During the past eight months this wing has endured a horrific string of safety accidents resulting in the death or serious injury of multiple individuals. Unfortunately service members and/or dependents have been identified as the root cause. As the new Chief of the Wing Safety office this is my number #1 priority. I cannot solve this problem alone and will rely heavily on my team. This paper will explain how I analyzed the current environment using the Full-Range Leadership Model (FRLM) as well my plan to build them back up using the same model. Additionally, I will detail my plan that will address the safety issue and establish goal setting milestones which will help us achieve our objective. After sitting down with each member of the Wing Safety team it is clear to me that there is a serious morale problem and untapped resources. Capt Matthews, former Chief of Safety, was clearly out of touch with his subordinates and did not instill confidence. He tried to incorporate some transactional and transformational examples of the FRLM, but they were weak. By adjusting MSgt Jones and SSgt Williamson’s schedules to meet personal requirements he attempted to employ individual consideration. Likewise, Capt Matthews granted Mr. Deburgh some bonus time off as an example of contingent reward, but it was not received as it was intended, which defeats the entire purpose of an award. Finally, his half-hearted attempt of intellectual stimulation with Lt Johnson to come up with new ideas was pathetic. In my opinion, Capt Matthews led more following the laissez-faire model which spread to the entire team and in turn, had an adverse affect on team dynamics stifling any chances to come up with tangible solutions. My first step a…
… middle of paper … …nalyze how team members are performing and whether I need to incorporate active management by exception to get someone back on track. In the end our goal is a 75% reduction of traffic accidents related to cell phone use by base personnel over the next 12 months. The problem before us is serious and challenging, but I know we have the right people in place to solve it. I have explained how I used the FRLM to analyze how this team was led in the past and how I will use that same model to inspire and guide them. There are many questions and data points we still need answered, but I have made the case for a newly focused safety campaign dealing with cell phone use while driving and assigned attainable goals. By utilizing the FRLM, I am confident I will lead and motivate the safety team to help protect this Wing Commander’s most valuable asset – her people.
