The one constant is change -- Become a ‘change agent’

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Gary Wettengel
  • 3rd AS operations officer
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  We live in a world of constant change. Everyone can adapt to it, but it is how we deal with the change that is important.

In the military, we change often - people change stations, change jobs, change our mission focus, but it is how we collectively handle the change that makes or breaks the unit.

This time of year is the period traditionally with the most transition. It is time to embrace change and there is no better time than now!

President John F. Kennedy said, "Everything changes but change itself."

With this reality, we must be ready for change and work to use it as a benefit. We should always be thinking of ways to not only improve our area, but how to make improvements to help the agencies we touch. President Kennedy went on to say, "Take the best of the past and work to make the best of the future."

Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century Rapid Improvement Events are tools used to optimize processes and take the best of past practices and integrate it with new technology and capabilities.

AFSO 21 provides tools for change but relies on 'change agents' to lead the cultural change. The individuals most valuable to an organization are the change agents, represent the user population and help communicate the excitement, possibilities and details of the change to others within the organization.

As we continue to think and fight as an enterprise, it is important to find improvements and eliminate inefficiencies. The change agent can help get the entire unit on board with the change in order to help the entire project.

Change is not easy! President Woodrow Wilson once said, "To do things today exactly the way you did them yesterday saves thinking."

Not everyone likes change. It can create animosity in the work place and some people have a tendency to get set in their ways. Inflexibility is not the way to run an efficient operation. The Air Force needs folks willing to spend the extra time early, to improve the process for all.

If what is being asked of you today is different than that what was asked of you yesterday, do not give an easy, 'no.' Think! Be ready to say, 'yes, we can do that.' or 'I am not sure but let me look into that,' Then follow up. There are plenty of opportunities to perform tasks differently to make the base and military stronger. Be change agents for improvement.

It has been said that change is what people fear most. However, we all want to make things better. Everyone has seen something that just does not pass the common-sense test.

When you see a process that is not running as efficiently as you think it should, instead of simply complaining, become a change agent. Work to lessen the inefficiencies, improve the quality or decrease the cost. Positive changes may cost your division or unit a little more time or money, but if we can improve the overall cost or time ... in the end, the total savings will make up the difference.

As new taskings come to Dover Air Force Base, we need to be ready and willing to ensure success. Challenge yourselves and each other to seek out beneficial change everyday.

Keep a positive attitude when others seem negative. Embrace change and become the change agent.