Commentary>>Leadership, like wine, gets better over time

By Maj. Andrew Moore
19th Civil Engineer Squadron commander

Whenever the topic of leadership is brought up, the same old question is always asked, “Are leaders born, or is leadership a trait that can be learned?”

The answer to that question will probably be debated until the end of time, but in my humble opinion, I believe we are all born with certain leadership traits.

Every one of us, no matter what rank, has the innate ability to lead. I’m sure if you ask somebody to name a leader within their organization; they will probably come back with the name of their commander, chief or maybe a senior NCO in the squadron. I doubt you’ll ever hear the name of some Airmen First Class within an organization who is regarded as one of that unit’s leaders.

Why is that?

Maybe it is because most of us are not given opportunities to lead early on in our careers or possibly because we don’t believe we possess the needed traits to become a great leader. Some individuals will go their entire careers or lives without uncorking their proverbial leadership bottle. I use this analogy to illustrate, that like wine, an individual’s leadership abilities will get better over time.

However, unlike that bottle of wine, where you tuck it away in a cellar for years to allow it to age and improve, a person’s leadership bottle should be uncorked at the earliest opportunity to allow the maturing process to begin.

We must start this process early on in a person’s career; otherwise they will lack the necessary leadership skills needed when they enter a position that requires them to lead. Promotions are somewhat inevitable and along with those promotions will come expectations to know how to lead. I guarantee you that you will not wake up one day and just all of a sudden become a great leader.

This will take time and practice and the earlier you are thrust into leadership roles, the better. I’m not asking you to go out and lead a million-man march the first time you decide to tackle the leadership dummy. You should start off with something small, and gradually increase your level of leadership.

Over time, there is no doubt you will grow more comfortable and be ready for any leadership positions that comes your way. Although we will never fully evolve as leaders, we must continue to challenge ourselves and enable others to uncork their leadership bottles so we can all toast together and celebrate our successes.