CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston. With the start of 2008 we began the year with the challenging, but rewarding task of selecting the men and women whose performance in 2007 should be recognized. The wing's annual awards program recognizes and rewards exceptional performance that significantly contributes to the accomplishments of our mission.
At the core of the annual wing awards program are group-level award winners whose exceptional expertise, skill, creativity and initiative are recognized by their respective group commanders. It all begins in the work centers in every unit across the base where quiet professionals humbly go about their work, not looking for praise or recognition, yet are singled out by their supervisors as star performers. Normally, these are people who get satisfaction from simply being allowed to do their jobs to the best of their ability. They are the standard bearers whose supervisors are compelled to praise and encourage their efforts. There level of accomplishment often leads to a nomination for a quarterly or annual award. And, ultimately, these are the Airmen, NCOs, and company grade officers - stars -- who rise to the top. Because of their contribution, the collaborative efforts of supervisors, chiefs and commanders ensure those who excel receive due recognition to communicate the value we place on excellence.
Experienced supervisors know that everyone's performance doesn't merit wing or even group-level recognition. However, that doesn't mean everyone's performance shouldn't be recognized. Whether outstanding or simply above average every member deserves constructive feedback and recognition for a job well done, when it is earned. However, it doesn't take a formal awards program to tell your people that they're doing a "Good Job." For many people informal recognition from someone who really understands their work and can appreciate what it takes to do it is extremely motivating. As supervisors let us never assume that our subordinates know how much we appreciate their work. We have to tell them or show them.
It's important to express how we appreciate the efforts of our people. If our Airmen don't know how we feel about their daily performance, we are missing the mark in the area of feedback. And if we are pleased with their performance and they don't know, we are failing to reinforce positive behaviors that get the mission done. Recognition has lasting effects not only on the individual but also on the unit. When our work is recognized, we're happier with our jobs because we have a valued place in the organization. It also promotes pride in our work and creates a sense of success. I read once that success breeds success, which can be good for any organization.
Congratulations to each of our annual award winners. This accomplishment is evidence of your significant contributions to not only your unit's mission, but also the mission of the wing and that of Team Charleston. I trust you will continue to employ your knowledge and skills to improve your unit's success and challenge others to reach for the highest degree of excellence possible. You all are role models to those around you. I wish you the best of luck as you go forward to compete at the MAJCOM level.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!