Golden rule and professionalism lead to winning team

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael LePage
  • 17th Training Support Squadron Commander
As I prepare for my change of command ceremony in July, I find myself looking back at the many successes we have had as an organization and what made those successes possible. Our mission of training the next generation of intelligence, firefighters, and technical applications specialists could not be accomplished without our people. The permanent party cadre is a winning team and show this each and every day. Putting together this winning team, and reinforcing the importance and value of every contributor is essential for all to understand how they impact our mission.
 
I have learned time and again that our success is directly tied to the way we interact with each other in our organization. It all comes down to one simple rule, the golden rule; treat others the way you expect to be treated. This is done and exhibited through our actions. When we tie the golden rule to our work environment, it is analogous to professionalism in the workplace. With it, an organization will excel, without it the foundation of an organization will slowly chip away brick by brick.

To create a professional atmosphere in an organization that is the envy to others, and one that other organizations will strive to emulate, it takes the leader of the organization to set the tone. An old axiom that was reinforced to me early in my career is that leaders must remember to never ask others to do something they would not be willing to do themselves. Thus, professionalism in my organization, use of the golden rule, and setting the correct tone is directly tied to me. It is my responsibility to continuously practice what I preach and treat those above and below me the way I expect to be treated. In turn, my Airmen, military and civilian alike, will embrace doing the right thing always, and treating others the way they expect to be treated.

It has been an honor to serve the men and women of the 17th Training Support Squadron, and those throughout Goodfellow Air Force Base. Remember to always use the golden rule when dealing with each other, and there will be zero obstacles that you will not overcome. Taking care of your peers, subordinates, and superiors will lead to a winning team.