7th Bomb Wing Commander starts leadership innovation series
U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Yates, right, asks Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, a question regarding leadership May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Itkin is able to relate to Air Force leaders, because an orchestra has a similar hierarchy structure to the military. During a speech, Itkin explained that when leaders lead by example, they have the right to demand just about anything of their subordinates; when leaders don’t lead by example, they don’t have the right to demand anything. Itkin stated that when leaders lead by example, they’re able to inspire subordinates to use their skills, which raises the productivity and quality of the entire organization. A leader’s job, in his opinion, can be boiled down to three words: make things better. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)