CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
We all have our catch phrases.
Being a first sergeant, one of my favorite topics is what it takes for Airmen to reach their full potential.
The catch phrase I will most often repeat is "accept responsibility." As leaders, mentors and supervisors, we want our Airmen to develop their full potential. Often times, the difference between whether an Airman reaches his or her full potential or just gets the job done is whether or not he or she accepts responsibility. Most Airmen enlist with the ability to accept responsibility, but others need a little guidance.
Most first sergeants can tell you when an Airman reports for something they might have done wrong, the first sergeant is actually looking at the individual's attitude and listening to the words to find out where their responsibility lies.
Responsibility is not always black and white, but the portion owned by the individual and whether they accept it plays a major role in what actions are appropriate for the situation. It is ultimately less painful and much easier to correct Airmen behavior when they recognize where they went wrong and accepts the responsibility for what path they should have taken. Accepting the responsibility for mistakes could mean the difference between a letter of reprimand and non-judicial punishment because our goal is to correct inappropriate behavior. Accepting responsibility may mean the commander doesn't need to use NJP to "get the Airman's attention."
Discussing responsibility as it relates to disciplinary action is an attention getter, but the real payback comes in day-to-day activities. Charleston's Airmen demonstrate responsibility every day and comprise the team recognized as the "best of the best." However, as leaders, we can do more to move our Airmen toward their full potential. We can guide our Airmen to think about how responsibility plays a roll in their day to day accomplishments. If we give Airmen a task and tell them "it's your job," they will simply get it done, but if you give Airmen a task in such a way that it is their responsibility, they will own it. They'll want to do the task well. When in doubt, Airmen will seek answers and they won't be satisfied until the task gets done right. Airmen will learn quickly and move from tasks, to projects, to programs. Having accepted responsibility, the results will be a reflection of the Airman and he or she will stand out from those who are just getting the job done.
Responsible Airmen are invaluable to the unit and mission. First sergeants often deal with accepting responsibility in situations of right and wrong, but the supervisor has the hard task of guiding Airmen when they are not doing wrong, but they could be doing better.
Accepting responsibility is the multiplier. When Airmen accept responsibility, they will begin to accelerate toward their full potential. Before long, all we will have to do is get out of their way.