Commentary: Leadership at every level

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Laura Denis
  • 48th Security Forces Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Throughout my Air Force career, I have always pondered the true meaning of what leadership really is and how one becomes a great leader. What traits make someone a true leader? Is it solely based on rank, position held or does it lie in approachability?

While rank and duty position may play a role in being a leader, I have found that those are not the sole factors to being a leader. While one could be labeled a leader based on duty position and rank, it does not necessarily mean that they are considered a great leader.

So how do we become great leaders? Well for starters, it does not happen overnight and whether we realize it or not, our leadership skills were developed and tested the moment we entered in the Air Force and continued on to our NCO years and finally to our senior NCO years.

The primary job of junior enlisted Airmen is to adapt to military life and become proficient in the job specialty, however there is nothing that says you cannot be a leader within the Airmen tier.

So how do you show leadership within the Airmen tier? The answer to this question is easier than you may think. It's the little things you do every day. You do it by taking personal responsibility, by accepting your role in your job, by following the rules, by taking ownership in tasks that are given to you, by being self-motivated, having the courage to ask questions and pointing out the things that are wrong in a shop or work center. While I understand this may seem easier said than done, you will never go wrong if you apply the Air Force Core Values and Air Force Instruction 36-2618, Enlisted Force Structure as your guide. Being a professional Airman is the goal when striving and developing your skills as a leader.

By far one of the most challenging ranks in the Air Force is the staff sergeant and technical sergeant. In these ranks, according to the enlisted force structure, NCOs must not only accept and execute all duties but they must also place all the requirements of their official duties ahead of their personal desires. NCOs must also develop their subordinates while taking care of the mission and themselves. This can be challenging for some new staff sergeants. At the staff sergeant level, NCOs must now apply what they have learned and constantly ensure that everything they do is in accordance to Air Force guidance and standards.

Technical sergeants must go one step above that and act as motivators and mentors for the staff sergeants who are leading young Airmen. For these technical sergeants to be effective at this level, they must show they care about their people, not be afraid to follow and enforce regulations, be fair and impartial, and uphold the highest standards according to Air Force guidance and instruction. In essence, these ranks are the backbone of the Air Force and as the most influential tier they must constantly strive for excellence in all they do.

The Senior NCO tier serves as the embodiment of excellence through its pride, professionalism, and competence. Their extensive knowledge and experience allows them to be great mentors and motivators. According to the enlisted force structure, they must provide highly effective leadership to execute the Air Force mission and goals.

Their success as leaders depends on how well they can communicate this to their subordinates. In essence, they must be visibly active leaders that motivate and inspire. They must live the Air Force way of life, go above and beyond to set a good example and ensure the climate in their organization fosters team work and respect. In this tier, commitment is essential to the success of the unit. Leading by constantly displaying the Air Force core values and correcting, rectifying issues are essential to great leadership and mission accomplishment.

In my search for answers for what makes a great leader, I have found that being a great leader does not necessarily require a specific rank or duty title. It is a lot simpler than I could have ever imagined. What I have seen in my military career, takes personal perseverance, commitment, the willingness to do the right thing and personal sacrifice. Doing the right thing within any tier requires us to sometimes go against the status quo and to have the courage to speak up when something is not right. I have also found that internalizing the Air Force Core Values and understanding my role in the Air Force helps in making an average leader into an extraordinary one.

"Leadership at Any Level" means going above and beyond within your tier. Don't simply react, but be active in your career, be present for duty mentally and physically. Don't just exist be extraordinary in the performance of your duties. Be the Airman everyone wants to emulate.