This concept really works. I used to have a position where I was entrusted with a direct line to the group commander. When we ran into issues on the flight line, I was able to make decisions above my “normal” authority. I made the decisions I was comfortable with and pushed the information to commander of what we chose to do. He set limits of what I could and could not do and let me do my job. I made mistakes. I learned from them. It worked.
I remember sitting in a lunch and learn as an A1C and hearing the speaker talk about being a lifelong learner. It amazes me how this one phrase: ‘lifelong learner’ has motivated me to never quit. When we push ourselves to learn more we elevate our teams. Never stop learning if you want to lead.
I have seen so many people pass up an opportunity because they were not prepared or because they let their ego get in the way. This is a sad thing. It is sad not because the door is gone, but because they are not willing to put in the work it takes to reopen that door or the ability to swallow their pride to repair the damage of ego. Don’t be either of these…go back to the door.
I have seen many people over the years who could not accept there were things outside of their control. Sometimes we fall into the “shut up and color” zone while in the military. I know this has happened to me many of times and I was driven to make rank so I could right the wrongs I experienced. What I learned was there are a lot of things that exist for a reason and my efforts were more fruitful when I focused on what I could influence. I was able to fix some things and had the ability to make the mission better and those on my team better prepared. There are enough things in our own sphere of control that need fixed; don’t waste your energy worrying about what is out of your reach.
Jim Collins teaches us in his book Good to Great, he states we should put as much attention into our “stop doing” list as we do into our “to do” list. I have noticed that almost every single person at every single level takes on tasks they shouldn’t. Some are doing things they know are out-dated, but never say anything about. Some volunteer to take tasks from others. We need to think about the things we are doing and what things we can stop doing to focus more on what actually moves the mission forward.
Grit. We typically don’t have too much stress or true fear of failure on our routine tasks. Most of us do fear trying something new or going out on the limb because we are worried we will fail. This fail could stain our reputation and earn us a mark down. We need to stamp this fear out of our lives and careers. Instead, push the limits. If you fail, learn from it and try again. Keep trying and learning until you succeed.
My father once told me that if I want to be a champion, I have to run with champions. Back then I took it literally and sought those who were the fastest in my school and hung out with them. I eventually carried this habit into other areas of my life and realized true champions do something differently than everyone else. In fact, what makes them champions is that they do what others are not willing to do. While everyone else was out partying, they were in college classes. They stayed after the unit PT sessions and worked out some more. They waited a couple of extra months to save for something they wanted instead of charging it their card. Basically, if you are tired of not succeeding in some area of your life, look for something new to try.
Rank and position will get you compliance. People will do what you ask and follow your orders…but nothing more. When you treat your team with humility and as a family, they will endure your bad decisions. They will accept your momentary lapses of judgement. They will allow you to drift in your lane. They will still want to be on your team when you have their best interests in mind.
When we are starting out, we are not afraid to fail. We even have the “I’m just an Airman” mentality that gives us a pass for making simple mistakes. However, we get to the point where we are good at our jobs and others recognize our talents. We become the go-to technicians and have a reputation of excellence. It is here we become afraid to take new risks. “What if we fail? People will think we are not the best anymore.” Truth is, there is someone coming behind you not afraid to take on new challenges and they will soon surpass you. Remember you are successful because you weren’t afraid to fail in the beginning, not because you never failed.
