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Leadership: commitment, honesty, courage
Posted 7/20/2012 Updated 7/20/2012
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Commentary by Lt. Col. Mark Vitantonio
2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron
7/20/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."-- Theodore Roosevelt
This quote resonates with the same enduring spirit and drive to succeed just as it did 100 years ago.
For most, our character is a result of our upbringing and the influences of mentors who have carefully cultivated traits which positively affect and foster growth. This deliberate cultivation develops leaders and leads to success. Though there are endless theories and examples of leadership, I offer something to consider - inward reflection on one's commitment, honesty and courage is necessary as we mature as leaders within the Air Force.
Commitment is the promise you made to yourself, your family and the Air Force. Commitment is following through in the toughest of times. Most importantly, commitment is action.
Champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong said, "When you have lived for an entire year terrified of dying, you deserve to spend the rest of your days on a permanent vacation. You can't of course; you have to return to your family, your peers, and your profession."
The drive and resiliency to follow through with goals and obligations in the face of failure creates that depth of character seen in true leaders. We will all fail at something; however, can you look inward, learn from the failure and commit to improving? Not only will you garner an inner strength and resiliency but you'll provide a foundation of strength for others to tap into.
Honesty is such a simple term its subtleties can sometimes be overlooked. While it's natural to define honesty on a yes or no scale such as, "did you complete the task or were you on-time?" gray areas can add complexity to the definition. This complexity is encountered when one talks about a more personal view of being honest. Are you being honest with yourself or with what your gut is telling you?
I'm talking about being upfront about what's right for yourself, your family, loved ones and the Air Force. If you can't be honest with yourself, there is no way you're going to be truthful with those who depend on you.
Do you ignore your health to achieve mission success, sacrifice time with your children to get a bit more work done, or accomplish your work e-mail at the expense of your subordinates? If the answer is yes, consider reflecting on what being honest means to you and its impact on others.
Having the courage to allow subordinates to look at alternatives, evaluate potential outcomes and choose a course of action develops leaders who can think. Early in my career, my attitude toward leadership was more as a problem solver; however experience and maturity have taught me that a leader is more powerful as a facilitator with the courage to foster the art of thoughtful risk-taking.
While that isn't a revolutionary idea, strength is required to be willing to risk your own failure and/or the failure of those you are responsible for in order to achieve lasting success. We all know the leader who endorses initiatives that feature predictable results and safe solutions, these are stagnant and non-innovative. Have the courage to mentor and trust those individuals with the drive to translate ambiguity and uncertainty into meaningful action.
While I've been exposed to many leadership examples, those which hit the mark were learned in an environment that rewarded an honest commitment to expanding the capabilities of its members through calculated risk-taking. Don't be fearful of looking inward to evaluate your personal leadership traits.
Through critical personal evaluation, you'll be able to stretch your abilities so you never have to live in that gray twilight which knows not victory nor defeat. |
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