Leadership in the Air Force

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to spend three months studying and practicing leadership in the Air Force culture.

The Air Force prides itself on being on the forefront of leadership theory and practice, and it most certainly is! When many companies and organizations simply spout off leadership rhetoric and progressive lip-service, the Air Force actually applies it across all levels, 360degrees. From a "lowly" E-1 (Airman) to the "esteemed" 0-8 (Major General), every person in the Air Force is expected to follow and lead. The Air Force develops leaders and I am so excited to be a part of this amazing organization. Furthermore, the two primary functions of my job as a chaplain is to (1) provide spiritual care and (2) advise commanders on ethical leadership. The Air Force is paying me to practice my two favorite activities: serve people spiritually and teach leadership. Go Air Force!

Below are some of my top leadership lessons I learned this summer as a new officer:
1. Integrity first. Effective leaders never compromise their core values.
2. Service before self. Great leaders look to serve rather than being served.
3. Excellence in everything. Never lower your standards or settle for mediocrity.
4. Mission comes first. The end goal takes precedence over individual agendas.
5. Teamwork. The synergy of the team is always greater than any one individual.