Commentary Search

  • What is a Leader?

    Formal or informal, the word "leader" is thrown around all the time, especially within military organizations. During election years, every potential presidential candidate talks about who is one and who isn't, but no one seems to be able to define it. What makes a leader is an elusive quality, much

  • Mission First; People Always - Attitude

    Recently someone asked me about the purpose of the Maintenance Operations Division motto, "Mission First; People Always." Being in aircraft maintenance as part of the A-TEAM, I always thought the motto's purpose was evident and self-describing, but after thinking about the question for a while - I

  • Leading Through Change

    There is much written about "leading change" and "change agents." For those who have read on the subject of change know that if someone "moves your cheese," you have two choices: adapt or become extinct1. The first is difficult; the second undesirable. What will you do when you are faced with a need

  • Bruckbauer on Bravery

    We have all been inspired by General Lorenz's "Lorenz on Leadership," Lieutenant General Allardice's "Six Sides of the Dice," "18 Lessons in Leadership" by General Powell, and other military articles like this. The titles are "catchy" so they stick in our memories, but there is plenty of substance

  • Leadership, direct feedback, and calling it as it is

    That is an ugly baby! Ever heard that? Or wanted to say it but didn't? It's not something you want to hear as a new parent, but it is something we as supervisors should not be afraid to say when it is appropriate. Now before you hit the send button on the hate email about how cute your kids or

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- The solid foundation

    Our Air Force has more than 175,000 civilian employees spread across the globe. In fact, they make up more than 25 percent of our authorized Total Force end strength. The civilian force fills an ever-increasing role in daily mission accomplishment, especially as we've experienced personnel

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- A dynamic tradition

    Our Air Force has many traditions. Some we inherited from other services; others are more recent and will take time to fully develop. Traditions are positive things, deeply rooted in our heritage and pride. Traditions are things we don't easily give up.One of our traditions, however, isn't often

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- A mentor's influence

    Mentors touch our lives and help shape us into the people that we are today. We value mentorship in the Air Force and both develop it in our subordinates while seeking it from our supervisors. I like to think that one cannot have enough mentors, nor can one mentor enough. I've had many through the

  • Be yourself

    When it comes to leadership and what it takes to have a successful military career, there is no shortage of material to draw from. Many principles overlap with minor tweaks here and there based on the author's perspective. I have learned much over the years through schools and experiences, but I