This was an entry I made earlier this week for my doctoral dialogue...I guess there really was true genius at the United States Air Force Academy in the early 1980's ! :) You'll note that per course requirement, I include citations.
The United States Air Force's core values were developed at the USAF Academy and then deployed throughout that service several decades ago. THey now make even more sense to me. They are: "Integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do." I lived under those values for over 30 years, but the dialogue on LEADERSHIP has brought me even more clarity. The "Ah-Ha" light bulb is illuminated!
Integrity first. What is "integrity?" I was amazed reading its definition, with some increased focus this past week for the very first time: "incorruptibility; complete; honesty." ("integrity," 2002) It is the foundational USAF core value...meaning that upon it, everything else builds. The second value, "service before self" is one that my classmates and I have been discussing for quite some time. The last, "excellence in all we do" reminds us that there is after all, a task at hand, and we should accomplish that task in a most superb manner. And, fancy that, there is congruence between the texts that we have had to read for our course work!
Within "integrity" one might combine Dr. Winston's: love, integrity and mercy; (Winston, 2002) or Miller's: self perception; (Miller, 1995) or Block's" being authentic. (Block, 2000) "Service before self" could entail Winston's; caring for followers and poor in spirit; (Winston, 2002) Miller's: honest servant; (Miller, 1995) or Block's: at of love. (Block, 2000) "Excellence in all we do" provides Winston's: seeking what is right and controlled discipline; (Winston, 2002) Miller's: decision maker; (Miller, 1995) or Block's: attending directly to the process. (Block, 2000)
I think that as we peel back the onion of leadership, we begin to discover the infinite facets of our infinite Lord, as He provided wisdom in this area within Romans through the Apostle Paul: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us...if it serving, let him serve...if is is leadership, let him govern diligently..." (Romans 12:6-8, NIV).
Isn't it wonderful when we begin to realize what a marvelous plan God has for each of us, and how He took the time to lay it all out for us? Why then is it so difficult for us to follow what is clearly stated?
Blessings!
