Back to the basics

  • Published
  • By Col. Donna Pike
  • 436th Mission Support Group commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  What is success?  How does one accomplish it?  Are we really connected today?  I'd argue that if we go back to the basics and do just a few things, we would find ourselves both successful and connected. This includes things such as truly living our Core Values, treating others with dignity and respect, no kidding knowing our job and making sure we take care of ourselves and our families.  These simple things will lead to success on and off the job.  Additionally, I'd say our Core Values along with dignity and respect help build relationships and trust and go a long way in connecting us; this is what I want to talk about.  We have many resources available but it all starts with each of us personally.  We must hold ourselves accountable to treat others with dignity and respect, to live our core values and to take the time to no-kidding know the folks around us to build relationships.  Commitment, dedication and balance are required. 

Last week we took a knee and held Wingman Day where we talked about the concepts of being a Wingman, resiliency, and diversity.  We said Wingman Day events are a means to reinforce good Wingman behaviors, focusing on positive behaviors and actions to help eliminate harmful ones.  I think of this as getting back to the basics.  What do I mean? 

First, I think more focus on the "dos" vice the "don'ts" is needed. We need to focus on the positive behaviors and how much of a difference they may make to someone.  Make no mistake, the "don'ts" are incredibly important and we must make sure we are not demonstrating those behaviors but I'd argue if we focus on the "dos" and really DO them, the "don'ts" take care of themselves.  So, what are the basics-- the "dos?"  DO treat everyone with dignity and respect, live our Core Values, and get connected to people in the aspect of getting back to personal relationships where we know each other. 

If we start off with what we learned from our childhood days and what we teach our children, basically the Golden Rule, we automatically would treat everyone with dignity and respect because we all want to be treated that way.  It's nothing new and it's a really easy concept--treat people like you want to be treated.  Think about it, it's doable and we all are accountable to ourselves and each other to be sure we are doing it.  If we all did this all the time in all aspects of our lives, we would not have to worry about things like harassment, discrimination, maltreatment or assault because those things don't happen when we follow the "dos." 

The foundation of what we in the Air Force want our character to be lies in our core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do.  Think about it, if we always live by them in all aspects of our lives, we earn the respect and trust of others.  A true Wingman lives by his or her Core Values and encourages others to demonstrate them as well.  These Core Values are yet another example of the positive behaviors we need to capitalize on, the "dos."  If the values are the foundation of our lives, the "Don't" behaviors go out the door.  Selfless teamwork comes to mind here and plays into the next concept, relationships and knowing people.

Being a Wingman and living our core values also demands that we truly know people.  What about our social relationships?  Are we connected?  Sure, through social media one can be connected to literally hundreds or more people, but who are you really in touch with?  Do you know your Airmen, your Wingman, your peers?  What social interaction do you have with folks?  When is the last time you sat down and had a face-to-face conversation with your Airmen?  When's the last time you turned off the TV, iPhone, e-mail, etc., and interacted face-to-face with your peers, subordinates or family?  Do you know your peers and subordinates well enough to recognize if something is off?  Have you built a relationship with them based on truth and respect where they would be comfortable confiding in you, coming to you with a problem?  As a Wingman, are you confident that you would be aware and step in if a fellow Airman needed you to?  Do you set the example when it comes to this?

Involvement is not an invasion into someone's privacy.  Rather, it is a testimony that you care about others and are there to help when needed.  It may be as simple as involvement in a training plan for a 3-level who is just learning the job. Are you working with that Airman to ensure he or she understands and is getting a solid foundation of their job?  Do you know that Airman enough to know things are going well for him or her both on the job and at home?  It also can be as simple as taking the time to say a heart-felt thank you to someone.  This involvement and connectedness is an example of what being a Wingman is about.  It's about knowing folks and using positive behaviors to help eliminate harmful ones. 

What are you doing to be sure you are a good Wingman and help develop more Wingman?  I encourage us all to get back to the basics, focus and build upon the positive behaviors and get to know folks andbe personable.