Before I joined the United States Air Force (USAF), if someone asked me what type of leader I am, I would have just simply laughed. However, since then, I’ve matured and I have helped other Airmen adapt to a structured military lifestyle. “I’ve never been the one to toot my own horn”.
Therefore, I’ve chosen a more logical route and took the famous Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test, in order to account for my answers.
The results classified me as an ‘INTJ’ (Introvert, Intuition, Thinking, Judgment).
This is one of the rarest personality types which fall under Rational Temperament. INTJ’s are natural brainstomers, always open to new concepts, and always seeking new ideas. I believe these instinctive personality traits give me the potential to become a great leader.
The leadership styles that I most identify myself with are the Situational Leadership Theory and Transactional Leadership Style.
Through the Situational Leadership Theory, I recognize everyone learns differently, everyone needs to be motivated differently, and everyone needs a different level of supervision. Furthermore, due to the Transactional Leadership Style, I can confidently acknowledge my use of rational decision-making and strategic analyzation skills.
The seeking of overall mission improvement and bestowal of accurate knowledge upon subordinates and peers best defines the NCO that I want to see in myself and exemplify to others.
With the knowledge I’ve gained in Airman Leadership School (ALS), I feel equipped and primed to take on more responsibility in the United States Air Force. I will also utilize the expertise acquired from the ALS Instructors to recognize potential strengths and weaknesses in my subordinates to discipline them appropriately.
Considering my history as a restaurant manager, I stumbled upon my ability to work well under pressure and excel in multitasking. I have also noted that I have great social skills by utilizing humor and assertiveness in different situations.
My acknowledgment of diversity and rational thinking are my essential makeup; these traits will help mold me into an active and great leader for the USAF.