Be a Leader who empowers

  • Published
  • By Col. Nancy Brooks
  • 349th Mission Support Group commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  At its lowest level, leadership is based on position only, so go higher, you must develop a good relationship with others. You must learn to lead by influence and not control.

When you influence that's when others give you permission to lead.

For most people, they will look for your leadership in their lives if they perceive you as trustworthy and admirable. As they get to know you better, the more plausible credibility you have, the more leadership they will grant you. Thus, we become leaders by serving with integrity. We set the example by being there for them and they will follow when they truly know that you "have their back."

When we encourage people and truly communicate, we're listening rather than waiting to say what we want to say, which allows others to feel good about themselves and build their confidence in not only themselves, but in you.

As they go through their journey of realization and bring you with them, they have given you their trust and therefore an invitation to influence.

This leads to mentoring. You, as their trustee, can help them develop personally and
professionally, all by just the simple act of actively listening, engaging what they have ascertained on their own, and sharing your experiences with them. Allowing others these avenues will truly make a difference in their lives. They, in turn, will influence the lives of others, by passing along your wisdom as well as the wisdom derived from their experience.

The Airman who encourages his co-worker to learn and do a great job sets the foundation of a career. The noncomissioned officer who empowers their Airmen, allowing them authority and responsibility, will grow leaders. The senior NCOs who show grace allow true communication. This is influence - giving to those who in turn continue to give. Influence is a continuous evolving process.

If you want to have influence, you must have integrity. Thus, as a core value, we have integrity first. All this is the makings of a good wingman.