Practical Guide to Leadership

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Joel Briske
  • 436th Security Forces Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  What is leadership? Are you kidding me!? We have heard so many different definitions of what leadership is, exactly, and the debate continues on after that on whether it is more an art or a science. Okay, honestly does knowing the precise definition of leadership or agreeing on what blend of art and science best articulates leadership matter? I say no! What matters is leading. 

So why is leadership so difficult? Because it is much more than just giving out orders or direction, it is understanding your mission, understanding the people you work with both to your left and right, and up and down, and it is about putting into action a way to accomplish mission requirements with the people and resources you have. Some leaders get way too wrapped around the axel about how they should act in the role of a leader or spend too much time wondering how their subordinates see them or whether they should be more stoic or more reserved? From my experiences as a leader, if these thoughts take up more than a nanosecond of time in your brain you are not focusing on the right things. If you focus on a few critical items, you will be understood as a leader. In other words don't act like a leader, just lead!

It does not matter if you are a colonel, a chief, an Airman First Class or a Technical Sergeant, everyone can lead and you can do it well with some practical applications. These practical applications have worked well for me throughout the life of my career:

· Be yourself. If you are a goof then still be a goof. Most of us are lousy actors; if you are not being yourself you run the risk of coming off phony and that will be awkward at best, and at its worst can become an issue of trust.

· Be sincere. Mean what you say, do not over promise, and do what you say you are going to do. Do not be the leader that talks, talks, and talks and has all these great ideas but puts none into action.

· Know where you are going. Define what you are trying to accomplish and communicate that well to all. If members do not understand, rephrase it until it is understood by all.

· Be decisive. Action, Action, Action! Know your limits, know your missions, know your legal parameters, know your personnel and make decisions to accomplish the mission. Often you will not have all the information you want or need before making a decision but if you do not act you are still at square zero. Being at square zero does not get the mission accomplished.

· Measure your progress. If you cannot measure your progress then how do you know if you are being successful? If your measurements show that you are off the mark, adjust tactics and measure again to make sure you are on the right track for success.

· Treat all personnel with dignity and respect. This includes individuals who are going through difficult times even though those difficult times may be self-induced. It is alright to correct and guide individuals but there is nothing to gain through debasing, belittling or dressing down an individual for misdeeds. Instead, use that emotional energy toward mission goals and praising those who are working their tails off to meet mission requirements.

That is my practical guide to leadership. It is not mystical, magical or even really difficult to understand. To be a successful leader however, you must be willing to lead, not afraid to act and spend the time to figure out how to apply practical leadership techniques to what you do every day.

This is our Air Force and it will be exactly what we make of it.  It is up to us to carry on a legacy of history and traditions. Leadership is part of that tradition. I remember the day that I joined this great Air Force. I was looking up at the motto that hung over the entrance of the 3701st Basic Military Training Squadron. The motto still resonates with me today as it was so simple but direct in its meaning...Lead, Follow or get out of the way!