Commentary: Be proactive: Make needed changes before problems take root

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Shane Gullick
  • 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron first sergeant
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Too often, there have been problems that could have been prevented from becoming bigger than they developed into. Small problems can be dealt with at the lowest level yet sometimes leaders do not engage with a small problem and it turns into a bigger one.

As leaders, we must be proactive, not reactive, when it can be managed. Being proactive reduces organizational uncertainties and avoids unnecessary risks. There are two leadership styles that can aid or hinder a leader in being proactive.

Kinetic leadership is a leadership style that allows you to be involved with your Airmen on a personal level, and not from behind a computer at your desk. A kinetic leader is a leader who will actually go and see their Airmen so their interaction and rapport can grow. This type of management allows you to see mannerisms of your Airmen, be able to tell if something was not right as well as show the Airmen that you really do care about them and their personal life.

A true kinetic leader knows what their Airmen are about and knows if their Airmen are having any issues, whether at home or at work.

One type of leadership you would want to avoid at all cost is laissez-faire leadership. This type of leadership can be dangerous since it permits a problem to develop and the laissez-faire leader chooses not to deal with the issue when it's first discovered. A laissez-faire leader's mindset is one where a person believes if a problem is discovered, then it is someone else's problem and swift action to deal with the issue is not required of them.

As leaders, we must not embrace this mindset. We must be there for our Airmen, facing any challenges head on and engaging with them on a personal level. If something is wrong, then it has to be dealt with, swiftly and effectively, or a greater problem can develop. 

I challenge you to be that proactive, kinetic leader. Don't wait for another Airman to come by and make a difference.

Step up and be the difference.