People, it’s all about them!

  • Published
  • By Col. Kathryn Weiss
  • Commander, 436th Medical Group
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Support your Airmen but most importantly trust your Airmen.

After 22 years of active duty service I continue to be amazed by the expertise and knowledge of even the youngest Airman and what they can provide to the job at hand.

I value the relationship I have with the Airmen I lead because I know it can make the difference between a mediocre or outstanding performance. Supporting and trusting in their abilities then seeing them succeed are my proudest moments as a Commander.

Because people know and feel sincerity-be genuine! Airmen can separate and spot those who are not a mile away! You must truly care about them - they know the difference.

My goal is to echo our motto "People, Mission, Family" to every Airmen, not only in word but by deed because they matter!

Hence, small acts of kindness and caring attitudes can go a long way. Remembering an important detail about their life, a birthday, their child's name, something they said in passing or maybe just take the time to listen to what they have to say. You don't have to fix it, and remember not everyone is looking for an immediate answer but they just want someone to share their burdens with.

Listening to your Airmen shows them they are important and provides an atmosphere that will invite honest feedback. The amount of information garnered when your Airmen feel comfortable is much greater than when they feel minimized.

Also, remember everyone stumbles, and when we do that's when we need our leaders the most.  Allow room for mistakes and be there to help your Airmen navigate the road back.

As Commanders, it is important for us to take responsibility for our failures and just as important to attribute the unit's success where it belongs-with the Airmen that made it happen. I implore you to be encouraging and lead by example in every possible aspect.

Trust your Airmen; they know their way and what they are doing.

We have the best Airmen in the world. They are very well trained and are experts in multiple fields. It is to my advantage to trust them and their inputs.

With the medical group's upcoming Joint Commission survey looming, I know I can rest easy in the confidence my Airmen will make it happen and do it all with excellence.

Taking some words from Colin Powell; "Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved."

When it is all done, if I have proven to them I trust and believe in them, they will take care of our medical group. The Eagle Medics will continue to soar and become an even greater asset to our Wing and the Air Force!