Diamond Notes: It is about sharing credit, responsibility Published Dec. 8, 2015 By Master Sgt. Whitfield Jack 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of commentaries by Cannon’s first sergeants and additional-duty first sergeants providing mentorship and leadership experience to Air Commandos, while highlighting Air Force standards. Back when we all went through our initial Air Force training, we were taught about being part of a cohesive unit, practicing service before self and embracing a team-first concept. The star of the team was the entire flight – WE superseded ME. If our military training instructor noticed anyone being an individual and “passing the buck” for the failure of the flight, it was corrected on the spot and the reinforcement of “team-first” took place. When our dress, cover, interval and distance were not aligned, it made our wingmen next to us look bad. Whether it was good or bad, we all shared the credit. Sharing credit goes both ways. As a leader, when the mission goes astray and becomes unacceptable, it is simply “our” fault – not “theirs.” It is hard for many of us to take blame even when it may not be our fault, but as leaders we take full responsibility for our team’s failure. We cannot make an excuse, all we can do is own it, fix it and make it better so we do not repeat our mistakes. We cannot pick and choose when we share credit; we must always take the good with the bad. Colin Powell, former United States Secretary of State and a former four-star general in the United States Army, stated in his book It Worked for Me that when something goes well, make sure to share the credit down and around the organization. Let all employees believe they were the ones who did it. Send out awards, make phone calls, write notes and letters, give pats on the back, share smiles, and grant promotions – anything to spread the credit. People need recognition and a sense of worth as much as they need food and water. Many of us have stood in formation during a change of command and paid respect to our incoming and outgoing commanders. It is always a grand event when the passing of the unit colors occurs, but the most memorable moment is when the boss says a simple “thank you” before relinquishing command. All the accolades the unit received during the outgoing commander’s tenure were due to the men and women standing tall in formation. This sincere and kind gesture is what makes followers come to work and crush the mission day in and day out – when they are appreciated and valued. As we reflect on our time in the Air Force, the image of our MTIs will forever be ingrained in our minds. Not because they yelled and marched us around base all day, but for teaching us about sharing credit. Our Air Force would not be the most powerful in the world if we all marched as individuals. This basic but important mindset is what transformed us from ordinary civilians into extraordinary Airmen – when “we” supersedes “me!”