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Striking Balance
Posted 4/26/2012 Updated 4/26/2012
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Commentary by Lt. Col. Don Davis
741st Missile Squadron commander
4/26/2012 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Even after working at Minot for almost two years, I am still struck by the consistently high operations tempo at which we operate.
In my twenty years of service, I have never seen a unit carry such a heavy workload day-in and day-out. We work very hard and perform a demanding mission very well. However, one area that many of us struggle with, myself included, is maintaining balance in our lives.
Too frequently, I leave the office late at night, feeling guilty about yet another family dinner or sports practice for my children that I have missed. Yet as I walk to my truck, I see that the parking lot is still half-full with the vehicles of my co-workers who are missing similar events.
While I am inspired and proud to be part of team of such dedicated professionals, I worry about the toll it takes on our families and our health.
We all took an oath of service and committed ourselves to the Air Force core values of "integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do,"-- service before self, is a tricky concept. It means we need to place the good of the mission and unit above our own personal goals and desires.
However, service before self does not mean placing the mission above all else at all times. In fact, the core value of "excellence in all we do" demands that we don't let ourselves get tunnel vision on the mission. Because in addition to the mission, we have a responsibility to take care of our families and to take care of ourselves, physically, spiritually and emotionally. We must excel in these areas as well.
When we get out of balance and neglect these other responsibilities, it can impact other phases of our lives, including our efficiency in executing the mission. For me, the imbalance can result in dwindling productivity and the potential for a negative attitude. I might stare at my computer screen for 15 minutes trying to formulate a coherent response to a simple e-mail. I start to lose interest in activities that I am normally passionate about or become more pessimistic about new ideas and tasks. Perhaps you recognize some of these negative trends in yourself at times. For leaders, it is even worse because these attitudes can negatively influence those who work for you, lowering their morale and productivity as well.
If you see these warning signs, you need to take action. Take a hard look at whatever you are working on and ask yourself, "what is the impact if I don't complete this tonight?" If the answer is "the mission or people will suffer," then you need to get it done.
However, if there is limited or no real impact then get out of the office, go to the gym, spend some time with your family or just break away for some quiet time. The time spent tending to your other responsibilities to your family and yourself will recharge you and re-energize you, and you'll find that when you return to the office, you are more motivated and productive.
I have often failed to heed this advice as a squadron commander. However, I keep working to improve my balance and strive for excellence in my other responsibilities to family and self. I encourage you to do the same. As the Air Force continues to draw down in size and resources, it will be more critical than ever to have dedicated and productive leaders at all levels of our organizations. Staying balanced will help us all stay motivated and committed to service. Keep leading!
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