Build belief in self, true potential Published May 5, 2010 By Lt. Col. Sabina C. Garrett 71st Medical Support Squadron commander VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Our personal and professional growth stems from not only our inner drive to achieve, but also from the support of those around us. As a leader, it's important that you really get to know those you work with day to day and others you might interact with on a personal basis. Learning the underlying goals and desires of others will offer insight that allows you to recognize and share growth opportunities, creating perfect building blocks for professional advancement or personal development. Mentorship is all about giving people that edge of confidence or belief that they can achieve beyond their current capabilities. We all need that push at certain times in our lives to take steps outside our comfort zones or to go after a far-off goal. Life is but a challenge and an interesting one at that. We need to be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities for continued self-development. I am proud to be a part of a leadership team that firmly supports all possible avenues of professional development. Our medical group staff is uniquely diversified and we have sought to bring growth opportunities to our civilian and military workers, using both on and off-base resources. The outcomes speak for themselves -- job satisfaction, enhanced capabilities, personal confidence and self growth. It really comes down to an individual choice to take advantage of what is offered. Our job as leaders is to help build belief in self and realize true potential. I hope that you will use the local newspaper, the weekly wing bulletin and professional and local civic organizations to identify and recognize personal and professional growth opportunities. Take action yourself, then go one step further and help others down that same path.