Take the "High Ground" Published Nov. 4, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. Dell Pratt 60th Operations Support Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Have you taken the high ground? The phrase high ground is used both literally and figuratively to illustrate positioning. In either case, the effective use of the high ground can lead to distinct advantages and bring about success in our personal and professional lives - both on and off duty. The high ground promotes effective decision making by allowing us to analyze the environment, position ourselves appropriately or proactively and then leveraging that position to ultimately achieve success. I recently attended the Gettysburg Leadership Experience on the Civil War battlefield in Pennsylvania. The literal advantage of the high ground and how it led to ultimate success was illustrated by the role Maj. Gen. John Buford played in determining the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg, and arguably, the entire Civil War. Gen. Buford was a union cavalry soldier assigned to scout the area. He was the eyes and ears of his organization. It was Gen. Buford who analyzed the environment and decided to position his greatly outnumbered soldiers on the high ground, allowing the Union Army to leverage that position for three days and deliver the Confederate Army a crushing defeat. At some point, we serve in the cavalry role, whether it's a security forces Airman remaining vigilant on post, or a wingman in an off-base nightclub scanning the crowd for potential issues. The key is to attain a good position and leverage it to your advantage. Figuratively, there's no limit to how the high ground can be used to analyze ourselves, our jobs, and even our relationships to proactively take an advantageous position and use that position to achieve a desired outcome. We often think of position in a physical sense, but it too can be used figuratively. Simply stated, we can mentally position ourselves for success or even greatness. Former National Hockey League player Wayne Gretzky gave an example of mental positioning when asked what made him such a great player. Gretzky replied that he mentally positioned himself in the rink stating, "Some skaters go to where the puck was, some skaters go to where the puck is, but I go to where the puck will be." He analyzed his environment and proactively positioned himself for success. Many people can see the high ground from their current position; some have already been proactive and taken the high ground. Regardless of where you currently find yourself, personally or professionally, take the high ground. It'll allow you to evaluate the situation, help you attain a position of advantage, and catapult you to success or maybe even greatness.