097-Got Your Six: A Conversation w/National Guardsmen

So what happens when two 20-year military service members join forces to lead with empathy? Tune in to find out. The phrase “military leadership” typically evokes images of commanders and noncommissioned officers leading heroic charges or generals directing armies. In reality, however, most leadership in the armed forces is far more gentle. In little ways, all day long, at all levels, commanders and subordinates communicate just like in any other workplace environment. As a beacon guiding a ship through turbulent waters, effective communication can steer our military forces. It fosters trust, builds team cohesion, and translates ideas into action. The courses provided by the Chapman Foundation are a set of tools that create tangible actions to help make human connections and create strong leaders. But remember, all new skills, like a muscle, need to be worked on to become stronger. And to get stronger faster, it helps to have an accountability buddy. Or, in today's case, a Chief Master Sergeant in the National Guard. A little over two years ago, Matt Robins, a colonel in the National Guard, stepped into Our Community Listens course not knowing what to expect but looking forward to the opportunity to grow. While in the class, he met Jody Nitz, and as you will learn in the coming conversation, the two men have supported each other ever since. Listen as Matt shares how excited he was to bring Jody on as his Chief Master Sergeant in the National Guard and how they have excelled in their communication skills over a short time because they are both pulling tools out of the same toolbox, all to serve better the people they lead. Colonel Matt Robins has served the military for 22 years and was always drawn to fighter pilots as a young boy. He says he enjoys being “the glue” between broad strategic goals and supporting tactical leaders who are striving to accomplish specific missions. After serving at the Pentagon, where he used airplanes to positively affect the battlefield, Colonel Robins now resides in Clinton Township Michigan. He has been married to his wife for 23 years. They have two kids, two cats, one dog, and five fish. In his spare time, he likes building furniture, painting model figures, going out on his sailboat, and pretending to be handy around the house. Chief Master Sergeant Jody Nitz is also in his 22nd year of service. He originally joined the National Guard as a way to pay for schooling to become a registered respiratory therapist but quickly became accustomed to the military way of life. He loved the camaraderie and shared goals as they mirrored the many sports teams he grew up for. Chief Master Sergeant Nitz is thankful for his military family and also the opportunity to see many parts of the world and be immersed in various cultures. He now resides in Bay City, Michigan, with his wife of 15 years, two children, and toy poodle. In his free time, he enjoys anything outdoors, including hunting and fishing. He loves passing those skills to his children. He also enjoys gathering with friends and chatting about life over drinks whenever possible.