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The power of one

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Mark Harper
  • 305th Communications Squadron
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Our nation is great, vibrant and charged with an important mission; some may say it takes destiny to protect individual freedom and encourage the pursuit of excellence for those brave enough to accept the challenge, here and abroad. At home, ordinary citizens, like you and me, are quietly achieving greatness in their lives every day. They are reaching out, touching others, losing self in service, and changing lives in the process. I would add, changing a nation and a world. I call this "the power of one." The power of one -- others have spoken about it and written articles on it -- but this is what it means to me. 

The power of one is simply just that. The influence and impact one person has upon another or many. History is replete with wonderful examples of the power of one. Gandhi brought the British Empire to its knees and raised a nation's people up from theirs. Mother Teresa quietly and humbly gave hope to people who knew only depravation and despair. The Founding Fathers are an excellent example of what an individual and individuals, who collectively focus their energies, can accomplish. Each sacrificed, many with their lives, to create a government and nation that has become the world's greatest and a symbol of freedom, goodness, and rule by law, not man. 

What about Army Pfc. Joe Dwyer? You may remember him in a picture sent across the world as the medic who carried a young Iraqi boy who was injured during a heavy battle between Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi forces March 25, 2003. He personified goodness and compassion in a horrible situation. He gave a face and a soul to an ideal -- that we, as Americans, will do whatever we can with the talents we have to make life better for those who may not enjoy the blessings that we do. We do not know how many he may have inspired to do good or the number of opinions he changed of those who felt Americans came only to destroy. We now know he paid a tremendous price for his service to our country and thank him for being the "one" to another in need. 

I want you to think about that one person in your life you credit with who you are and the success you've achieved. At different stages in your life it has probably been a different person, or it might be a single individual who continues to inspire you to reach for the stars. It would be extremely arrogant to believe one's success is achieved in a vacuum. We are influenced and exert influence wherever we go. Reflect on that very important, and sometimes ignored, fact that leads me to the heart of the power of one concept. Where and upon whom is your touch and presence felt? 

I have seen and felt the positive that comes from the free and unselfish release of one's personal power. I'm not referring to rank or authority; only what emanates from a person. Within our own wonderful institution, the U.S. Air Force and McGuire, there are those who happily give of themselves for our betterment and encourage us to do the same. Their power has now expanded to include others. Their circle of positive power grows. Conversely, if one desires to negatively influence another that can happen too. We need to avoid that. Wherever you are, you can be the one! Are you? Will you be? What are you doing to increase your positive sphere of influence? 

Are you involved in activities that serve a greater good; McGuire's 5/6 organization, Airman's Advisory Council, Company Grade Officers' Council, or other benevolent or fraternal group? Are you a coach, a worker for Habitat for Humanity, or any number of organizations that allow you to add your distinct talents and abilities to do great things? I ask you to remember, "We are designed to do, to act, and not be acted on or be reactive."
I constantly share with our young Airmen, even if they are new to the Air Force, that they can be leaders and influencers in their own right. They may be the "new kid on the block" right now, but in the near future another person will arrive and they'll need to be there to help. They can have a huge impact on the newcomer and the initial impression he or she will have of our Air Force family. So, don't believe for an instant that you don't have an important role to fulfill. I am disappointed when some may say, in a negative connotation, I am just an airman, NCO or lieutenant - you are that and so much more. Step forward in confidence to serve others and see what happens. I think you'll be amazed. For those of us more senior, we have an equally important if not broader influence base. We have been entrusted with our nation's most treasured talent and resource; her young men and women. How are you magnifying your stewardship with these sons and daughters of freedom? Leaders, are you "one" he or she wants to emulate? I hope so, but our behavior may give us reason to pause. One must remember the influence they possess.
Power is neither good nor bad, just its application. Examine your application and the time taken to positively influence a subordinate, peer, or superior. I would challenge you to make the time and be involved. As Dr. Stephen Covey stated in his book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People", you can be efficient in your work but not with people. It takes time -- How are you spending yours with others? I know we are all very busy, but the time we, as leaders, spend with others may have a leveraging effect and actually save time by helping another become more competent and confident. 

Especially during this time of year, a time of thanksgiving and reflection on the blessings in our lives, one's impact cannot be underestimated. I challenge each reader to be a force for good. Remember that whatever rank you presently hold or position you are in, a positive influence can and should be exerted. Leave a legacy by touching another's life personally or professionally. Get out of your comfort zone and enlarge who you are and accomplish what you were meant to do -- to serve with a noble purpose. The power of one is in each of us, and you may never know the impact you'll have upon another. If my first supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Kerrie Hurlbut had not felt a responsibility to give her best to me, herself, or the Air Force, she would not have spent one morning after a long mid-shift with a young Airman, basically expressing the privilege it is to serve one's country and the successes that lay ahead. If she would not have believed in the power of one, I would not be sharing these thoughts with you. I would have left the Air Force. I will be forever grateful to her and honor her now. The power of one -- be a "one," make a difference and be remembered.