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Rock star’s lesson one to absorb for career, life
Michael Stipe seems like an unlikely source for life and career advice.
Stipe was the lead singer of the great, defunct American rock band R.E.M. You’ve probably heard their music in hit songs such as “Losing My Religion,” “Everybody Hurts,” “Man on the Moon,” “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” and many more.
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6/05
2018
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Unbowed, unbent, unbroken
Full spectrum readiness has been a priority among our Air Force leaders and has translated into countless exercises, numerous training hours in mission-oriented protective posture gear, and realistic scenarios to ensure we are able to respond to any threat anywhere in the world. But what does this really mean if we personally are not at our best? While it is extremely important to be proficient in those skills, if we are not mentally strong and ready, we will never reach the level of readiness we need to be at.
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6/05
2018
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“That’s just the way we do it” is not a good answer
I’ve been lucky in my career so far to instruct on three different aircraft and serve in the contingency response world. I started off flying C-21As (LearJets) doing distinguished visitor travel, then transitioned to the C-130 E/H doing airland and airdrop missions. I’ve also flown on air-refueling missions. As I transitioned into the C-130 and KC-135, I asked many questions on why the techniques and procedures were a certain way.
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6/04
2018
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Good, not dumb
A favorite quote of mine is from “Space Balls,” the 1987 movie parody of “Star Wars.” In it, the villain Dark Helmet, says, “Now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.”
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5/30
2018
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Set the example
I recently worked for a general who often told a leadership story about guiding a group of Airmen across a tarmac during the Gulf War while missiles were incoming. I had the opportunity to hear the story numerous times and was struck that I did not have a similar story of overcoming adversity in a combat environment that showed my leadership potential. It made me really consider what moments shaped me as a leader.
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5/09
2018
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Invisible Leadership
What do the words “invisible leadership” make you think of? When I think of invisible leadership, I think of leading people even though I don’t know exactly who is following. Similar to referent power, invisible leadership is when you influence followers because of the followers’ loyalty, respect, friendship, admiration, affection or a desire to gain approval.
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5/08
2018
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Trust: The foundation of a high performing organization
Trust is an intangible characteristic based on a belief that the person, group or organization bestowed with that trust will act in the best interests of those who have faithfully provided it. Trust is the bedrock upon which the Air Force functions.
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5/02
2018
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Be the leader we remember
In my 25 years in the Air Force, I have had the opportunity to work with many types of leaders. The leaders I remember most are the ones who weren’t afraid to make decisions. Many times, I found that people waivered and failed to make a move because it might be unpopular or be an uncomfortable decision to make.
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5/02
2018
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Military children serve alongside parents
Being in mission oriented protective posture gear “sucking rubber” may not be the best part of your military career—or maybe it is. But try doing a post-attack reconnaissance sweep with a child tagging along with you.
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4/24
2018
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Life as summer child gives perspective on the winds of winter
I heard a statistic recently that made me stop and think: Over 80 percent of the Airmen in our Air Force today came into the service after the fateful events of 9/11.
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4/24
2018
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