True professionals must value honesty, integrity

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Mark Larmony
  • 22nd Airlift Squadron Superintendent
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines professionalism as "the skill, good judgment and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well."

In today's Air Force, there is not necessarily a consensus when it comes to what a professional is. Most of the disciplinary and interpersonal issues that arise can be narrowed down to simply not being professional.  Not showing to duty on time, not being a technical expert, not giving honest feedback, and/or missing deadlines, ultimately degrades your ability to be a leader.

The Air Force is at the lowest level of personnel since its inception as a separate service. With the smaller number of personnel, every single Airman counts and is needed to accomplish the mission. Airmen need to become leaders at all levels. To be a leader, you don't need to be a section head or even in charge for that matter. Leadership can be practiced by someone who leads by example, acts as a technical expert, consistently helps others, is steadily on time and ready to work.

Each AFSC has its own specialized general knowledge to be mastered. Keeping this knowledge fresh is a sure way to improve your impact as a leader. A true professional must commit his or herself to the development and overall improvement of his or her skills. If a situation arises that falls outside of your scope of knowledge, don't brush it off. A professional must be reliable and trustworthy. "Shooting from the hip" to subordinates and even superiors to give the appearance of competency is not professional and certainly does not make one a better leader. This will likely come back to haunt you.

Instead, a leader and professional should not be afraid to answer honestly while attempting to find a solution to the issue, should one exist. Admit when you don't know something then look it up or ask for the help of an expert. Treat every opportunity as a learning experience and share the knowledge up and down the chain of command.  The Air Force core values should al-ways be in every action. Without integrity, a person cannot be trusted to do the right thing.

A true professional understands that they are accountable for their actions or words, even when they are in the wrong. This is equally applicable off duty as it is for on duty. Don't let a thoughtless remark or action degrade what could have taken years to build. A leader is not born with all leadership skills, but must dedicate his or her life to honing these abilities. Becoming a professional is not an overnight change, but is an ongoing process that can and will take a lifetime to master.

It has to start with a change in your behavior. It starts with being a better Airman than you were yesterday. It starts with a dedication to all aspects of professionalism, technical excellence, education, followership, honesty, integrity, fitness and communication. These are just a few examples of the many attributes one must dedicate themselves to improving in order to be-come a true Air Force professional and leader. Before you know it, you will be the standard that others will try to emulate. It will then be your responsibility to help others achieve this true professional status. Author Constance Chucks Friday said, "What makes you great is not what you do, but how you do what you do." Be the example.