SQUADRON LEADERSHIP SCHOOL Seminar 2.1

Officership & The Public Trust

Introduction

“When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.” - Jefferson

Objectives

Define the concepts of “accountability,” “public trust,” & “officership.”

Explain why public organizations are held to high ethical standards.

Describe basic responsibilities of staff officers.

Describe moral concepts embedded in each Core Value; apply your understanding to a case study

Describe how to develop positive attitudes toward accountability.

Key Concepts

What do these concepts mean to you?

Officership

Accountability

Public Trust

Key Concepts

Officership: A blend of leadership, management, and professionalism (Gen. Bennie Davis)

Accountability: Everyone is expected to be able to justify their actions

Public Trust: The duty to respect the true source of democratic power, the people and the overall community

Public organizations

Why are public organizations held to high standards of ethics?

Public organizations

Why are public organizations held to high standards of ethics?

Owned by America

Taxpayer-funded

Humanitarian missions have life and death implications

Special trust in working with youth

Affiliation with USAF

Claim to be benevolent

Basic responsibilities of staff officers

What are some basic responsibilities all staff officers hold in common?

Basic responsibilities of staff officers

What are some basic responsibilities all staff officers hold in common?

Follow the Core Values

Stay safe & promote safety

Follow CAP policies in fact and spirit

Be a good steward of CAP money and property

Model a positive attitude

Mentor, coach, & correct new members

Core Values Project

Premise: Each Core Value is really a form of shorthand for many other values.

Tasks:

1. Provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted definition for your assigned Core Value by identifying at least 4 moral concepts embedded in the Value.

2. Identify 4 practical ways a squadron staff officer can demonstrate your assigned Core Value.

Core Values: Integrity First

Honesty: the habit of telling the truth

Moral Courage: the willingness to do what is right, even if it’s not easy

Responsibility: acknowledge your duty and take responsibility for success or failure

Openness: being transparent in your motives and actions

Honor: Showing integrity in and out of uniform; integrity is not something that can be turned “on” or “off.”

Analysis of the Core Values is based on USAF Doctrine Document 1-1

Core Values: Volunteer Service

Altruism: when your actions stem from a desire to help others; the difference between “giving” and “taking”

Selflessness: seeing “service” as the act of putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own

Good Citizenship: making a contribution to the general welfare of the community

Fun: volunteerism takes effort, but it is not supposed to be a dreaded chore

Core Values: Excellence in All We Do

Professional Development: participating in training programs and learning how to contribute more

Teamwork: working together and recognizing that teams accomplish more than individuals

Efficiency: recognizing that budgets and equipment are not limitless; making do with what we have

Big Picture Vision: knowing how your role affects the team and CAP as a whole; acting in a way that supports the overall mission

Core Values: Respect

Loyalty: Supporting the leader; not trying to undercut their authority

Politeness & Tact: Treating others as you would want to be treated

Good Faith: Giving the other person the benefit of the doubt

Humility: Recognizing you are human; not boasting about rank or position

Tolerance: Recognizing individual rights and differences

Case Study

How do the Core Values relate to this case?

Promoting Accountability

How can squadron-level leaders promote accountability among squadron members?

Promoting Accountability

How can squadron-level leaders promote accountability among squadron members?

Lead by example

Say thanks

Avoid favoritism

Integrate the Core Values

Promote professional development

Show you support your leaders’ efforts

Don’t make ours a “one mistake” CAP

Correct members’ mistakes

Final Thoughts

“Nobody can acquire honor by doing what is wrong.” - Jefferson

Accountability makes us stronger.