The servant leader Published March 25, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Thomas Dow Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The author of the internationally best-selling book "The Servant", subtitled "A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership" came to the base theater here March 20 to speak to Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing about ethics, leadership enrichment and professional development. The goal of bringing the speaker to the base was to continue the 5th Mission Support Group's goal of developing Minot's Airmen, as well as providing an avenue for learning ways to become a better leader. "The 5th Mission Support Group hoped to inspire Airmen to continue learning, as learning never stops even after you attend school," said Capt. Brian Howe, 5th MSG special projects officer. The 5th MSG was right on target when they brought in author and speaker James Hunter. According to his website, Mr. Hunter has personally coached more than 1,600 executives in developing the skills of Servant Leadership. His "clients" include many of the world's most admired organizations including American Express, Nestlé, McDonald's, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Best Buy and the United States Army, Air Force & Navy. Mr. Hunter said he has been doing public speaking as a career for 30 years and 20 years on the subject of servant leadership, which was the focus of this days speaking engagement. "The true question is not are you a leader, it's are you effective," said Mr. Hunter as he kicked off his seminar. He went on to discuss how being a leader is an awesome responsibility and being a leader is a skill, a learned or acquired ability. According to Capt. Howe, Mr. Hunter was brought to the base as part of the 5th MSG's ongoing efforts to help educate and inform all Airmen here at Minot. "Once a quarter, the 5th Mission Support Group will bring in a guest speaker to discuss a topic that relates to professional development such as ethics, mentorship, and servant leadership," said the captain. "Mr. Hunter spoke on servant leadership in the hopes that Minot's Airmen can use the principles to help effect change within their own lives and units." The goal is to give all Minot AFB members a chance to attend the guest speakers each quarter. This session, more than 250 Airmen and civilians from the base attended two separate sessions of Mr. Hunter's speaking engagement. All-in-all, it was an excellent opportunity for Airmen to take some time out of a busy day, and try to increase their knowledge, skills and become a better leader.