Commentary: CARE to be a good supervisor

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Hawks
  • 332nd 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  In my years as an ALS instructor and first sergeant, I have been asked countless times what it takes to be a good supervisor. After much thought on the issue and in true Air Force fashion, I developed my own acronym for what I believe are the guiding principles to becoming the type of supervisor we need in our Air Force.

Commitment: In my opinion through 24 years of observation, our Airmen are some of the most dedicated individuals in regard to the mission, but once they become supervisors, the focus needs to shift. While the mission remains important, Air Force leaders need to be as committed to their subordinates as they are to their families. With this commitment comes the involvement required to show your subordinates your level of concern over their careers and not just your own.

Aptitude: You can be the most committed supervisor in the world, but if you are not competent in regards to your duties, your credibility will be destroyed. This goes beyond your specific AFSC. Good supervisors are not only familiar with all aspects of their job, but have a working knowledge of other matters pertinent to their Airman's career, such as finance, personnel and dress and appearance. You cannot lead by example if you do not set the example. Therefore leaders, must become familiar with all the AFIs affecting their subordinates.

Respect: A term I do not like to hear people say is "respect is earned." My father taught me at an early age that respect is not earned, it should be given automatically and unequivocally, to everyone you meet! Our profession demands we respect each other, especially our subordinates, at all times. Most of us have had a supervisor we lost respect for personally. Those are the ones we should learn from and strive to never be like. The Golden Rule applies in our lives daily.

Enthusiasm: Nothing is more contagious than your attitude. If you come into the office or work center dragging, somber and lacking enthusiasm, your subordinates will follow suit. However, if you are positive and upbeat, you will see the same thing reflected in your subordinates. The result will be a much happier place to work and more production will be the benefit.

This is a very brief synopsis of my personal view of the basic tenets of becoming a good supervisor. The bottom line is this, being a supervisor is NOT a 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. job but a 24/7/365 commitment to the Air Force Core Values and the Airmen we are charged to lead.