Find someone to chase

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Troy Pietz
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – As we ushered in a new year, I reflected on almost 20 years of service in the world’s greatest Air Force. A look back showcased a copious amount of change that has occurred since the 1990s, or as my children would say “the 1900s.”

I had the epiphany that leading across generations is perpetual in our profession of arms and an absolute prerequisite to developing our enlisted and officer forces. French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr may have said it best, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”  In that vein, the following two leadership messages have resonated with me throughout my career: 

First, nothing worthwhile comes easy.

I believe Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, captured the essence of this principle in his “The Man in the Arena” speech. He highlighted the fact that we should not fear failure or the critics that spotlight it, but leverage the courage to advocate for a worthy cause despite the belief of our naysayers. In summary, don’t fear trying new things, lead outside your comfort zone and be the change agent for something that isn’t “the norm,” even when it is hard because these things are necessary for the advancement of the Air Force and our mission. Be the transformational leader who isn't afraid to stand up for what is right and drive development of people and processes around you.  Also, remember that integrity is more than just doing right when no one is looking; it is doing right despite the fact it may be faster and easier to do things wrong.

Second, always have somebody to look up to, look forward to and somebody to chase.

This is the best advice I can give any Airman while seeking success in his or her Air Force career. This simple piece of advice has obvious implications regarding one’s career goal setting but also highlights the need for personal and professional balance. Somebody to look up to - This speaks to mentorship.  Have individuals you look up to and aspire to be like. It’s the start of our journey to be a well-rounded Airman, helps develop our path to success and drives emulation, a very powerful tool to have when you are lost as a leader. Somebody to look forward to. This is the driver for our motivation and upholds our resiliency as we grow and develop. It’s that hidden influence that spouses, family and friends naturally impart on us, powering us through difficult times.

Finally, somebody to chase. This could be your wingman as you climb through the ranks, your brother or sister in another service or even you chasing yourself 10 years from now. Competition can be a powerful motivator.

I hope by sharing this I’ve added some tools to your leadership tool box. Nothing is fool-proof, but I believe these perspectives have value in discussions on leadership.