Commentary: Focus on leadership

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael Wood
  • 442nd Maintenance Group commander
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. The ripple effect of a leader's enthusiasm and optimism is awesome. So is the impact of cynicism and pessimism. Leaders who whine and blame engender those same behaviors among their colleagues. I am not talking about stoically accepting organizational stupidity and performance incompetence with a 'what, me worry?' smile. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals and we can be the best. Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day."

-Gen. Colin Powell, US Army retired

The United States Air Force Reserve is packed full of leaders - individuals who have stepped up to the challenge to defend this great country. They have volunteered for their military duty, held themselves to the Air Force's core values and sometimes paid the ultimate sacrifice.

In the 442nd Maintenance Group there are plenty of examples of this. It is extremely comforting as the commander of this magnificent group to be surrounded by such talented and inspiring warrior leaders, and I do not use the term "warrior" lightly. In this day and age, our choice in profession screams "warrior." The reputation this unit has throughout the command is exceptional. The past year, as we strive to become more standardized, our drive to become tech-data compliant and our next year's inspection will take leadership from each one of us to push us even further and gain our spot as the premier combat force.

Leadership by proxy is out, and leadership by example is in. Leaders set the example, the tone, of their shops, flights and squadrons. We, as leaders, in the 442nd MXG will set the example for other units within the command to follow. As the group commander I expect my warrior leaders to be enthusiastic. They need to be able to manage their personal life with their civilian employment and reserve commitments. They must be oriented toward quality maintenance production with the mission of this wing as the guiding light. Our warrior leaders will be responsive and cooperative within the group and to the wing. They must have situational awareness with also an acute understanding of the health, safety and welfare of the unit. Above all else they will be loyal to their fellow Airman. Their very soul should speak to the core values that make this Air Force so great.

Integrity, service before self and excellence in all that we do.

By the book, integrity is a character trait. It is the most important because it is the essence of oneself. Integrity is the willingness to do what is right when no one is looking. Our group leadership will have integrity above all else. They will have courage, honesty, be responsive and accountable, show humility and speak with openness not to degrade but to encourage. The organization needs direction and our warrior leaders will provide it.

Never doubt this - I am extremely proud to call the 442nd MXG home. It is one of the best maintenance organizations in this command and especially one of the more combat-proven. We have the extreme honor of putting on a uniform and serving this great nation ... do it proudly with the mission in mind!