COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- For the past two years I have been at the wing and have had the opportunity to watch leaders at all levels tackle difficult issues. I have learned an incredible amount from these leaders and I have been both impressed and disappointed with what I have seen. There is so much information and consideration that goes into leadership decisions, and it is comforting to know that most leaders do not take or make these decisions lightly. Instead, they put forth the time and energy to arrive at the right answer. Although I believe they may sometimes require too much coordination, this is not a local issue but one that is evident throughout our entire Air Force. However, it seems like the leaders at Columbus Air Force Base are beginning to get us pointed back in the right direction.
Leaders, especially here at Columbus Air Force Base, have impressed me by how much they truly care for their Airmen. I have only been in the Air Force for 10 years, but I have never seen such concern and care towards Airmen from leadership that I have here. There is a sincere theme throughout the leadership on our base to put Airmen first, while always taking care of the mission. This is both humbling and refreshing to see.
While leaders are at an all-time high in caring for Airmen, this can actually lead to a type of leadership that is becoming widespread in our Air Force: leading by majority vote. All too often leaders who are trying to care for their Airmen rely on everyone’s inputs to make a decision. This is disappointing because leaders are expected to make the tough calls, not seek advice from their subordinates. I am not saying it is wrong to ask opinions and see where the majority lies, but it is no longer leadership when the leader lets the majority decide…it is a democracy.
The Air Force is also not a dictatorship. Leaders must observe, know and, when necessary, question their Airmen in order to gain the wisdom needed to make correct decisions. They understand that they will not make the right decision every time, but they also know that indecisiveness is not the right answer. Leaders are entrusted to lead their people, and it is our job as Airmen to follow them. This is why leaders must earn the trust of their followers, because there will not always be time to get everyone’s opinion. Some Airmen may not agree with the decision, but they should trust the person who made it.
Leaders are not and will never be perfect, no one will. Unfortunately we live in a fallen world that requires a military, and as long as our Air Force exists, Airmen of all ranks will have to make tough choices. This is why the most senior leaders in our Air Force and the lowest ranking Airmen must start making decisions at their level and stop seeking the majority vote to please everyone.