Commentary Search

  • How do we ensure we can provide the very best?

    When you go to your primary health care provider do you have an expectation you will receive the very best, up-to-date care available? When you fly on the latest and greatest passenger planes, do you expect safe quality transportation? While shopping at your local grocery store, are you confident

  • What I learned as a Group Commander

    It is said that every good leader is a lifelong student - that the passion for leadership, in those who seek to be successful, is matched by a passion to continue to learn. When I was a young officer, I thought the "old" Lt Cols and Master Sergeants came into the world knowing everything. Now, as a

  • First Command: AETC first to influence Airmen

    To the men and women of the First Command, I leave Air Education and Training Command after spending the past 20 months honored to be your vice commander. Boy, have you taught me a lot! Thank You. Thank you for your tremendous devotion, service and professionalism. We call ourselves the First

  • 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