Decisions you make every day define you as a leader

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- An actor in the movie "Tin Cup" said the world is full of defining moments. The question is whether the moment will define you, or will you define the moment? 

Young leaders may not know this, but those defining moments are constantly happening; however, they are not always on such a large scale as the movie makes them out to be. 

When an Airman approaches you to talk about a personal problem, but you're too busy to talk, that's a defining moment. When you accept a "pat on the back" for a job your shop did well but blame your Airmen when things go wrong, that is a defining moment. 

Recent surveys claim that many Airmen are leaving the service due to poor leadership. It usually wasn't one big screw-up by a supervisor that made someone want to leave, but many small, defining moments. 

If supervisors make the right choices during those moments, they can define themselves as leaders rather than having the moment define them as weak and ineffectual. 

Being a good leader is a tough job, but it's fulfilling when done properly. Balancing the Airmen's needs with the demands of the mission is a daily struggle. 

Inserting a caring approach into the decision-making process will always help define the moment. Putting yourself in their shoes usually helps determine the right approach to take with subordinates. 

I know there are times when you must tell someone, "Go do that right now." Later on, when time is not such a factor, take the time to explain why it was so important for that person to perform that task right away and thank the person for doing it well. This puts a human touch on the situation and allows you to help define the moment. 

Who will work better for you, an Airman who does what he is told because of the rank you wear, or the Airman you have helped through many defining moments? If you have earned your leadership role through many small defining moments, your Airmen will do everything in their power not to let you down. 

Defining moments happen every day. They may not be noticeable to you, but they are obvious to those you supervise and lead. 

Did you help them when they needed it? Did you give them a shoulder to cry on when a parent passed away? Did you kick them in the rear when they needed it? Did you fight for a decoration for them? 

Decisions you make every day define you as a leader. Make your decisions count!