20 Oct 2010

The unpredictable life

One of the things I love most about the Air Force is the unpredictability and changing nature of the career. We move to new places, tackle new jobs and new challenges, meet new commanders and co-workers and always look ahead to something different.This lack of rigorous structure has been my motivation for the past 10 years of military

14 Oct 2010

The uniform you wear -- symbolism or substance

As you walk around Vance AFB you will notice various uniforms that people wear. There is the predominate flight suit, or "bag," that is worn by those associated with flying in airplanes.You will also see our Air Force blues on Mondays, the new Airman Battle Uniform and those still clinging to their Battle Dress Uniforms. In our civilian and

6 Oct 2010

I am a risk taker...

Hi, my name is Todd and I am a risk taker.What did he just say? Who would freely admit to being a risk taker in today's Air Force. Whether you realize it or not, you are a risk taker too.I recently attended the Operational Risk Management course at the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The course was three days long and I gained

29 Sep 2010

Stop the insanity!

Nearly 60 years ago Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results." After more than six decades, Dr. Einstein's definition of insanity still rings true as we routinely fail to adapt when it makes sense. In most situations, we're more comfortable proclaiming, "If it ain't broke, don't

27 Sep 2010

If you were accused of being an Airman, could you be convicted?

If you were accused of being an Airman, would there be enough evidence to convict you?Since we just celebrated the Air Force's 63rd birthday, now is a good time to reflect on the message our actions send and how those actions are judged. Our behavior reveals more about our core beliefs than we sometimes realize.Is there enough evidence to convict

27 Sep 2010

Lorenz on Leadership: Ordinary people becoming extraordinary Airmen

During my 37 years in the Air Force I have served with many great Airmen. Recently, the Air Force announced the retirement of five of our very best: Gens. Howie Chandler, Kevin Chilton and Roger Brady as well as Chief Master Sgts. Pam Derrow and Rob Tappana.Each one of these Airmen has selflessly served our nation in positions of great

13 Sep 2010

A short, effective list

I have attended many luncheons, banquets and graduations in my 27 years of service and at most there was a guest speaker. They touched one way or another on their "list." Their lists for the most part dealt with traits of a good leader or a good follower.Some dealt specifically with what it takes to be a good supervisor. Some of the lists were so

8 Sep 2010

The only constant is change: Work smarter, encourage creativity

"Change is about different! Thinking different! Doing different! Getting different results!" -- Rolf Smith, author and leadership consultantNewton's First Law of Motion states that bodies at rest tend to remain at rest, and that bodies in motion tend to remain in motion. They only change when a force is applied to make them move, or if they are

1 Sep 2010

To be successful you have to enjoy what you’re doing

While preparing to fly with a T-38 student in the formation phase of training this past week, I was reminded of how important it was to enjoy what one does in life. As I sat down to brief the two-ship formation flight, I asked the student, whom I had never flown with, how things were doing.The answer initially surprised me. "Sir when I have good

1 Sep 2010

Lorenz on Leadership -- Love your people

I have gained a wealth of knowledge during my career, but one point remains at the top of the list ... love your people. Through Lorenz on Leadership articles and presentations, I have shared countless personal stories. While they always have different themes, one constant is the wonderful examples and lessons from people I have met. Our Airmen are