Air Force’s success depends on each Airman’s attitude

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Russell Kuck
  • 62nd Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant
Over the years, through a combination of experience, leadership training and empowerment, the Air Force has developed highly effective enlisted leaders.

These Airmen are not only responsible for ensuring mission success, they are also charged with the professional and personal development of those they supervise.

Although this is a demanding role, I've found the supervisors who stand out as exceptional leaders and mentors all have at least one thing in common ... a positive attitude.

If you consider the fact that the art of leadership is carried out not so much in words as in attitude and in actions, then the reason these Airmen are viewed as successful leaders by their peers becomes clear.

There is no magic to what they do; it's not that they have more time or drive than others.

What they have is the right mindset and a desire to set the proper tone of what is expected from their Airmen as they grow and develop in the Air Force.

This is effective because our Airmen are constantly watching and taking note of how their supervisors interact and react in various situations.

They learn everything from what it means to show proper respect to how to handle stressful situations by observing those responsible for their development.

This is a never-ending process and as you move up the chain of command, your actions are actually looked at more.

By starting now and adopting the right attitude, you will be able to constantly influence those around you, creating specific actions and positive results.

Our continued success depends on preparing those we supervise to eventually replace us ... we owe it to them to make sure they are ready to serve as positive role models as well. Hooah!