“For All”—A Lesson in Humility Published July 9, 2009 By Lt. Col. David Kumashiro 436th OSS commander DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Shortly after taking office as the 19th Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Norton Schwartz released a video message to all Airmen. In that message he said, "We should be proud of what we do for all: for America, for the joint team, for our Air Force and for our Airmen and their families." Two words in that message -- for all -- continue to resonate with me as a squadron commander and as an Airman, not only because it speaks to our core value of Service Before Self, but because it represents what I believe to be perhaps the most important part of good leadership -- humility. Now, don't get the wrong idea. I'm not saying be all humble when you're in a firefight, you're playing in the intramural basketball championships or you're shooting for that excellent on your fitness test. And humility aside, as General Schwarz said, we all should be very proud of the incredible work we do in the Air Force. But when the dust settles, you've made the mission happen, and you've achieved excellence in all you do, take a moment to reflect on the words "for all" and the extraordinary power of humility. Whether a frontline supervisor or the leader of a large organization, humility helps us to listen, helps us to respect others, helps us to learn, and helps us to innovate -- all things that are pretty good tools in the ol' leadership toolbox. Most importantly, however, humility helps to remind us, even in the toughest times, of our pledge to serve -- our pledge to serve others. So the next time you're having a rough day at work or things aren't going well in the office or on the flightline, take a second and try the Chief's words on for size. "For all" just might make you feel a little better.