MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Mission success within the Air Force only happens with its No. 1 asset - its people.
The Professional Development Center and Airman Leadership School teamed up to provide members at MacDill with the first-ever professional development week, which included classes on teamwork, emotional intelligence and leadership. These classes are part of an Air Force initiative to empower Airmen to be multi-capable and adaptable team builders, as well as courageous problem solvers who can deliver in any environment.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jose Lopez Rodriguez, 6th Force Support Squadron ALS instructor, facilitated several classes throughout the week.
Lopez Rodriguez said the majority of an Airman’s development throughout their career comes from on-the-job training catered toward the technical aspect of one’s duties, and that these classes help Airmen grow in other areas.
“We were thinking about the MacDill AFB team members,” Lopez Rodriguez said. “We all have different missions and responsibilities. There is a lot of power in sharing experiences and networking.”
Throughout the week, all Department of Defense personnel and civilians in attendance discussed their various perspectives while cultivating new relationships, according to Lopez Rodriguez.
“We spent a lot of time understanding the behaviors of a leader because there are many misconceptions out there,” said Lopez Rodriguez. “Once we know some of those qualities such as integrity, competence, courage and character, we can develop them and instill them in our force.”
Per the Airman’s Creed, being a leader is part of what it means to be an Airman. Developing the next generation of leadership within the Air Force coincides with the Air Force’s objective to accelerate change.
The members in the ‘Developing the Leader Within You’ class shared their thoughts with one another on how noncommissioned officers can be effective in guiding their subordinates and how to promote healthy work environments on all levels.
“I believe if you have faith in your Airmen, that goes a long way,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sol Trinidad, a member of the 290th Joint Communications Support Element. “If you have faith in them, and show them that you have faith in them, maybe they will excel and become that leader that they could be.”
Air Force leadership will continue to be crucial in having success wherever the fight takes place. Team MacDill is committed to elevating Airmen to flourish in any role they may take on throughout their careers.