COMMENTARY: Leadership in an Effective Organization Published Dec. 15, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. V. Lee Thompson Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, 377th Air Base Wing and the 498th Nuclear Systems Wing command chi KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- An effective organization defines its objectives first, second bases goals on those objectives and last defines its vision based on objectives and goals. Within this effective organization, leadership manages conflict resolution among different subordinates; adjust behavior as necessary and provides guidance to the team on occasion, to get the team back to the original goals and mission. In the end, without leadership, the organization can't be effective. In my experience, effective leaders demonstrated a team approach without favoritism toward any subordinate. Good leaders are good listeners, providing clear and concise direction on decision-making, articulating their message well and keeping emotion out of decision making. Ineffective leaders demonstrate egos, a "so-what" mentality toward the mission, unprofessionalism and ineffective listening skills, thus creating their own leadership limiting factors. Leadership of an effective organization needs to be technically competent and understand the roles and responsibilities of the organization, and must be compassionate. A leader can't be a leader without technical competence. In addition, if Airmen see a leader who isn't concerned with their situation, then it doesn't matter how well an organization performs; it will ultimately fail. Effective leadership at all levels can make the difference even when things are not going well; ultimately Airmen want to see someone in charge who seems to care. Leadership can't be unprofessional when faced with adversity. Strong leadership must stand behind our Airmen and determine the way ahead. A superior who is unprofessional to the mission equates to being unprofessional to the Airmen. Leadership must be professional at all times, because the one time a leader is not, it fails the Airmen. Even though the Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection didn't turn out the way we had hoped, our youngest airmen performed at a level that should be commended. In my walk-abouts, our Airmen's enthusiasm and knowledge of the mission was superb, and, along with their motivation, proved to be inspiring. When Airmen are volunteering to not take a day off because they have a level of pride and want to be in the fight -- from my point of view, that is "impressive!" Our youngest Airmen once again proved to me what true professionals they are. They worked long hours, knew their jobs and performed at a high level. Now all levels of leadership owe it to our Airmen to correct our deficiencies on the inspection and provide the way ahead. Professionalism must remain high at all times and leadership at all levels must now set the example to our younger Airmen. We, as a team, will fix our deficiencies on the Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection, and be better for it. After all, the best leaders and teams prove their worth through the most adverse of times. Giving our Airmen anything less would be unprofessional.