Workplace attitude is reflection of leadership Published Oct. 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- I'm now well into my second year serving in the Air Force and have had many ups and downs getting used to the military workplace. There is never a dull moment in the public affairs world. New tasks and challenges are being presented every day. I have accomplished many things and learned more than I ever would have imagined; but for me, I tend to dwell and remember the mistakes I've made more than my successes. I've seen many people let their mistakes at work take a toll on their professional and social lives. The negative attitude they generate continues to build and they have a constant worry they will mess up again. I've seen many situations where the person in error isn't shown how to fix the problem; they have to figure it out on their own. This is where mentors and supervisors come into play. I had approximately 10 jobs prior to enlisting. I worked for countless bosses and supervisors. One key observation I had while working for them was noticing they hated their job just as much as I hated mine. I was a reflection of my current leadership. Their attitude was poor and leadership skills were nonexistent. I couldn't find myself enjoying what I was doing, regardless of how hard I tried. Everyone's attitude within the workplace was affected negatively based on the leadership from above. The leadership within my current office has a much different approach than anything I've experienced before. My supervisor tells me what I did wrong when I make a mistake and she'll provide multiple solutions to correct the situation. She tells me similar situations from past experiences which she learned from and developed a plan to succeed. It's up to me to correct the mistake at this point. Repetitive corrections can build up and overwhelm a new Airman to the point frustration and discouragement is at an all-time high. A good supervisor will recognize this. I've previously seen many supervisors personally hold the errors against their subordinate which will kill the morale and positive attitude within the office. Employees are always more productive, thus benefiting the mission when morale is up and attitudes are positive. I was once called into my supervisor's office for a "work" meeting. I got chewed out for more than an hour because of my work performance. I felt like I was back at Basic Military Training and I was the only trainee. I have never felt like such a poor worker until that day, but realized everything she said was true and I was at fault for slacking off and the negative impact on the mission. Immediately after the "work" meeting, she completely flipped roles and asked what thoughts I had about advancing in my Air Force career and whether or not I would re-enlist. She gave me advice from her experiences that have helped give me insight into what I'm planning for my future. I could see she truly cared about my career - the "work" meeting was strictly to make me a better Airman. I knew it wasn't personal; as tough as it was to sit and accept responsibility for my actions and take the punishment. I had a different mindset than I thought I would when I returned back to work. I was motivated and re-dedicated to the mission. Supervisors should know how to build an Airman up - even when providing corrections - in order to maintain a positive attitude within the workplace. Mistakes are not personal attacks against supervisors or the work center. Don't assume the Airman won't ever do the job right. It takes time. Mistakes are going to happen and most supervisors made a few themselves as young Airman. Thankfully, I learned critique-when balanced with sincerity and concern-is just business. It is also an indication of a supervisor's dedication and willingness to uphold a responsibility to both the mission and mentoring subordinates. I have learned to take the advice from someone who has walked in my shoes and learned a thing or two. "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference," - Winston Churchill.