Commentary: First Sergeant's perspective on qualities of leaders

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Yuvonne Fischer
  • 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As a First Sergeant, the motto, "My job is people -- everyone is my business," speaks to what drives me every day. I have been blessed to have the chance to meet, work with, guide, coach and lead many people during my 22 years in the Air Force.

As I contemplate retirement I know a part of me will miss being involved with helping people overcome challenges and watching them grow into what they are capable of achieving. The Air Force is a dynamic organization, one that has given me the chance to take on challenging positions that have helped me to increase my abilities in what I am most passionate about -- developing people.

In John Maxwell's book, "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader," he discusses passion as a quality that motivates us to give ourselves fully to what we do for our organization. In my line of work, I believe that passion is the first step in achieving success because without it one cannot be effective.

Over the years there have been several SNCOs that have told me, "I could never be a First Sergeant." When I ask why they respond with, "I don't think I could handle dealing with all problems," or "I'm not a people person," and "It's not for me."

Although in my opinion, this is the best job in the Air Force, I have come to realize that their passions lay elsewhere and mine is right where it needs to be. Early in my career I had great supervisors who helped me focus on what I was good at and then laid a foundation in me that if you have weak desire you will get weak results. This mindset has stayed with me throughout the years and has led me to many unique opportunities.

In 1992 I joined the Air Force and completed the Security Police Academy as a "slick sleeved" Law Enforcement Specialist. From that point I had the privilege to hold unique opportunities that have led me to where I am today.

The Air Force challenged me in positions that were lined up with my passion; as a young Airman I was afforded the chance to teach Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) to elementary school children for a few years. Following that, I worked at the Community College of the Air Force as the Program Manager for the Security Forces degree program, where I was introduced to education and development and experienced firsthand how important attaining an education was for our enlisted force.

I then went on to teach Professional Military Education (PME) at the McGuire Airman Leadership School and it was then that I felt for the first time I could help make a real difference with the up and coming supervisors as they prepared to become NCOs. From there I went on to Lajes Field, Azores as the Commandant of the ALS and First Term Airman Center.

My big transition came as I went back to Security Forces as a Flight Chief at Minot AFB, N.D. after spending some years out of the career field. Then my opportunity came to apply for the job I always wanted--First Sergeant. At my first attempt I was denied because the career field would not release me. I did not let that hold me back; approximately 7 months later I reapplied and was accepted.

When I look back, I see the Air Force has given me all the tools I needed to be successful. Nothing has stood in my way, nor has anyone or anything held me back from achieving the goals I set.

Just today I was on the flightline talking with a young Airman working on his Career Development Courses. He stated he was nervous about doing a good job on the test and the impact it could have on his career if he did not pass. I told him I was glad he was nervous because that said to me that he cared. He had his book open and was studying as he was waiting for a jet to launch and we went on to talk about his contributions to the Air Force as a crew chief. He said he really did not understand how he made the mission happen until he arrived here to RAF Lakenheath and started 'crewing' a jet. At that moment I saw a curious Airman that needed one person to put into perspective what the possibilities are for him as a member of our Air Force.

I believe it is important for each of us to share our stories with other people. More importantly, I believe it is our responsibility to pour ourselves and our experiences into others; we achieve that by taking the time to listen, share and connect with our people.

After more than 22 years of service, I hope I have served those around me well by sharing my experiences and knowledge with those who I have come across. I am not the same person I was in 1992 and I will fondly remember that the Air Force has changed me and allowed me to explore everything I was capable of doing for our Airmen. If you ask me what my passion is, my answer will still be the same: people because, "My job is people -- everyone is my business."