Commentary Search

  • Positional vs. interest-based leadership

    Leadership has been defined as "the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task." This is a very simple definition that gets right to the point of the responsibility of leaders in an organization. The definition does

  • It’s ok to say yes, sometimes

    Have you ever been in a meeting where a new idea or process is proposed, only to be immediately dismissed as impractical or impossible? All too often, someone in the room rolls their eyes and starts listing the reasons that the idea will fail before it's even given a chance to see the light of day.

  • Stress-free PCS possible with planning, preparation

    Relocating as part of a permanent change of station is one of the best perks in the military and something most people look forward to, but it can be stressful and an unpleasant experience if not planned for or done properly.Presuming a PCS will be routine, lacking organization of the paperwork or

  • Pros do not outweigh cons for tobacco use

    The use of tobacco is a constant battle. I have struggled with on and off tobacco use since I was 15 years old. Quitting tobacco is not an easy battle to win, but with the right weapons it is possible. Mark Twain said, "To quit smoking is one of the easiest things in the world. I must have done it

  • Standards - our lives depend on them

    As members of a uniformed military service we take an oath to faithfully obey the orders of the president and the commissioned officers appointed over us. We are also expected to uphold, maintain and comply with numerous standards in the performance of our duties. For most of us, maintenance of

  • TPCP requires more info, offers same coverage

    The Third Party Collection Program is a congressionally mandated program that authorizes military medical treatment facilities to bill private health insurance plans for services provided within the respective medical facility. The success of the TPC program is dependent on the medical facility's

  • Networking websites can present risks and pitfalls during hiring

    The rapid growth of social-networking sites creates several risks to employers, supervisors and commanders. A 2010 survey by CareerBuilder.com found that 45 percent of employers use networking sites, such as Facebook, to evaluate prospective candidates. Employers, like the Air Force, must be

  • Why do "they" always win awards?

    Doesn't it make you upset when you see the same people always winning awards, getting the recognition that you feel you deserve? So you ask yourself, "What can I do to improve my chances to make things better for me?" "How can I win these awards?" There are several ways to be successful at getting

  • Success is a personal choice

    Williams Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."Even after 16 years in the military, it continues to surprise me how often I hear military members make comments regarding others who always

  • Your own "gotta do's"

    Balancing work, family, time, and money are challenges we all face, no matter what we do. I read the book "Life Matters" by Stephen Covey and he lays out three "gotta do's" to help you find the right balance to fit your situation. The "gotta do's" are to validate expectations, optimize effort, and