Leadership, performing in joint world critical for today’s officers Published Sept. 3, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Danielle R. Grannan 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Three Offutt general officers took time to shed some light on their keys to success when they addressed members of Offutt's Company Grade Officer Council Aug. 25. Army Maj. Gen. Carroll F. Pollett, chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command; Rear Adm. James F. Caldwell , deputy commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike and Integration at USSTRATCOM, and Brig. Gen. James Jones, 55th Wing commander, imparted some of their experience-based wisdom to more than 100 company grade officers Aug. 25 in the Dougherty Conference Center here during a panel discussion. Two important topics addressed were leadership and working in a joint environment. One of the first questions General Pollett posed to the audience was "What comes first, the mission or the people?" The question is irrelevant, he said, because a good leader would find a way to take care of both. He stressed the importance of treating people with dignity and respect while maintaining your authority. General Jones followed up on those thoughts adding, you shouldn't wait for more rank before exhibiting the characteristics of a leader, and you should never ask others to do anything that you haven't or wouldn't do yourself. General Pollett also stressed the importance of leadership up the chain of command and not just down it. "Disagreement is not always disrespect. Don't be afraid because your leaders need your advice too," the general said. General Pollett introduced the topic of "jointness" by pointing out that the concept has changed radically over the last seven years. "My generation began deploying together, but we were still divided," said General Pollett. "Today, the majors and lieutenant colonels have been in harms way with each other long enough that branch doesn't matter. What matters is if that person can do his or her job, if he or she can cover your flank ... your generation is coming up in that atmosphere." Both Admiral Caldwell and General Jones agreed, adding that the missions of both the Navy and the Air Force are evolving to meet the needs of the world we live in and serve today. General Jones stressed that each branch of service has its own mission, and it is each member's job to know where he or she fits into the global picture. He spoke about joint interdependence where the missions of each branch work together and each contributes in a different way to make the joint effort successful. Admiral Caldwell also had several tips for company grade officers to keep in mind for their professional development including development of professional competence, maintaining integrity, teamwork and a keeping a positive attitude. General Pollett had a final statement for the audience: "Integrity, loyalty and standards - they're all easy to say, but are significant because they relate to your character. We're professionals, we're different, and we have high standards and a higher calling. You've got to have passion in your heart."