Seminars help remind Team Aviano of servant leadership

Gen. Barre Seguin, 31st Fighter Wing commander, speaks to Team Aviano on the importance of leadership at a servant leadership seminar, Oct. 20, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Two seminars provided valuable information on servant leadership to help build high-performance teamwork and future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Cary Smith/Released)

Seminars help remind Team Aviano of servant leadership

Published Oct. 22, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Cary Smith
31st Fighter Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Team Aviano members attended two servant leadership seminars Oct. 20 and 21, at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

The leadership course, led by Jim Hunter, author and public speaker, focused on the steps and qualities of becoming a better leader.

"Everyone is a leader on the macro level," said Hunter. "But the question is whether Airmen follow because of authority or power."

Hunter discussed the difference between authority and power, the importance of service and sacrifice. Each topic highlights integral qualities that make a well-rounded individual. All areas work together to make comprehensive Airmen who are able to work well in any environment, said Hunter.

Throughout his 35 years of teaching, he has assisted organizations by providing knowledge that helps build servant leaders.

"It doesn't matter if you are a high ranking officer in the military or the chief executive officer of a corporation, everyone needs help to better understand whom they work with," said Hunter.

According to Hunter, if everyone took the time to develop servant leader attributes, not only would it benefit people in their work life, but in their home life too.

"Service is about setting aside one's own needs and wants in order to meet the needs of others," said Hunter. "By being a servant leader, you are showing love to those around you."

Hunter hopes his seminars help remind Airmen to revert back to a young, loving mindset. He said sometimes we need to be reminded of what we learned in kindergarten.

The Air Force strives to improve its force structure by developing Airmen into future leaders. Servant leadership is one of many tools with which Team Aviano can continue to deter, defend, and develop.