Kevin BasikDirector, Cadet Development

Center for Character & Leadership DevelopmentUS Air Force Academy

Developing Leaders of CharacterDeveloping Leaders of Character

Developing AS Leaders of Character

½ AND ½

What matters to you.

What two words would you WANT people to use to describe you as a leader? (Executives)

2 words to describe your leadership

2 words to describe your leadership

When we say, “Leader of Character”…

• Our Challenge: Talk about “it” in a way that

actually makes a difference in our lives (and sticks)

Worst Marketing Man Ever?

2 THINGS

• A nugget from a guy named Don Tierney

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Outcomes:• Performance• Credibility• Impact• “Go-To”

status• Respect

Trust• Within the

team• With others• With yourself

Process: ?

Story

Pick your example

• Lives Honorably (consistently)• Lifts self and others to Best Possible Selves• Elevates Performance

AwarenessIs this a “moment” that counts for who I want to be?

ReasoningWhat SHOULD I be considering?

DecisionHow would the person I want to be do what I’m about to do?

ActionAre my actions consistent with being who I say I want to be?

Decision-Action Gap

Challenges:Pressures, Fears/Doubts, etc.

Virtues:Courage, Self-Control, Accountability, etc.

Competence

Confidence

Commitment

Clarify and own what you want to be!

Let’s clarify your commitment

(power of the letter)

Eaves Dropping on the Eaves Drop

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PERSONAL Spouse: “What a blast! The older we get, the younger our relationship feels. Kevin never takes me for granted, and I am more in love with him each day. I feel appreciated, loved and supported. He’s a present, caring, fun husband and dad, and he’s in better shape now than when we got married.” PROFESSIONAL (W/in TEAM) Subordinates: “The boss makes us all feel involved in the process, and sets the pace. We’re learning from each other, and there’s a great buzz about what we’re doing. I can’t wait to come to work each day. He “gets” me and leads by example!”

Peers: “Kevin is a humble, talented, selfless colleague. He keeps things fun but always knows his stuff and does what he says he will do. If there is a group project, he’s my #1 choice.”

Take-Aways1. Leadership and Character are Moment-to-Moment

opportunities Did you just miss a “testable moment”?

2. Your reputation will be built anywayKnow what you want it to beIt’s created by how you consistently handle the gap

3. Your Commitment gives you the momentum to cross the gap You will fall off the horse, but…

4. Do you honor your word? To others? To yourself?

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” - Lao Tsu

“IT'S NOT WHAT WE EAT BUT WHAT WE DIGEST THAT MAKES US STRONG;

NOT WHAT WE GAIN BUT WHAT WE SAVE THAT MAKES US RICH;

NOT WHAT WE READ BUT WHAT WE REMEMBER THAT MAKES US LEARNED;

AND NOT WHAT WE PROFESS BUT WHAT WE PRACTICE THAT GIVES US INTEGRITY.”

- Francis Bacon 1561-1626