Don't walk past a problem

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. James Zirkel
  • 436th Security Force Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  When growing up, my parents would always make me pick up after myself. I still recall my mother saying, "Don't leave your book bag on the floor, pick it up, and put it where it belongs." My parents were teaching me about self-discipline.

Today in the United States Air Force, we as leaders and supervisors have the same task with our subordinates. As a parent, I know my children not only learn from what I tell them, but more so from the example I set. This holds true as a leader and supervisor in the Air Force.

As a supervisor, do you correct someone you see out of dress and appearance standards? On the other hand, do you say to yourself, "I don't have time for this today," and tolerate the existence of the problem? Essentially, by walking past a problem, we are tolerating its existence.

When we as leaders tolerate the existence of a problem, this has the potential to become the "norm." Our subordinates then witness this behavior, failed standard, example of poor workmanship, or display of disrespect. For subordinates to observe a failure to correct such discrepancies has the potential to affect the culture of any unit. Leadership is expected to set boundaries and to hold firm when those boundaries are pushed to the limit.

Much like being a parent, a child needs boundaries; it's a sense of security for the child knowing the parent cares. As a leader and supervisor, choosing to address a problem as opposed to walking past a problem is a demonstration of integrity. When subordinates observe a leader "demonstrating" integrity, this has a powerful impact on a unit's culture.

According to Stephen Covey in "Everyday Greatness," "Integrity is the common denominator that sustains every other principle of Everyday Greatness. If a person is perceived as dishonest, a person filled with courage is feared and avoided. If viewed as unethical, a person performing an act of charity is assumed to be a selfish manipulator. So without the foundation of integrity, all other principles that make up a person's character are greatly diminished."

The next time you see something out of place, an Airman out of standards, the wrong tool being used, technical data not being used, or unprofessional behavior; demonstrate your integrity by matching your words with your deeds and showing that your behavior mirrors your values. Simply put, do not walk past the problem.