For this assignment: Select one of the Whalen pillars that represent the area you feel you need the most development in, to increase credibility with your organizational followers. Reflect on why you think you need development on the selected pillar and create an action plan to improve it
I've recently started a new position as a Production Superintendent. However, until I fully understand the position and responsibilities, I must perform expediter duties. As an expediter, I will coordinate aircraft maintenance to meet the flying schedule. "Flightline Expediters work for the Pro Super and manage, control and direct resources to accomplish maintenance." (AFI 21-101, 2017) I am in a new maintenance unit with Airmen that I've never worked with. Why should they follow me? Why should they trust me?
According to Whalen, "Credible people have three characteristics: Expertise, Trustworthiness and Goodwill." (p. 123) Of these three pillars, I feel I need the most development in trustworthiness.
I have been an aircraft maintainer for over 12 years. I worked eight years on the B-52 bomber as a Repair & Reclamation Craftsman and Phase Inspection Supervisor. In 2012, I moved to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas to be a Technical Training Instructor. For three years I taught aircraft maintenance fundamentals and eventually became a Master Instructor. I instructed over 200 Airmen through 15 classes and 2,500 hours of classroom and hands-on time. Recently, I earned my Bachelors degree in Aeronautics through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and I've received several awards and decorations showcasing my self-discipline and expertise. Therefore, I feel I'm good to go on Pillar One: Expertise.
Goodwill is another characteristic that I excel at. I genuinely care about others and their goodwill. Many times, I've been told I am a good listener and communicate well. Furthermore, "I have genuine respect and admiration" for my Airmen. (Whalen, p. 126)
I have been an aircraft maintainer for over 12 years. I worked eight years on the B-52 bomber as a Repair & Reclamation Craftsman and Phase Inspection Supervisor. In 2012, I moved to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas to be a Technical Training Instructor. For three years I taught aircraft maintenance fundamentals and eventually became a Master Instructor. I instructed over 200 Airmen through 15 classes and 2,500 hours of classroom and hands-on time. Recently, I earned my Bachelors degree in Aeronautics through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and I've received several awards and decorations showcasing my self-discipline and expertise. Therefore, I feel I'm good to go on Pillar One: Expertise. Goodwill is another characteristic that I excel at. I genuinely care about others and their goodwill. Many times, I've been told I am a good listener and communicate well. Furthermore, "I have genuine respect and admiration" for my Airmen. (Whalen, p. 126)
Although I'm trustworthy person, the Airmen in my new section do not know me. "Trustworthiness will take time to build. You can't expect people to trust you upon first meeting." (Whalen, p. 125) I had built trust with my previous Airmen and they may be able to build some credibility as my Wingmen but I will still have some work to do. In order to build trustworthiness, Whalen states you have to build a track record before it will be known. (p. 125) I will show my Airmen that I am committed to them by being transparent in my leadership. I don't have much B-2 experience which undermines my expertise and authority. However, I will not pretend to be someone I'm not and will not pretend to be know more than I do. "You have to take a risk and be vulnerable. This creates rapport and rapport builds trust." (Hyatt, 2016) I will tell the truth about my limited experience and will ask plenty of questions as they are the subject matter experts. 
As a leader, I must face the fear of self-disclosure and begin to reveal information about myself. According to McKay, Davis, and Fanning (2009), disclosing oneself is the right answer, but it also must be done efficiently and properly. As you make yourself available to others, they are encouraged to open up in response (pg. 27) Furthermore, I plan to keep my word and let them know they can depend on me. Follow-through and promptness are two ways to show that I am reliable. Lastly, I am willing to share my knowledge, my contacts, and my compassion—without expecting anything in return. (Hyatt, 2016)
By telling the truth, sharing my knowledge, being transparent and keeping my word I will prove my trustworthiness. Through my actions, over time, I will build and earn credibility.
AFI 21-101. (2017, June 2). Aircraft and Equipment Maintenance Management. Retrieved August 26, 2017 from http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/publication/afi21-101/afi21-101.pdf
Hyatt, M. (2016, September 30 ). How to Build Trust-or Rebuild It If You've Blown It. Retrieved August 26, 2017, from https://michaelhyatt.com/how-to-build-trust.html
McKay, M., Davis, M., & Fanning, P. (2009). Messages: The communication skills book. Oakland: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Whalen, D. J. (2007). The professional communications toolkit. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
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