting that properly marked staff car, using the proper address for senior and junior military members and our civilian work force, paying tribute to the flag during reveille and retreat, standing when being addressed by someone senior, and always treating others better than you would expect to be treated.

Give respect up and down the chain and watch the atmosphere change in your work center.

Be professional, display a positive attitude, exceed Air Force appearance standards, and show respect for everyone you meet, and watch your entire work environment change.

Be the leader that makes the different.