Headquarters U. S. Air Force I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e AAACN Tri-SIG Military Special Interest Working Group Colonel Linda C. Kisner, USAF, NC Director, Air Force Nursing Services

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Reflective Leadership Dedicated to: Colonel Verena Zeller Seberg First Corps Chief, USAF, NC

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Col Verena Zeller Seberg First Chief of Air Force Nurse Corps November 1, 1912 – December 30, 2007

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e My Role Models as a LT

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Effective Leaders Many similar characteristics Differences enhance the soup Situational leadership is important Constant learning process

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Know what motivates Different generations, different goals Superstars, sure and steady, challenges Workplace environment Sense of community Accentuate the positive

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e

Know what doesn’t Motivate Favoritism (Perceived or Real) No rewards (Perceived or Real) Lack of consequences (Perceived or Real) Clumsy criticism Clumsy praise Unreasonable expectations Lack of progress Unmet needs No perceived rewards

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e

Lessons Girls Learn Play nicely together-competition/conflict damaging and should be avoided Share your toys-everyone wins when you share and compromise Success means we all get along It’s most important to be liked Competitive girls called bossy, catty, can be unpopular…??

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Boys Learn Competition is fun, only way to get ahead Winning is the goal More important to be respected than liked Aggressiveness wins top jobs Don’t challenge the coach - guy on top rules Friendly to teammates but don’t have to like them Even if you don’t have all the answers, act as if you do

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Girls Learn (2) Decisions are discussed and negotiated Power should be shared – keep it even Teamwork means finding solution good for all Doing good individual work best way to support team

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Boys Learn (2) Fight back to dominate your opponent Take the floor; out shout your competition Conversations should solve problems, reach goals Banter is part of bonding Don’t show them when it hurts

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Girls Learn (3) You need to like your teammates Fairness is all - and fair is following rules Negotiate, don’t order people around It’s important to admit shortcomings Don’t fight back if attacked Don’t interrupt; wait your turn

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Boys Learn (3) Criticism and feedback is useful if it makes you a better player If a coach criticizes you, doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you Big boys don’t cry You can knock people down on the way to the goal; if you win, it doesn’t matter It’s OK to brag if you win

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Girls Learn (4) Conversations should enhance intimacy Banter can hurt feelings - should be avoided Smile and be nice Criticism damages relationships It’s OK to cry

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Boys Learn (4) Key players need to know your strategy Can’t win without a winning strategy Position yourself on team so your strengths maximized

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Girls Learn (5) Good girls follow rules, don’t make mistakes, don’t make a mess Ultimate goal is to keep everyone happy Focus on process not winning - no one wins a game of dolls Good girls don’t brag

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Lessons Girls Learn (6) Don’t be pushy Do your best and you will be rewarded If you get knocked down, Mom will make it better

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Learn to Let Go Of old injuries/grudges Of negative relationships Of things that no longer work for you Of self criticism, failures Of unhealthy habits Of being “one of the gang”

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Now you are a Leader You’re not paranoid - everyone is watching Humility is more attractive than arrogance You need others more than ever before Don’t get caught up in your own PR

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Now you are a Leader Don’t change what has worked for you Schedule what you need to do Your world is upside down – your individual products no longer drive success

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Real Leaders… Are optimists Don’t abuse privileges Don’t make scenes Pull rank with great care Prepare future generations of leaders Work as hard for their people as their people work for them Maintain a professional image and behavior

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e If I knew then, what I know now Taking care of people vs care taker Human is good, needy isn’t Identify/cultivate a coalition Buy time when you need it Speak the language Don’t show your underbelly Don’t take it personally Work on your poker face

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Final Thoughts Nursing got you where you are today Your chance of becoming a legend are small Your chance of success and satisfaction are GREAT