Trunk or Treat was a Halloween tradition where we would line up cars and have children come dressed up to get candy…provided a safe way for children to come to the base and get A LOT of candy. I remember one year challenging my squadron to bring in as much candy as we could so the kids could have a good time. One day a young Airman brought in a huge box of candy. When I inquired about where he got all this candy, he said he gave the same challenge to his Flight and led the drive to collect the candy. I immediately recognized leadership potential in this young man.
I share the short story and ask you the question, how did you get to where you are today? For most, I think it comes down to 2 simple answers: 1) They were provided opportunities to lead and excel and 2) They worked hard and took advantage of those opportunities.
As leaders, challenge your teams everyday. No matter how small the challenge may seem, to somebody that is an opportunity for them to shine. It is an opportunity for them to step up and lead. Recognize it, thank them and watch them grow in front of your eyes!
For everyone else, when that opportunity arises, you’ve got to take advantage of it. I never said good things are handed to you. I never said you were going to like what you had to do. However, you’ve been given an opportunity, take the ball and run with it!
Deliberate Development 