YOL: Chief's Corner: December leadership in focus - "Compassion" Published Dec. 2, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Al Herring 821st Air Base Group superintendent THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- Warriors, I could not think of a better way to lead into the holiday season than to write to you about compassionate leadership. Some of our greatest leaders in history carved their niche by spending their life serving others. Whether defined as compassion or servant leadership, the willingness to serve so that others may benefit has been around for years. This type of compassion is what makes Airmen want to truly emulate their leader and want to be led. Leaders must have a human touch and feel for their Airmen if they are to engender faith. It is hard to relay humanity through electronic mail. So if you think you are leading with compassion, check and see the last time you had a one-on-one conversation that did not include the computer and e-mail. If it has been awhile, recommend you grab your hat and coat and pay them a visit. When you get there meet them at their level and bring them up to yours. I will follow this article with my feet and get out and visit you, so keep me in check if you have not seen me where you cut your teeth. Another important aspect to compassionate leadership is the fact that it is hard to feel the temperature of the workplace from a Power Point presentation. Power Point is a great way to express ideas but get boots on the ground and seek feedback from those you lead. One thing is certain: because the leader has the position and title does not mean they have all the answers. Leaders remember, we are supposed to have all the questions. Airmen take time to provide your leader with some feedback on how we can make Thule Air Base "outstanding and getting better" every day. The dynamics of the leader/follower relationship has always been unique, and the earlier our comfort level adjusts to both sides, the earlier the organization benefits. Our ability to adapt to these roles affords our commanders the opportunity to reach their best, then the unit excels and morale soars! Compassion requires Airmen to know when to lead and when to follow because in the end it's about making things better for others, even if the result is not financial gain or popular recognition. Compassion is about ordinary people making the simple look extraordinary; it is about untitled people achieving greatness by working quietly behind the scenes and selfless individuals who are willing to give of themselves for something bigger than self. Does that sound like Julemand? You bet it does. I hope to see you all around the installation this holiday season and into the New Year expressing your compassion like only you can!