Photo By Maj. Holli Nelson | Members of the 188th Company Grade Officer’s Council and 188th Wing Commander Col....... read more read more
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EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. - Airmen of the 188th Wing were afforded a unique opportunity to gain valuable lessons from leaders in the corporate world on management, leadership and career growth during a Leadership Symposium held here Nov. 6, 2015.
Dr. Paul Beran, chancellor of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith; Chris Sultemeier, executive vice president of logistics for Wal-Mart; and Bob Arvin, regional vice president of logistics for Wal-Mart, served as distinguished panelists for the symposium coordinated by the 188th Wing Company Grade Officer’s Council.
“I really hope that people here get a different perspective than the traditional leadership training that we get in the military,” said 2nd Lt. Sam Grounds, 188th Wing assistant executive officer. “These guys all run big businesses that are very successful and have a different perspective than those in the military, so I know we will get a well-rounded discussion through this symposium.”
During the symposium, Airmen from the 188th had an opportunity to ask each panelist questions on a broad range of topics concerning leadership and management. Questions ranged from time-management and meeting schedules, to risk taking and daily routines that have helped make them successful.
“Every day, I try to put myself into problem solving situations that someone is having,” said Beran. “In my position now, I have many stakeholders to answer to, so everything I do involves solving a problem to better serve someone.”
The three panelists, who have earned top positions in their fields, shared insight into some of the leadership moments that impacted their lives and current leadership styles throughout their careers.
“I had a one-star general disagree with a decision I made when I was in the Army, to which he openly chastised me during an after actions review,” said Sultemeier, a former West Point graduate. “My commander at the time stood up to the general for me during the AAR and went to bat for my cause. From that experience, I learned a valuable lesson about taking care of your people and supporting them as a leader.”
Sultemeier went on to share that sometimes as a leader, an individual needs to support their subordinates and teammates even when they make the wrong decision but had the right intentions.
“I’ve been scared to tell my boss about a decision I made before because of the possible repercussions,” said Arvin when discussing a story about a retail operations breakdown early in his career. “But, he ultimately supported my decision, even when it cost the company time and money, because I made the best choice I could at that time with the information I had available and my thought process was sound. His leadership during a difficult time in my career stands out to this day and impacted me significantly as I moved up the corporate ladder.”
The Leadership Symposium discussion allowed Airmen to delve into topics not normally discussed in a military forum. Opportunities, such as this, present a chance for Airmen to be mentored and learn from non-traditional sources and also affords the wing a chance to build community support in the Fort Smith area.
“We are so thankful to Chancellor Baren, Mr. Sultemeier and Mr. Arvin for taking time out of their busy schedules to take part in this Leadership Symposium,” said Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander. “Their leadership journey in the corporate and academic world is dynamic and provided a great forum for discussion among all our Airmen here, the current and future leaders of the wing and the Air Force.”
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.07.2015 14:34 |
| Story ID: | 181293 |
| Location: | EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, AR, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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