Sharing Success--Owning Failure: Preparing to Command in the Twenty-First Century Air Force

by David L. Goldfein

Command is the ultimate service. It is a time when we have the singular responsibility to create and lead strong Air Force units. A time when our passion for our Air Force and our vision for its future must be overwhelmingly clear. Early in the “Developing Aerospace Leaders” initiative, we began to focus on the way in which the institution teaches leadership and prepares airmen for command. What we found was a wide range of practices and a wide range of expectations—a complicating factor in today’s Expeditionary Aerospace Force. We realize that preparing our officers to command effective, mission-oriented units must be a deliberate process. It must develop our unique airman perspective, creating commanders who are able to communicate the vision, have credibility in the mission area, and can lead our people with inspiration and heart. The foundation of our institution’s effectiveness has always been its leaders. Colonel Goldfein’s work provides valuable lessons learned and serves as a worthwhile tool to optimize your effectiveness as a squadron commander. This book is a must–read, not only for those selected to command a squadron but for all our young officers, helping them understand what the requirements of squadron command will be. Remember, command is a unique privilege—a demanding and crucial position in our Air Force. Sharing Success—Owning Failure takes you a step closer to successfully meeting that challenge.

Genres: Leadership, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Self Help

130 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this (again) to prep for my new job and it's outstanding. Not really meant for anyone but military, but it's a book that I read, and it helps me meet my reading goal while getting me ready to lead people.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend to those after selection for Command. fast read, good information.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, providing an series of best practices for leadership and management within the U.S. Air Force. The author, former Air Force Chief of Staff, General David Goldfein, explains lessons he learned in squadron command, along with those he collected from peers. The book is short and reads very easily. It makes passing references to theoretical concepts, but the focus is on real world practice. Reading the book does not require any specific Air Force knowledge to understand the lessons, with the exception of the final chapter, on justice and discipline. Most of the practices are applicable to not just a wider military audience but to any person bearing responsibility for the people, programs, and outcomes of a large organization. Goldfein proposes a people-centric approach, arguing for long term gains through investments in trust, empathy, and compassion. He and his contributors give plenty of examples of missing near term objectives in favor of this long term outcome. A great quick read for anyone taking command. A healthy collection of best practices with generally universal application.

[Jason Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read this book before I teach command courses. It’s a short monograph that highlights some of the key principles of command. The justice section comes across as more of a checklist, but a good starting point. What’s missing is any discussion of cognitive bias that comes into play. Probably due for an update.

[Billy Ancheta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless tips for new Sq/CCs!

Great refresher on what it means to be put in command...all the leadership lessons we learn on a daily plus the tips from this book are worth gold.
Easy ready and outstanding tips from the current CSAF himself.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Had some good references I want to check out. Some of it is dated or not universally applicable (I.e. I don’t have a maintenance officer per se). Still some going points and some that are.. re-blueing.

[Ashley Burney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing short read for those going to be in a military leadership role. It really sets out a nice framework for how to be a great leader and what your subordinates will expect from you. I read this for an assignment in class, but definitely learned a lot from it.

[Christopher Pokorny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint primer for leaders about to assume a supervisor/command role, penned by General Goldfein, USAF.

[Ruth Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and encouraging, with lessons applicable across various disciplines. While it has a specific aim, it also gives good advice overall.

[Nicholas Kokolakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated, but accurate truisms of command. A valuable reminder of leadership principles as I continue to transition to this new career field.

[Ken Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for future AF leaders as well as functional guidance for the private sector.

[Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Gen Goldfein. This book is no exception. Sadly I did not pick it up before command, but great lessons nonetheless.

[Maresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book from one of the greatest leaders the Air Force has ever known. Definitely important to read before taking squadron command and it helped me. 4 stars because it is culturally outdated for women commanders.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short, fast read is full of good leadership tips for members of all services, not just the Air Force (though it would be even better if you are in the Air Force - I'm not). Read this as part of my base's professional reading program for company grade officers. While aimed at the squadron (battalion) command level, there are things here that can benefit folks taking command of lower echelons as well, i.e. a flight or a company.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy reading collection of thoughts, anecdotes, and words of warning for USAF leadership at the squadron level. I picked a copy up (freely available online in PDF format) to gain some insight on what the author's (soon to be the new CSAF) idea of leadership is. It's an excellent short read and contains quite a few nuggets of knowledge that are applicable to even junior grade officers.

[Jaime Betancur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Great book, a lot of experiences from a former USAF Commander. Gral Goldfein, a really leader, sharing his knowledges and good tips.