Recently I took a long hard look at where I have been, where I am, and where I want to be.  I quickly realized that this was not a journey I had walked alone, nor was I close to being complete.   My leadership path had been strewn with rocks, potholes, and obstacles that quite certainly could have put me off my chosen path towards success.  However, thanks to some great and inspirational leaders, I am now in a position to create change, inspire, and breed creativity.

I am certain that you can explore a host of leadership books and inspirational media that will attempt to motivate you towards success.  If this works for you--GREAT!  If not, I encourage you to simply open your eyes and examine your surroundings.  Specifically, see the “forest of wisdom” all around you instead of a single “tree”.

Personally, I can recall a few motivated, dedicated, and committed leaders who have inspired me without them even knowing it.  As a young Airman, I remember a motivated female Staff Sergeant who used to work long and arduous hours prepping for an upcoming inspection.  She made sure that our sections documentation, training, and programs were in compliance.  Why?  Because she cared!  She wanted our work center to succeed.  She wanted ME to succeed…

A few years later, I remember a razor-sharp male Technical Sergeant standing across from me in a very stoic and professional demeanor, amidst a driving rainstorm, then kneeling and presenting a carefully folded American flag to a widow of one of our fallen warriors.  You see, we were members of the Base Honor Guard Team, but more importantly—he was committed!  He knew that the rain, his soaked uniform and muddy shoes were not as important and presenting one of the most majestic symbols of American—our flag, and honoring the memory of that woman’s lost husband.   I folded that flag; he presented it.   I learned a lot that day and we never spoke a word.

Later, as I progressed into the Senior Noncommissioned Officer ranks, I vividly recall a very seasoned male Senior Master Sergeant First Sergeant who was a panel member during one of the Professional Development Centers I had produced.  He shared a few comical and some serious stories with the class but then reached into one of his lower BDU pockets and pulled out a wrinkled Chief Master Sergeant chevron.  Then, with full confidence stated, “This is my drive…it’s where I want to be!”  I found this awe-inspiring, as did many of those NCO students that day.  Why did that First Sergeant say that?  Because he was committed!  Committed to our Air Force, committed to our Airmen, and committed to something that was and is bigger than any of us—the Profession of Arms.

I have dozens more examples of people who have inspired me and keep them locked up in my mental “leadership toolbox.”   I break them out when needed.  At the time, I guarantee none of these NCO leaders knew that I was watching…but I was.  I was absorbing their leadership styles, each which was vastly different but equally effective and yes, I learned from them.  I encourage each of you to open your eyes to leadership, whether you are the leader or follower at the moment, as you will never know who is really watching. 

Oh yes….you are probably wondering about that Staff Sergeant, that Technical Sergeant, and that Senior Master Sergeant First Sergeant.  Well, each one of them finished a long and productive career in our great United States Air Force.  Each one was motivated, dedicated, and committed to the betterment of the enlisted force.  Each one of them is now a veteran, and more importantly—each one retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of these leaders and I intend to repay that debit.  However, my payment will be through my own motivation, dedication and commitment to those junior to me.  I have seen the “forest of wisdom” firsthand and intend on planting more seeds to keep the light of professionalism burning for generations to come.  Will you…..?

V/r

SMSgt Matthew R. Becker

President, AFSA Chapter 984

Treasurer, AFSA Division 89

Member, AFSA International Membership (ADHOC) Committee

“Lead Me, Follow-Me, or Get Out of My Way”