Page 2 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, Sept. 7 2018

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Time management does not exist
by Senior Master Sgt. Scott Piper
Travis AFB, Calif.
Time management is a concept that many people have become preoccupied with over the years.
There are dozens of books available on the topic and many bases offer pro- fessional development courses on how to effectively manage time. However, when creating the professional development curriculum here at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., we intentionally omitted this lesson from our schedule for a single reason: Time management simply does not exist.
Granted, that statement is somewhat rooted in semantics, but allow me to explain. Consider for a moment that one of our Air Force’s greatest strengths is diversity. In addition to our various pay grades and specialties, we all come from different places, have different faces and we have all been shaped in- dividually through our experiences. But as we come together collectively
to accomplish our respective missions, there is one single thing we all have in common: time.
No matter where we are from, a 24- hour day is something that we all share and despite our best efforts, it cannot be altered. Yet, consider these popular statements: “This day is taking forever,” or “Will this meeting ever end?” Now, compare those with the phrase, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Does it really?
I assure you, there was the same amount of time in that dreaded one- hour meeting as there was in that 60 minutes of your life that you were hav- ing so much fun, you found yourself asking “Where did the time go?” So, if the continuum of time is the one con- stant we all share, what is the difference in those statements?
Simply put, time management is about attitude and perception. The reason that time occasionally “flies by” is because those moments were framed in a positive mindset and consequently,
when you looked at your watch every two minutes as the meeting seemed to “drag on and on,” it was because you chose to frame the meeting negatively. If you want to “manage time,” start by setting your clock with a positive atti- tude. I am not suggesting that every day will be Skittles and rainbows, and yes, some of “those meetings” are required, but always remember that we are all solely responsible for our attitude.
Task management on the other hand can be improved upon, so prioritize your objectives and pursue your pas- sions. Ensure you include your personal well-being and your families in that equation. Once prioritized, complete the most critical tasks first and attempt to do so perfectly. The pursuit of per- fection, such as excellence in all we do, will lessen the likelihood of you having to re-accomplish tasks.
Once you have mastered your craft, continue to seek out other opportu- nities. Projecting a positive military image and being involved in our local
community is paramount to being a well-rounded Airman; however, do not “waste your time” and volunteer for the sake of volunteering, otherwise it will feel like a “long four hours.” Instead, find something you love doing and get involved with initiatives you truly enjoy being a part of.
In closing, there is another appro- priate phrase: “Time marches on.” Just ask anyone who has watched their children grow in the blink of an eye or listen to a retiree as they reflect on their service and they will both tell you that although there were long days, the years flew by. This is made possible by being positive and find- ing joy in the things you do, includ- ing work. Unfortunately, we cannot “make time,” but you absolutely can take it. So, as you prioritize, please remember to take time for you, your Airmen and your wingmen because, God willing, each of us will be af- forded 86,400 seconds tomorrow, so make each one count.
an overlooked aspect of leadership
by 1st Lt. David Melton
Buckley AFB, Colo.
One of the things I value from a leadership perspective is the ability of a leader to follow.
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “too many Chiefs; not enough Indians?” This phrase refers to a group of people with a common goal who all appear to be leaders, yet progress is difficult to achieve.
While it can be important for any group to have a leader, followers are essential for a leader to exist. After all, what is the value of a leader if they are all alone?
In an age where leadership is a com- monly taught practice, it is important to remember many of the elements that go into leadership: a great combination
of morals and ethics, the ability to teach others, and the patience to listen just to name a few. As a leader you are never done learning and one of the best ways to add to your toolbox is by taking the “fol- lower” role seriously. One should never be too proud to take a step back and learn from another’s leadership methods and tactics, their way of thinking and their use of the resources available to them.
While learning through trial and error is a good method, observing and analyzing the mistakes of others is a great way to learn when fulfilling the follower- ship role. Not everyone will agree with every decision a leader makes, but these situations are not just an opportunity to complain; they are an opportunity to learn. Take the time to think about your situation and learn from both good and bad experiences. While you are
in the followership role, you should be focused on listening and thinking more than talking or just waiting to respond. It is difficult to learn and expand on your leadership abilities if you do not take the time to gather the experience of a follower. Let us not forget that in many cases, leaders will simultaneously be followers.
I am not suggesting an installation commander should switch places with the Airman who has little experience in the Air Force and even less time on sta- tion. However, it is important that those who want to better themselves remember where they came from, and recognize the followership role among those who they consider leaders, regardless of duty position or rank. There is value added from both sides of the spectrum. Ad- ditionally, take the time to read stories,
watch videos, and listen to the leaders and followers around you, as well as to the leaders that came before you. As a follower, the more experiences and understanding you gather, the better off you are serving as a leader.
Finally, to become the most effective leader you can be, it is vital you take what you have learned and apply it to your leadership style. The more you take the time to learn from others, the more it becomes your responsibility to pass along your experience and knowledge to those around you, in all aspects of your life. Becoming a great follower is not easy, but it will put you on the track to becoming a great leader. As a member of the US Armed Forces, consider it a charge to inspire others to be effective leaders and followers until your mission is complete.
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