Hard work leads to recognition

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Hart
  • 90th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  When I think of recognition, I think of the quarterly and annual awards program.

However, as I worked with the annual awards committee, I stared to reflect on what it means to others within my squadron. I was astonished to hear that many people don't believe in it. Most think it's the "good ole boy network," or "it's not what you do, it's who you know."

I could not believe I was getting this type of feedback from NCOs at the frontline supervisory positions.

I started to reflect on my career, putting myself in their shoes and trying to determine if I had felt that way once, and upon reflection, the answer was yes. At one point in my career, I felt the only people being recognized were the people with friends in high places.

I wanted to be recognized for my hard work and commitment, but I was too busy doing my job and didn't have time for self improvement or community involvement. Therefore, I came to work, I did my job and I went home.

I also remembered when my philosophy about awards changed.

A bit later in my career, a senior NCO gave me an honest feedback and explained his expectations of me. These expectations were precise and encompassed more than coming to work and doing a good job. Some of them were about becoming a well-rounded member of our society.

This meant getting out of my comfort zone by doing things for others, as well as myself.
He asked me to look into going to school and participating in wing private organizations, such as the squadron's and group's booster clubs.

I did not believe I would have adequate time or desire to obligate to these commitments. However, the base education center had information on several local and on-line schools that fit into my schedule. My squadron booster club pointed me in the direction of doing things I enjoyed while enhancing the base and local community.

Before I knew it, I was going to school part-time and coaching a local basketball team and not missing a beat at work. My days were busy, my nights were never the same, but all I sacrificed was a little television.

After a few months, I was a valuable part of mission success while improving myself and my community. My investment in school made me a better communicator, while group affiliation gave me the professional networking community that allowed me to accomplish the job faster, easier and better.

As supervisors, we owe our Airman the privilege to compete for awards. We must lead from the front, motivating each person to achieve great things.

This entails an obligation to maintain adequate knowledge of Air Force standards. We should seek out other members in the group or wing to find information that will help your subordinates improve and grow.

Spend some time with experienced leaders to learn how to improve on writing award packages to increase winning potential. Find a way to get involved while involving others in what our wing and community is doing.

Regardless of personal position, we owe our subordinates the opportunity to succeed and the Air Force awards program is one way to recognize those with exceptional performance.