AIR FORCE LEADERSHIP

What kind of Bone are you??? Mr. Wilburt Hill “BONES” Someone said the membership of every organization is made up of four kinds of Bones: There are the Wishbones who spend their time wishing someone else would do the work! There are Jawbones who do all talking, but very little else! Next, there are Knucklebones who knock everything else everybody tries to do! Finally, there are the Backbones who get under the load and do the work! What kind of Bone are you??? Mr. Wilburt Hill

Overview Leadership Defined Air Force Concept of Leadership Leadership Traits Leadership Principles The Leadership Situation Leadership Preparation

Leadership Defined Reference: AFP 35-49, Air Force Leadership, 1 Sep 85 Definition: Leadership is the art of influencing and directing people to accomplish the mission. What are the key words? Who are your leaders? How should leaders be selected? What’s the difference between leadership and management?

Air Force Concept of Leadership Basic Concept the leader must remember-- there are two fundamental elements in leadership: The Mission: Primary task of a military organization is to perform its mission. The People: People perform the mission. The Leader’s responsibilities include the care and support of the unit’s personnel, and they ensure the needs of their people are met promptly and properly.

Air Force Concept of Leadership Former AF Chief of Staff General Curtis E. LeMay: “NO MATTER HOW WELL YOU APPLY THE ART OF LEADERSHIP, NO MATTER HOW STRONG YOUR UNIT OR HOW HIGH THE MORALE OF YOUR MEN, IF YOUR LEADERSHIP IS NOT DIERCTED COMPLETELY TOWARD THE MISSION, YOUR LEADERSHIP HAS FAILED.”

Leadership Traits Six Traits Vital to Air Force Leaders: Integrity: Total commitment to the highest personal and professional standards. Loyalty: Three-dimensional trait which includes faithfulness to superiors, peers and subordinates. Commitment: Complete devotion to duty. Energy: An enthusiasm and drive to take the initiative. Decisiveness: A willingness to act. Selflessness: Sacrificing personal requirements for a greater cause.

Leadership Principles Know your job: People will follow a competent person. Know what you do not know and take corrective action. Know yourself: Effective leaders know their strengths and weaknesses, and must recognize personal capabilities and limitations. Set the example: Must set the standard for positive conduct and appearance both on and off duty. (cont)

Leadership Principles (cont) Care for people: If people believe they are cared for, the leader is in a position to earn their confidence, respect and loyalty. Communicate: Up, down and across. Educate: People should be properly trained to do their jobs. Equip: Ensure unit is equipped properly. (cont)

Leadership Principles (cont) Motivate: Greatest challenge is motivating people to achieve high standards--motivation is the force behind effective leaders. Goal: Leaders must provide an environment that fosters and rewards self-motivation. Accept your responsibility: Leaders are responsible for performing the unit’s mission--if the unit fails, the leader is accountable for the consequences. Leaders must have the authority to match their responsibility. (cont)

Leadership Principles (cont) Develop teamwork: Leaders must mold a collection of individual performers into a cohesive team which works together to accomplish the mission. Teamwork results when people are willing to put the mission before all else.

The Leadership Situation Each leadership situation should be approached by paying careful attention to the four primary factors: Mission: Define the mission, set priorities and reasonable and acceptable standards for mission accomplishment. People: People perform the mission. The leader must provide training and learn the experience levels of each of their people. (cont)

The Leadership Situation (cont) Leader: Must be able to adapt their leadership style to meet the mission demands and the demands of their people. Environment: Leaders must alter leadership behavior, as necessary, to accommodate changes in the environment. Be sensitive to the surroundings.

Leadership Preparation Think about leadership Observe leaders in action Study leadership and the profession of arms Practice leadership Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor: “IF A LEADER WILL TAKE CARE OF THEIR PEOPLE BY PROVIDING SUPPORT, MOTIVATION, COMMUNICATION, AND DISCIPLINE, THEIR PEOPLE WILL TAKE CARE OF THE MISSION.”

Summary Leadership Defined Air Force Concept of Leadership Leadership Traits Leadership Principles The Leadership Situation Leadership Preparation