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As an “AFSA Leader” who operates at the Chapter, Division, and International level, I frequently become bothered when others charged with leadership positions implement self-imposed limitations. It seems, especially lately, that it is often becoming commonplace to discount creativity, motivation, and vision and in turn, embrace the status quo. I often try to decipher this perceived disconnect, yet become boggled in my attempts to do so. As I think about this, a short analogy by Seth Godin comes to mind and helps me put this dilemma into perspective.
Godin states,
“It is absurd to look at a three-year-old toddler and say, "this kid can't read or do math or even string together a coherent paragraph. He's a dolt and he's never going to amount to anything." No, we do not say that because we know we can teach and motivate and cajole the typical kid to be able to do all of these things.
Why is it okay, then, to look at a teenager and say, "this kid will never be a leader, never run a significant organization, never save a life, never inspire or create...?” Just because it is difficult to grade does not mean it should not be taught.
Never mind a teenager. I think it is wrong to say that about someone who is fifty. Isn't it absurd to focus so much energy on 'practical' skills that prep someone for a life of following instructions but relentlessly avoid the difficult work necessary to push someone to reinvent themselves into becoming someone who makes a difference?
In addition, isn't it even worse to write off a person or an organization merely because of what they are instead of what they might become?”
I believe my main premise of this article is to inspire people to come out of their comfort zone, to challenge the status quo, and to see what “can be” instead of “what is”. In 1983, I knew a young man who was expelled from high school for a host of disciplinary problems and for achieving a failing grade in every class. Teachers and counselors alike told him that he most likely would not amount to much in life and that minimum wage opportunities would be the best-case scenario for him. That young man was sent to a tough alternative school in suburban Chicago with a 4-1 student/teacher ratio, strict discipline, and leadership where he spent the better part of a year and a half “rebuilding”. During this period, he learned a lot about people, personalities, and life in general. Later, in 1985, he was allowed to return to the mainstream school system and graduated in 1986 on the “B” honor roll.
That boy, now man, proved those teachers and counselors wrong and morphed from a failure to a productive citizen, thanks to some tough love and vision of what “could be” instead of “what was”. He went on to join the United States Air Force, where he was able to travel to over 25 countries, achieved a college degree (working on a second), and achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He proved the theory of “What you see is NOT always what you get…”
Ok, enough about me—yes me… That young man was me. I overcame some significant challenges back then and have learned that vision and belief is what turns ideas into action and losers into winners! I encourage readers of this article to look at themselves, hard. Look at how you lead your life, manage your business, lead your chapters or develop your subordinates. Look past the “What is” and embrace the “What it could be”. I guarantee you will be surprised with the results…Who knows, someday you may in fact, hold the world in your hands….
V/r
SMSgt Matthew Becker
AFSA International Membership (ADHOC) Committee Member
AFSA Division 89 Treasurer/Membership Chairman
AFSA Chapter 984 President
“Lead Me, Follow Me, or Get Out of My Way!”
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