The toughest word in the English language: yes Published Sept. 1, 2006 By Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett 436th Airlift Wing command chief DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFPN) -- The toughest word to say in the English language is "yes". Everyone thinks you are tough and gruff if you say no, but when you say no you are not committed to do anything. When you say yes, you are committed to write a paper, fly a mission, give a speech or chair a committee. People and organizations have a tendency to say no all the time. It's simply easier that way. However, as a leader you should teach your people how to say yes. Encourage them to step up to the leadership challenge and find ways to make things happen. We are constantly being challenged in our Air Force. We hear terms such as Air Force Smart Operations for the Twenty-First Century, Force Shaping, operations and personnel tempo, Global War on Terror; in-lieu-of Army taskings, drawdown of the forces, and do more with less. We initially may think it can't all be done. Our first thought may be to quickly say no because that is the easy way, the simple way, to react to stress and increased workload. However, we must find ways to "lean" our processes, cut out waste and increase our use of productive time. We must say yes and be committed to change. Change is certainly as much a part of our organization as is the sun rising each day. You can count on it! Do not fear it, embrace it. It is here to stay. True leaders do not shy away from change, but say yes to its challenges, and teach their Airmen also to say yes. So, on the battlefield of change, will you carry the wounded or be left behind with the stragglers?