Ep. 7: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force-Attitude Reflects Leadership

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****DISCLAIMER**** The views and comments made by host and guest do not represent the views nor are they in association with the United States military.****

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force-Attitude Reflects Leadership

Chief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force (CMSAF), Kaleth Wright, is the 18th and current CMSAF. Though Chief Wright’s judgment in football teams may be unfortunate, the loyalty he shows to the Dallas Cowboys echoes his commitment to the Airmen under his command and his desire to see them thrive.

Chief Wright would be the first to tell you that behind his successful career, stand a series of failures that propelled him to persevere, develop the compassion, and sincerity that allow him to represent the highest enlisted level of leadership in the US Air Force today.

CMSAF Wright has not forgotten where he came from.  As a result, CMSAF Wright has applied the mentorship he received along the way by utilizing emotional intelligence and wisdom to lead. He aims to develop relationships with the Airmen under his authority by taking an interest in their lives.  This ACTION STYLE of leadership is only possible when a leader is willing to have a positive influence and talk with those under their guidance.

Chief Wright naturally sees the good in people and has repeatedly seen the mutual benefit in investing in them to help them achieve their goals. The leader sets the tone for his people, and as the classic movie “Remember the Titans” so wisely put it: Attitude reflects leadership.

Chief Wright is a lifelong learner and is committed to deliberate personal development in a number of ways.  Examples include reading a couple of books a week and listening to podcasts during his work commute. His current top three book recommendations are: (1) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, (2) “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway, and (3) “As A Man Thinketh” by James Allen.

Show Notes:

• Thoughts on “Enlisted Jesus” Moniker (03:30)
• Using social media as vehicle for transparency (04:30)
• Advice to leaders wanting to leverage social media to connect
• How to build an effective relationship with someone who wants to be isolated (05:40)
• What leaders can do to stay in touch with ground truth (07:15)
• Positive attitude and influence
• Best conversations leaders can have to unleash the potential in their people (10:50)
• Person that inspired Chief Wright and ignited his charge (15:20)
• Unusual successful habits Chi

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