Leadership is foundation of all we do

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Edwin Markie
  • 321st Air Mobility Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A lot of words have been written on what leadership is, how to achieve it and how to apply it. 

I will add my few simple words to the discussion and say leadership is the foundation of everything we do. It is not simply telling people what to or imposing your will on others.

Leadership is the basis, the entering argument, for every action, decision and choice we make as Airmen.  I firmly believe that every Airman is a leader and our primary job as commanders, chiefs, first sergeants and supervisors is to build better Airmen and that begins with building their skills as leaders.

Think of leadership as the foundation of a triangle. It forms the base, the structure that every following action builds from. That base is the structural form that allows our Airman to grow; grow into better followers, better supervisors, better citizens and better people.  After all, the key is growing better people because, face it, we will spend far more time out of uniform than we will spend in it.

It is not enough that Airmen follow. We have to teach them to lead, lead their subordinates, their peers, and in some cases, their supervisors. Solid leadership skills at all levels build the foundation successful units stand upon. When you have good leaders at each level and those Airmen believe in what they are doing, they begin to develop ownership in their individual job, the unit and, ultimately, the mission.  That individual ownership they develop will rapidly turn into mentorship as Airmen build a desire to show others what they are a part of and how strong, well-placed leadership has made a difference in their lives. 

With this newfound heart, the Airmen will take their training more serious, with more vigor and develop new ways to train, ways that are more streamlined, more applicable and just plain better. This increased focus on training allows a natural flow of operations as your Airman are better prepared to handle what the mission throws at them.

With strong leadership skills, Airman make better decisions, tackle issues without fear, face the unknown and, when needed, confidently assume the role of their supervisor.  When you focus on leadership, the mission takes care of itself.

Ask any mastermind and they will tell you this focus on leadership develops a better Airman.  It quenches their thirst for growth and it fulfills their need to be more.  I have seen firsthand the development from ordinary to extraordinary in the leadership abilities of my Airmen, and I could not be more proud.       

So next time you have a few minutes of time on your hands, find your Airmen, spend some time engaging them on leadership. Ask them what makes a good leader.  Talk to them about how you, as a leader, make decisions.  Discuss what factors you consider and explore the why behind your thoughts.

Do not be afraid to engage your Airmen, young and old. You just might be surprised what you learn.  Remember, a strong foundation sets the stage for future success.