How I learned real leadership skills from the Airlift/Tanker Association

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Grant
  • 436th Operations Group
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  For years, I thought the Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) was only an annual convention over the Halloween weekend in a very, very nice location. The convention drew many industry supporters who handed out lots of free stuff to me while we discussed their products. Then add a few seminars during the day, a couple of tournaments, along with a nice meal; who could have asked for anything more? But that perception all changed when it came time to step up and take an officer position in the local A/TA chapter.

Being elected to a position of leadership in any organization is a test of resiliency and compromise. This was very true when I entered into the President's position in the local chapter of the A/TA; which has industry supporters, multiple chapters, numerous VIP's and the well-known annual convention. A very large lump developed in my throat due to the enormity of what is needed to be successful at this position. The first thought that came to my mind is that this is not going to be easy; the second was where do I begin? Out of these challenges, three lessons were learned that has helped me in my professional and personal life.

Lesson one: Do not be afraid to ask for help. The first thing the Eagle Chapter of the A/TA needed was a team to fill the open officer positions. I've found over the years that when putting any team together, do not pick the smartest, most decorated, highest in rank or most lauded individuals; pick the most tenacious who has proven to complete any task assigned to them, no matter how big or small. This is hard as I have learned to put my own ego and pride into a box and never bring it out.

Lesson two: Leverage the strengths. I've learned you have to ask current and potential customers what they know and like about the organization. Here, the rich and colorful history of the A/TA showcases how we achieve more as an educated team, than individuals. Therefore, a strength of the A/TA is its education programs via the Enlisted Education Grant, professional development seminars at the annual convention and Airlift/Tanker Quarterly magazine. The other is the mass of our friends who've helped move the global reach mission and now willing to help with all the work. Using this lesson makes and supports lesson one.

Lesson three: There's a reason I have two ears, and one mouth. Applying this abstract concept enhances the A/TA's strength in supporting not only the chapter members, but all mobility Airmen. This has been the hardest lesson to learn and follow, but the most rewarding when I do. Over time, this meant being able to work through any challenge by using all the people, resources and experiences available. This lesson ignites the folks I wrote about in lesson two, to come up with some outstanding ideas.

As a young Airman, the A/TA was a mythical organization reserved for those in great positions with really important stuff to do. I never once imagined being in a leadership position, it was always unattainable and reserved for someone else. Now as I find myself in the leadership position, I've learned that really important stuff is supporting the fellow mobility Airmen. As the annual convention draws near, I'll be looking forward to attending a few of the seminars and some good old story telling.