Back to basics of leadership Published Nov. 4, 2008 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Airlift Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Last week, my commentary discussed going back to the basics in terms of ensuring your character is aligned with the Air Force's core values. Embodying the Air Force core values in and out of uniform is the starting point in getting back to the basics. This sets the stage for everything else to follow - your career development, your daily work performance, your relationship with others and overall mission accomplishment. This week, I am shifting the focus on the back to basics approach from character to leadership. Leadership is the next important building block. Leaders do more than call the shots and hand out directives. Leaders are people who take a proactive interest in their work areas from executing their unit's mission to caring for their people. Leaders take initiative. If there's a better way of doing business, leaders research to find it. If it requires attention from a higher authority, they forward their research and their well-thought out recommendations up through their chain of command. Leaders don't wait to be asked; they are always on the look out for more efficient and cost effective ways to accomplish the mission. Leaders focus their energies on solutions not problems. Leaders know what needs to be done. When problems arise, they are armed and ready to move into troubleshooting mode. They don't dwell on the problem itself. They identify the root cause, examine possible solutions, implement the best resolution and fix it. Leaders keep the work environment professional. Leaders know the line between personal and professional and know how to keep the two separate. In decision making and in work relationships, leaders make decisions based on facts and the best information available. Leaders respect others and their views. Leaders are fair and objective. They don't allow preconceived notions and popular stereotypes to cloud their perspectives, judgments or decisions. Leaders do not lead through fear. Leaders allow the views of others to be heard and considered. Leaders don't take the "my way or the highway" approach. They motivate and encourage others to express their ideas, to learn new skills and to develop themselves professionally and personally. Leaders applaud the successes of others. They do not feel threatened when others do well. Leaders take responsibility. Leaders take accountability for their actions and the decisions they make on behalf of others. Leaders don't accuse, blame or shirk responsibility to others to avoid negative consequences. Leaders don't seek to be popular or well liked. Leaders always opt to make the right choice and are not swayed by popular opinion. Leaders don't aim to please people; they aim for mission accomplishment. Leaders take care of their people. Missions are executed by people. Making sure people are cared for physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually is paramount to successful mission accomplishment. Leaders actively engage with their people and make their welfare a top priority. We are all leaders. Leadership is not about being the boss or in charge. All of us are leaders in our respective areas and are capable of making valuable contributions to our workplaces. We must recognize and own our leadership roles. Every member of every organization has the ability to contribute to mission success. The American public has put its trust in us to defend this great nation. Taking a back to the basic approach allows us to keep our promises to the American public and to maintain their trust in us as it steadies our focus on precise and reliable mission execution. Meeting the demanding and complex challenges of the nation's defense requires strong leadership. By taking the oath to serve, all of us promised to give the best of ourselves and the best of our leadership capabilities. Now is the time to fulfill those promises. AIR POWER!