Commentary by Chief Master Sgt. Charles Fletcher
386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group
1/28/2011 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- I'm not the regular crew chief. It's not my program. They didn't count all my push-ups. This isn't my normal job.
How many of you have heard or maybe even used those excuses when your performance didn't measure up? We are all accountable to someone: our commanders, organizations and to the country and taxpayers.
Even our president is accountable to the people of the United States. We are accountable for our personal lives and our families, so why not make sure we are accountable as professionals?
We are all part of the Air Force team, and individual accountability is critical to teamwork and the execution of our mission. Everyone has to do their part in order for the Air Force to be successful, and this means being accountable for our duties and responsibilities.
You can compare this to a football team. If the offensive line doesn't block the defense, then the quarterback gets sacked and the team doesn't score. You see, they are accountable to one another.
The Air Force is no different and accountability is even more critical depending on the situation. If the crew chief doesn't do a good inspection on an aircraft and it aborts, then the pilot won't be successful in performing the mission. This could be the difference between life and death in the combat zone. This is one example of accountability.
One thing that leaders can't forget is that not only are we accountable to those above us, but also to those who work for us.
To quote the book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," written by Stephen Covey, "Accountability breeds response-ability."
And we are responsible and accountable up and down the chain.
Leaders are accountable to their subordinates for their training and mentoring. Supervisors are accountable to their Airmen to ensure they have all the tools to get the job done and to ensure they are given sufficient time for meals and rest between tasks when necessary. They also need to hold Airmen accountable when they don't meet established standards.
Finally, you need to be accountable to yourself by staying in good physical shape, expanding your knowledge or education and continually improving your work performance.
So let's stop making excuses and be accountable.
Comments
2/2/2011 8:43:05 AM ET Too bad senior officers aren't accountable like enlisted are when it comes to committing UCMJ violations.
SSgt Sean, Afghanistan
1/31/2011 3:47:41 PM ET Obviously there are issues within our ranks when it pertains to accountability. M.C. SJ Straight Shooter have made it clear from their perspectives. However I believe the point to be made here is being ACCOUNTABLE TO YOURSELF. It should not matter what the next person is how or what theyre doing. Leading by example does not necessarily have to come from above it can start with YOU. Dont be so preoccupied with others problems or business. Being accountable to yourself is all that should matter.
Steve, Tampa
1/31/2011 2:24:57 AM ET No disrespect intended and aplogies if it is perceived. Easy to say this if you are a Chief Master Sgt. I see senior officers and NCOs violate simple AFIs daily, claiming it is their interpretation when the written guidance is clear and requires none. If I do my job by the book and not their whims, I will be punished. And please don't respond with the company line about the IG and non-retribution. The IG is part of the problem at my base.
Straight Shooter, OCONUS
1/28/2011 7:21:06 PM ET M.C. at Nellis, I agree with everything you say...the rash of high-level officials getting hammered in recent years, and currently as well, certainly makes it difficult for everyone else. Although we are not children it is much like how children watch what their parents do and end up doing the same thing.
SJ, Florida
1/28/2011 5:31:01 PM ET I believe that it takes MORE, much more than just saying "Be accountable." There needs to be a push from above and below because this "touchy-feely" stuff just isn't working. Just look what we have...high-level leaders violating simple AFI's, first sergeants abusing their positions. This is the example the new troops are following, and they are. Amazing. How about everyone leading by example? Hmmm.
M.C., Nellis AFB
1/28/2011 1:22:55 PM ET Short simple and to the point. Great article Chief.
