28 Sep 2009

Consider showing a little kindness

The great Rabbi and teacher, Abraham Joshua Heschel, once wrote, "When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people." That's one of those quotes that I consider a keeper. I'm growing older. In fact, I just turned 50 years of age. And, while in no way do I feel old, I very much agree with the famous Rabbi. The older

22 Sep 2009

Lorenz on Leadership -- A tale of two instructors

Air Education and Training Command is primarily made up of students and instructors. On the surface, the instructors simply teach certain skills so that students are ready for new challenges. In reality, they contribute so much more. Instructors make us better Airmen and continually raise our level of performance by enforcing the standards. They

18 Sep 2009

The power of words

Most of us can remember a time when someone we didn't even know spoke kind words that lifted our spirits. On the other hand, all of us, I'm sure, can remember walking away from a conversation feeling dejected or offended. Often, it was due to a combination of what, when, and how something was spoken. The ability to control our words is definitely a

12 Sep 2009

Organizational success requires each of us to jump on board

When I think about leadership and organizational success, trains come to mind as a useful analogy. Just as all of a train's components are essential and must work in concert with one another for it to reach its final destination, all Airmen play an important and integral role in helping the Air Force reach its objectives. Let me explain. In order

8 Sep 2009

Must I give up my quarter pounder with cheese?

Well they have gone and done it. They are going to start fitness testing us twice a year. I think it's a good move. I mean I'm not one of those people who wait until a couple of months before I'm due to start training. I work out three times a week. OK, OK, I don't always get in three workouts a week, but the point is I am working out regularly. My

1 Sep 2009

Lorenz on Leadership - Technological change

I am a digital immigrant. You see, in the summer of 1972, as a senior at the Air Force Academy, I spent $125 on a small "personal computer." At roughly $650 in today's dollars, the small unit was able to do four things: add, subtract, multiply and divide. It was a cutting edge ... calculator. Although we were only permitted to use it while checking

28 Aug 2009

Challenges, choices and consequences

As a Chief, you are often approached and asked this question: "What are some words of wisdom you can pass on that helped you get where you are?" Well I can't promise you any sacred words of wisdom, however I would like to share with you a simple formula that I have used to help guide me both personally and professionally. It's what I refer to as

21 Aug 2009

‘I can do this … Keeping fit to fight’

With the upcoming changes to the Air Force fitness program and our high rates of deployment, there has never been a better time to get (and stay) in great physical shape. When I first joined the Air Force, we were transitioning away from the run to the bike ergometry test. I took lots of jabs from my Army and Navy friends during that time and was

17 Aug 2009

Leadership Dynamics

At some point in our lives we have known or learned about someone whom we would consider to be a great leader. There was something in this individual that made them stand out as a leader. Early in our careers the seed of leadership is planted with the intent of growing us into an effective leader. Although we are taught about leadership early in

12 Aug 2009

Leading learning innovation

The Air Force has a heritage rooted in technology and innovation. From our earliest days, Airmen have sought to find a better way to dominate the domains in which we operate -- air, space, and now, cyberspace. Developing superior capabilities which enable global vigilance, global reach and global power have proven vital to our nation's security.