The “We Generation” Published July 27, 2010 By Col. Christopher Gentry 821st Air Base Group commander THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- You have probably heard various generations referred to as Baby Boomers, Generation X, or Generation Y. I have even heard of a new generation that includes people of all ages called "Generation Me." The Me Generation is often described as being more concerned about themselves than what is going on around them. Some say Generation Me focuses on fortune and fame rather than helping others or setting a good example. They use phrases like "look at me," "it's all about me," and "do what's right for yourself." We know these people exist, and we run into them every day. When we open the newspaper or turn on the television we often see movie stars and pro-athletes who are more interested in what they can get for themselves than in what they can give back to society. There are people that believe in the values of the "Me Generation," but I believe there are far more of us who believe in something totally different. We are concerned about what is going on around us and are willing to sacrifice for others. We believe in the "We" rather than the "Me". Some people call individuals with those values the "We Generation." The "We Generation" uses phrases like "do the right thing," "pay it forward," "treat others as you want to be treated," and "attitude is everything." I like what I hear about the We Generation, and some of their phrases and thoughts have provided me a code to live by. I believed so much in these ideas that I wanted to surround myself with people who thought just like me. I wanted to be a part of an organization that had core values like my own. I found just such an organization, and for the last 23 years it has been an honor to serve with men and women who believe in "Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do." When I come into an organization, there is one principle that drives me more than any other -- I want to leave the unit better than when I found it. I use the Air Force's core values as the foundation of how to improve any organization. Integrity really is first, and without it you can't begin to transform your unit. If people don't trust you, don't think you will do the right thing, or don't believe you care about them, they won't share your vision or work hard for you. Secondly, to achieve something really great and transform an organization, it takes sacrifice -- you have to focus on the "We" and not the "Me." This is the essence of servant leadership and involves putting the needs of others before your own. No job should be beneath you, and if you ask others to take on a task, you should be willing to roll up your sleeves and do the same kind of work. Lastly, the quality of your work will determine how long the results will last. You absolutely must give 100 percent on every task you are given. If you don't put forth your best effort, the odds are you will have to do it again. Or worse, somebody else will have to do it again for you. If you have an attitude of excellence, your hard work will pay off and the results will endure. No matter what year you were born or what generation you think you may belong to, you have the ability to choose. I encourage you to have a positive attitude, have integrity, work hard, leave it better than you found it, and focus on the "We" rather than the "Me."