EMPOWERMENT
Two years ago
I found out that I had earned the rank of Master Sergeant. This meant that I was in the elite corps of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO) of the United States Air Force. Senior NCOs are expected to set the highest standards of personal integrity, leadership, and devotion to duty while upholding Air Force policies and standards. Although I had studied, worked hard and strived for this promotion, I didn't feel quite ready for the responsibility. I was moved in to work as an assistant section chief and within a few months my Chief came to my office to tell me I would be moved again. However, this time I would put solely in charge of the Squadron Support section. This meant I would be responsible for 35 Airmen, 32 programs and $5.2 million worth of tools and equipment. I felt inadequate. Chief Ente explained that the section was struggling and had issues with accountability. I told him that I wasn't sure if I was ready and his words were... "We need
your type of leadership there." Chief Ente's encouragement inspired and empowered me to take on this challenge.
I sought advice from several peers and mentorship from upper supervision. With their support I was able to spend the next 15 months leading my team. We accomplished so many things. In the first six months, we recycled over 5,000 spare tools, six vehicles and thousands of other items. Within the first few months, we obtained new crew chief boxes and transferred over the old ones. We've initiated new processes and accomplished 40 improvement projects. Our support team went gone 31 days with no Quality Assurance (QA) fails and 5 out of 14 months above 90% ratings. Overall, we've raised the QA pass rate 6%. Additionally, physical training test fails decreased from four to one and our averages increased 9.4%.
By putting me in this position, Chief Ente empowered me to make decisions, set goals and accomplish great things. I couldn't see it at first but I am forever grateful for that gift. It made me realize my potential and reach. Furthermore, it allowed me to empower others to make change and improve our squadron. A previous supervisor explained to me once that others can usually see your potential before you can and sometimes leaders must push followers in a direction they are reluctant to go in order to grow. I will that supervisors advice and this experience in mind as I continue to lead others.
I sought advice from several peers and mentorship from upper supervision. With their support I was able to spend the next 15 months leading my team. We accomplished so many things. In the first six months, we recycled over 5,000 spare tools, six vehicles and thousands of other items. Within the first few months, we obtained new crew chief boxes and transferred over the old ones. We've initiated new processes and accomplished 40 improvement projects. Our support team went gone 31 days with no Quality Assurance (QA) fails and 5 out of 14 months above 90% ratings. Overall, we've raised the QA pass rate 6%. Additionally, physical training test fails decreased from four to one and our averages increased 9.4%.
By putting me in this position, Chief Ente empowered me to make decisions, set goals and accomplish great things. I couldn't see it at first but I am forever grateful for that gift. It made me realize my potential and reach. Furthermore, it allowed me to empower others to make change and improve our squadron. A previous supervisor explained to me once that others can usually see your potential before you can and sometimes leaders must push followers in a direction they are reluctant to go in order to grow. I will that supervisors advice and this experience in mind as I continue to lead others. 
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