11 Mar 2010

Two Walls that Made (Make) a Difference

I visited the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC about a year ago, and like most people, I was moved by the poignant reminders of the systematic murder of over six million people. The family pictures of an entire village that ceased to exist and a room full of shoes taken from thousands prior to entering the gas chambers are images one will

9 Mar 2010

Triumph after the trial

Last week, I wrote about overcoming the mountains in your life as you run your race. Mountains represent challenges that can knock or slow you down while you endeavor to complete your goals. The difference between growing personally and professionally is how we handle the trials in our lives. I believe trials are not there to stop us, but to reveal

3 Mar 2010

Lorenz on Leadership -- The solid foundation

Our Air Force has more than 175,000 civilian employees spread across the globe. In fact, they make up more than 25 percent of our authorized Total Force end strength. The civilian force fills an ever-increasing role in daily mission accomplishment, especially as we've experienced personnel reductions over the past 20 years and, many would argue, no

2 Mar 2010

Run your race

We know that no two people are exactly the same, so I take that to say that each of us is the only one who can finish our race. It's so important that you look at each day as an opportunity to move closer to fully exploiting your talents. When you use this approach everyone around you will benefit from the unique perspective you carry within

26 Feb 2010

How's your faith lately?

No, I'm not talking about your spiritual faith -- although that's certainly an important aspect of life. I'm talking about the faith you have in your leadership. Are you on your leadership's team? Can they count on you to promote their ideas as if they were your own?I remember as a young captain, I thought I knew it all. I couldn't believe some of

23 Feb 2010

Leadership is about relevance

With new challenges arising as quickly as the calendar changes, we need leadership that is about making things happen versus wondering what's happening. A constant theme in our most prominent leaders is their relevance to those they lead and serve. Relevance isn't about seeing the glass half full versus half empty; it's about getting the most out

22 Feb 2010

Kham Duc

The air evacuation of the Special Forces Camp at Kham Duc, Vietnam ranks as one of the most heroic days in Air Force history. In one day at Kham Duc, airlifters were awarded the Medal of Honor, four Air Force Crosses, four Sliver Stars and the MacKay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year. Aircraft flying into the 6,000 foot airstrip

17 Feb 2010

The Air Force ... It's a family affair

As Airmen, we're all part of the Air Force family. We've all dedicated ourselves to the service of this great nation, and with that service comes responsibility. To be a good Airman, we must strive to be experts in our career field, a mentor to those around us, a Wingman on and off duty and we must approach every day as an opportunity to make our

16 Feb 2010

What does inspiration look like?

There's not a day that goes by that I don't witness someone on our team that demonstrates exceptional personal and professional attributes. These people aren't even difficult to find, they stand out in a crowd. I also believe that without these truly superior role models that we could not function as well as we do. Are you one who inspires others,

10 Feb 2010

Stellar performing Airmen!

Every Air Force leader faces a similar challenge: how to motivate Airmen. Like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates, an Air Force leader never knows what type of Airmen their unit is going to get. Everyone loves to be part of a high performing team, but unfortunately every once in a while you'll find yourself assigned with a group of folks that