Leadership capabilities: Follow Golden Rule

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Dana Venenga
  • 90th Medical Support Squadron commander
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Having been in command now for just more than a month, I don't feel prepared to offer any particular insight into what it takes to be a great commander. I'm still working on that one. However, I know what it takes to be a very good person and a very good leader. 

Being a very good person and leader starts with humbleness. The best bosses I've had were the ones who had quiet confidence but enveloped that confidence with humbleness. 

They realized no matter how skilled they were in their jobs, the unit would not be successful if every person in the unit wasn't doing their jobs. Rather than focusing on how good they were as bosses, they focused on what they needed to do to give the people in the unit the resources, ability and motivation to accomplish the mission. 

President Abraham Lincoln said, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day." 

One of the greatest men in America was also one of the humblest. 

I'm blessed and humbled to have been given the opportunity and privilege to have a significant impact on the 90th Medical Support Squadron and have a role in their lives. I view the 90th MDSS as tremendous people who want to fulfill their duties in a successful manner with honesty and integrity. 

What an opportunity commanders are given to do the right thing and positively touch the lives of young troops. I feel it's very important as a commander and leader in the military to never lose that perspective of what a privilege command and leadership are. 

I've long felt that every one of the thousands of leadership philosophies simply boil down to Matthew 7:12, also known as the "Golden Rule." 

The Golden Rule states, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." 

Imagine that. Thousands of years ago we were told how to be successful in personal relationships. Most of all, people, no matter how much they may deny it, appreciate being told they've done a great job or some other compliment. 

Conversely, most people appreciate it when a boss, co-worker or friend will tactfully and respectfully point out deficiencies or flaws in their work behavior or personal lives. The key is someone has to take the time to either compliment us or kindly point out a blind spot we may have had. 

There it is. I've not developed or shared a great new revelation on commanding or influencing people. I've simply shared a time-tested rule for life: Treat others the way we would like to be treated. 

I challenge all leaders, as I challenge myself, to remember the Golden Rule and practice it daily. In fact, I challenge all of us to take the Golden Rule to another level and do as the popular movie promoted, "Pay it Forward" in acts of thoughtfulness and kindness. 

Lastly, in every opportunity we have, we need to remember our deployed Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians. Pray for their safety and that of their families.