CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston. I think it would be difficult for anyone to dispute that we have some awesome leaders in our great organization. From the wing commander down through our group commanders, group superintendents, squadron commanders, and civilian leaders we are fortunate to have a talented team. Their wisdom and judgment keeps us focused on the mission. They provide the vision and direction necessary to accomplish the things that keep us on top.
Although Charleston has a few exceptions, most great leaders are not born; instead, they develop over time. They often start out as followers and as they advance, they grow to value the spirit of a follower. Some may call it humility, but few leaders can boast of any measure of success without having gained a keen appreciation for the professionalism of those who follow them.
According to Leading Today, an online leadership magazine, "Followership is the individual desire to serve others and support a team in its task to complete a mission." Productive followers possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. They are honest, hard working, professional and loyal to their leaders and to their unit. They are assertive, yet respectful and willing to share the burden of leadership without complaint. They never hesitate to identify issues and concerns that require immediate attention and are quick to offer solutions that address the situation. Their word is true and their leaders can trust that their feedback will be constructive and useful. One might say that these are rather ordinary characteristics in the military. To that, I would add that when applied consistently to one's role as a productive follower, and paired with an effective leader, these ordinary characteristics help to produce extraordinary results.
More simply put, productive followers perform the activities that support the plans of their leaders. In so doing, they validate the organization, management, and decision making skills a leader employs to get the job done. At times, followers do their duty at the expense of their own needs. Followers who understand the professional nature of their role are a leader's greatest asset. A follower's appreciation for their role in the grand scheme of an operation as important as an operational readiness inspection, or better yet real world operations, help to grow them into effective leaders themselves.
During the ORI, your performance provided many examples of good leadership and especially good followership. We are extremely proud of Team Charleston's "Outstanding" effort. I believe everyone's positive attitudes contributed greatly to our success, as well. You made it look easy -- super job!
Despite summer's scorching heat, the yards in base housing neighborhoods continue to flourish. Our July yard of the month winner is from the 437th Security Forces Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Thompson and his wife Christina. The work they put into their yard is evidence that they are proud of the place they call home -- it is a showstopper!
Finally, I want to extend special congratulations to Chief Master Sgt. Denise Mikolajczyk, the 437th Mission Support Group Superintendent, on her selection as a Command Chief Candidate. Her selection is a tribute to her leadership and commitment to the work she does taking care of our Airmen.
Team Charleston. "Take the Fight to the Enemy"