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U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, walk down the Shaw Air Force Base flight line led by Lt. Col. John Vargas, 77th Fighter Squadron commander, to meet their families upon returning home from a five month deployment in support of Operation Unified Protector, Sept. 12, 2011, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The mission of the 77th FS is to provide air suppression and destruction of enemy defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston/Released)
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That's my leader
Posted 4/20/2012 Updated 5/29/2012
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Commentary by Lt. Col. John "Vegas" Vargas
77th Fighter Squadron
4/20/2012 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Thank you for allowing me a couple minutes of your time to discuss my interpretation of leadership. I'm humbled to have the opportunity.
Care for your people, love your people. This may sound a little touchy feely but it's essential to be effective. They have to know that you care about them and that you're all in for them. If they don't, they won't be all in for you or the organization. They have to know that you'll be there for them not only when times are good but also in the face of adversity. If you don't care about your people then you aren't a leader, you're a manager, and would be better served working in Corporate America, not in the U.S. Military. Put their wellbeing ahead of chasing meaningless metrics; a phenomenon which happens all too often. Let them know who you are and what you hold most dear...let them have the opportunity to care for you in return. Always remember, they aren't there to be your subordinates, you're there to be their Leader.
Get buy in from your subordinates/team. Set your vision and ensure they know how their tasks fit into the big picture and how they'll make a difference. Let them know why what they're doing is important. Deep down, no one wants to be average, let them know what they need to do in order to excel. Avoid dictating how to accomplish their tasks, but rather show and help them with the development and execution of their programs. If all they're doing is executing your program, in the eleventh hour when the chips are down, they're not going the extra mile because it isn't theirs. They have no ownership in the process or program. When they're empowered and they have ownership, they'll go the extra mile to get the job done and ensure mission success.
Create an environment that they can excel in. Let them know that you demand their very best, that you demand excellence. Let them know that they're a part of something special and that together, as a team; you are going to accomplish great things. Make it as fun as possible. They'll be more productive and effective if they enjoy coming to work. Twenty years from now you want them to think back on what a great experience it was being a part of your organization. Hold your folks accountable for their actions. Ride them hard and push them so that they realize that they can accomplish things they thought not possible. If they let the team/organization down, let them know. Don't just throw daggers or paperwork; instead show them where the error occurred and how to fix it the next time. If they don't care, get rid of them. If they do, meet them 75 percent of the way and let them know that together you'll get your arms around whatever they're having difficulty with. Always remember...when they succeed, give them all the credit. When they fail, take all the blame. You're ultimately in charge and responsible-you're their leader.
Finally, be competent and credible and demand excellence of yourself. Your folks need to know that when it's "Go Time" you're going to be there, beside them, in front of them delivering. They need to have confidence that they can follow you to hell and back if necessary and that you'll get them in, get them out, and will accomplish the mission. No one wants to follow an ok leader. They will follow, but you won't inspire them. You won't push them because you don't have the skills yourself. Let them look at you and say "someday I want to be just like that guy/gal, that's my leader." |
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