Wisdom to ease pains of growth

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  A group of 45 upwardly mobile Airmen representing almost every section of the 482nd Fighter Wing absorbed information, tips, leadership philosophy and lessons learned during a leadership seminar coordinated by the wing Human Resources Development Council Jan. 4.

The Heritage Hall Conference Center buzzed with energy as several presenters covered diverse topics appropriate for new supervisors and aspiring leaders. Topics included: Interpersonal communication, duties of a first sergeant, enlisted performance reports, professional military education, motivation, Internet resources and AFSC training documentation were explored in detail.

Highlighting the idea that effective leadership is markedly different and more desirable than mere supervision or management, Col. Randall Falcon, 482nd FW commander, noted during opening remarks that supervisor and manager are simply job titles.

"But leaders are those who continue to grow and learn from the people around them. They know how to inspire people; they are flexible and willing to admit when they make a mistake," the colonel said.

The agenda was designed with this distinction in mind, said Senior Master Sgt. Honey Lane, HRDC member and 93rd Fighter Squadron first sergeant, who reviewed feedback documents from previous seminars when putting the January seminar together. "The idea is to develop great leaders, to surround ourselves with great leaders," said the sergeant. "The positive energy that comes about when there's great leadership attracts great people to the unit and into supervision."

Regardless of natural leadership ability, a great leader--especially a new one--must have the proper tools for the job. The leadership seminar provided some of the tools and offered information paths to others. "A lot of the topics covered things that I wish I'd known when I first became a supervisor," said Sergeant Lane.

A communications style and personality self-test allowed attendees to discover what type of interaction makes them most comfortable. Evaluation of each style shed light on how to recognize those with similar styles and those whose styles are different--those who require alternate communication and leadership strategies.

The seminar was also an exercise where attendees prioritized their notions of motivational hierarchy in the workplace allowed exploration of tactics supervisors can use (or avoid) when attempting to change the pace or quality of production, or attitudes toward the organization.

Formal instruction included proper completion of the newly updated Enlisted Performance Report forms, use of the online awards and decorations program and how to find and access available Air Force Portal leadership education and resource sites.

In addition to didactic components of the agenda, the day included examples of leadership in action. These real world experiences and lessons were offered by two of the wing's senior NCOs. Chief Master Sgt. Clarence Tears, 482nd FW command chief, and Senior Master Sgt. Mike Sklarsky, 70th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant. Both senior NCOs focused on the people aspects of leadership: treating others with dignity and respect; improving the organization and mission through self-improvement; tapping into the experience of others, and emulating those leaders viewed as positive role models.

The success of the seminar will in part be measured by the level of interest in the next leadership seminar. Sergeant Lane is hoping those in attendance not only gained useful knowledge and tools, but that they will spread the word, letting others know about the leadership opportunities available and the support systems which make the transition into additional responsibilities less intimidating.

"I feel like I have a better foundation," said Tech. Sgt. Diego Oquendo, 482nd FW Maintenance Squadron. Sergeant Diego is hoping to move into supervisory roles in both his military and civilian positions in the near future.

Staff Sgt. Francheska Peňa, 482nd Medical Squadron, hoped to learn how management, leadership and communication tie together. She also wanted to learn anything that would make her a more effective leader. "I'm much better versed now," she said at the end of the seminar. "I learned a lot of management skills and where to find information that I'll need. I'd recommend this seminar not only to new supervisors, but master sergeants and higher could get a lot out of this as a refresher too."