MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Continuing their tradition of equipping Airmen with professional development skills, the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence program visited Moody Air Force Base, Ga., May 18-19.
PACE encourages Airmen to commit to the mindset, character and core values required to succeed today and well into the future. During the visit, they also challenged the attendees to change their perspectives to find new solutions to old problems as leaders.
“Quality leaders shape the perspective of others through organic leadership and self-discovery,” said Chief Master Sgt. Candace Smith, Profession of Arms Center of Excellence superintendent, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. “The development of perspective is uniquely shaped over a lifetime. As leaders, we sometimes instinctively want others to have the same thought process and problem-solving tactics for what we determine as successful for our own selves.
“The goal of PACE is to expand Airmen’s perspective by understanding the human phenomenon to become committed, trusted and loyal leaders,” Smith added. “By infusing the Air Force core values, the mission and the patience to know your people, Airmen can see other solutions of being successful and understand the immense responsibility and power they wield when placed in positions of authority.”
According to Smith, PACE targets Air Force leaders at all levels using tools, ideas and discussions that teach it’s participants to properly influence individual and institutional behaviors to improve workplace dynamics.
Smith says that these principles can change the attendees’ outlooks to enable others rather than directing them, which is designed to enhance their professional development.
“Telling people what to do and how to do it with the same cookie cutter approach can be challenging early in your careers,” said Smith. “Micromanaging your subordinates will only stunt their growth. You may think you’re helping them but acting out of only authority and not influence will make them revert to their old ways outside of your guidance.
“To combat this, truly get to know your people and what best suits their strengths to improve the workplace,” Smith added. “Taking time to do this will give others the trust and confidence in your decision-making in which they will willingly seek you out. You can’t have the same blueprint for others career development based on just your experiences. You’ll be too consumed in your personal biases which is the biggest roadblock in your leadership effectiveness.”
According to attendee Master Sgt. Markus Anthony, 81st Fighter Squadron air advisor, Smith’s description of how certain obstacles can be toppled was the highlight of the program.
“[Smith] did a great job of encouraging and showing us to better manage ourselves and others. The lesson points we received set us on track to start becoming more understanding communicators. Also, valuing patience and possessing a long-view perspective to empower our peers and Airmen of the future generations maximizes this program’s effectiveness.”
The center produces a number of web-accessible products to assist leadership in communicating with their Airmen through a variety of forums. Products such as videos can be used in larger, open forums while handouts can be shared in smaller, informal meetings or during one-on-one feedback sessions.
For more information, individuals can visit www.airman.af.mil