Commentary by Lt. Col. Robert C. Schroeter
22nd Communications Squadron commander
8/9/2011 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) -- The Air Force is transforming to meet the challenges of today's operating environment. We depend on our Airmen to contribute by adapting to advance the Air Force mission, at home and in deployed locations.
To ensure their success, leaders must cultivate an attitude of positivity and 'can-do.' I take this task on day-to-day to support my folks to accomplish the missions they are tasked to.
Every leader has a philosophy they live by. As I looked back over my career to date, I remembered the mentors I had, both officer and senior NCO. From their teachings, I came up with this leadership philosophy by "SILENT B."
Sense of pride -- Showcase your folks and the work they do. Provide them a clean and safe work environment. Do not miss a chance to recognize them and be totally committed and accessible 24 hours a day. Access to you shows that you care and value their efforts.
Importance -- Let people know where they fit into the big picture and how their work impacts the mission. Help them take ownership. Listen to their inputs; you may not use them, but they may spark ideas.
Lead by example -- People learn from you, good or bad. Be a professional in all you do. Teach, mentor, coach and mold future leaders. Take a vested interest in junior Airmen because they are the future of our Air Force.
Enforce standards -- It's the simple things that can lead you down the wrong path. Policies, standard operating procedures and discipline are there for a reason.
No mistakes -- Mistakes are inevitable; admit to them, correct them and drive on. Convert them into learning opportunities.
Teamwork -- Be loyal to the unit, its mission and its members/families. Help people around you be successful, they will make you successful.
Be happy -- Have fun. Life is too short not to.
There you have it, the SILENT B leadership style.
Comments
8/16/2011 6:26:47 PM ET I think that is an excellent approach to leadership. There is, however, a fundamental problem that exists. You have individuals promoted to positions where they do not belong. Those who do not want to be leaders. This is a systematic problem that will probably never be corrected.
Jake, McChord
8/15/2011 12:45:46 PM ET Lt.Col.Schroeter, with that style of Leadership you should stay on Course and hopefully become a 4 star General. Your example of Leadership is exactly what the US Air Force needs Worldwide. There are but a few in and out of Military Uniform who truly know how to Lead by example you have been blessed to be one of them. I applaud you for being one of our great leaders who has chosen to speak up and my wish hope is that your fellow Officers and SNCOs choose to mend their ways and take note of your wisdom to make our great Airmen, no matter their rank, better then they thought they could be. A team who follows those rules plays hard and works hard can not be held down or defeated. As a former SNCO I used those very rules and continue to use them in civilian Aviation OEM life which are very much appreciated by all. Thanks for sharing and being all you can be. Thanks to all for their continued service to Our Great Nation.
Mike Solon SNCO Ret, West Chester Ohio
8/11/2011 2:57:01 AM ET Lt. Colonel Schroeter, I agree with you and I liked your acronym of SILENT B. A lot of people nowadays, especially our newer Airmen, have a poor attitude. 90 percent of the time it's because of the attitudes reflected from their leaders and supervisors. By displaying a positive approach to your philosophy the mission can still be accomplished while effectively mentoring and ensuring the younger folks are taken care of.
