Be proactive: Make needed changes instead of allowing problems to take root Published June 11, 2015 By Master Sgt. Shane Gullick 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron First Sergeant RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Too often, there have been problems that could have been prevented from becoming bigger than they developed into. Small problems can be dealt with at the lowest level; yet sometimes leaders do not engage with a small problem and it turns into a bigger one. As leaders, we must be proactive -- not reactive -- when it can be managed. Being proactive reduces organizational uncertainties and avoids unnecessary risks. This type of approach ties into being a kinetic leader. Kinetic leadership is being involved with your Airman on a personal level, and not from behind a computer at your desk. A kinetic leader is an involved leader who will actually go and see the Airman so their interaction and rapport can grow. This type of leadership allows a a person to see mannerisms of his/her Airman and to be able to tell if something was not right as well as show the Airman that you really do care about them and their personal business. A real kinetic leader knows what their Airmen are about and knows if their Airmen are having any issues whether at home or at work. One type of leadership you would want to avoid at all cost is laissez-faire leadership. This type of leadership can be dangerous since it allows a problem to develop and the laissez-faire leader chooses not to deal with the issue when it’s first discovered. A laissez-faire leader’s mindset is one where a person believes if a problem is discovered, then it is someone else’s problem and swift action to deal with the issue would not be taken. As leaders, we must not embrace this mindset. We must be there for our Airman by getting up from behind the desk and engage with them on a personal level. If something is wrong, then it has to be dealt with -- swiftly and effectively -- or a greater problem can develop. One final thought about being proactive is this: there is always an “Airman Somebody” around the installation that will do the right thing out in public. Airman Somebody is a title that means “somebody” will do the right thing when no one is watching. Example: You are walking to the shoppette through the parking lot with your family or by yourself, you see a soda can lying on the ground, you say to yourself, “somebody will get that.” Maybe that somebody is you! What does it mean to be an Airman Somebody? You acknowledge that you do not like the way things are and make a difference. It’s not just about picking up a piece of trash instead of just walking by it; it’s about being engaged with others and taking action when there’s something obviously wrong. Let’s all take charge and become proactive by becoming that Airman Somebody!