Commentary: Leadership – Knowing your people

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Crutchfield
  • Space and Missile Center, Space Development
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Leaders at all levels, from front-line supervisors to commanders over multiple units, have the colossal responsibility to not only develop their Airmen into an efficient fighting force to advance the Air Force's mission, but also to protect and enhance their Airman's welfare. In order for a leader to enhance their Airmen's welfare, they must have a good understanding of what makes their Airmen tick.

There are two basic benefits supervisors receive by getting to know their Airmen. The first is building the communication trust between the leader and the Airmen. If a leader takes the time to ask the easy questions, when it is time to ask the tough question, a relationship of trust and rapport has already been established.

The second benefit is a leader's familiarity with the Airmen's personality traits and the ability to identify subtle changes. When a leader is connected with Airmen, they have a greater chance of identifying when a member's attitude changes, and the leader is able anticipate pitfalls he or she can help resolve.

As a leader, getting to know Airmen is a simple sacrifice of time. There are several ways to use this time, but two easy ways are making individual appointments and walking around. Making individual appointments is a more structured process and establishes a set amount of time, but guarantees one-on-one time between leader and Airman. Walking around and striking up random conversations is less one on one, but gives leaders a greater opportunity to reach more Airmen.

Depending on the size of the section or organization the process can be time consuming but the benefits are immeasurable. When Airmen see the efforts made by leaders to get involved they trust in the genuine care a leader has taken. This trust opens a door and Airmen feel more comfortable approaching their leaders to share their needs.

Leaders at all levels need to trust their Airmen to succeed, as they are the heart of the Air Force. As such, Airmen need to trust their leaders so they can be free to succeed.
.