Perception is Key

  • Published
  • By by Col. Les “Anchor” Bradfield III
  • 439th Airlift Wing
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  One day, when I was a junior officer, my boss at the time came back from leadership training, and he surprised me when he shared the lesson that had stuck with him. It was one that I still use today. Perception is key. That was the thing that made the most profound impact on him, and in simpler terms, he explained; “You are not who you think you are. You are how other people see you.” Back then, the admiral left an indelible mark on me, clearly, as I recount a conversation that happened more years ago than I care to share. Ever since, I’ve always tried to analyze things from the perspective of peers, bosses, subordinates, friends and family. Understanding that their perspective of things is shaped by experiences, training and education, background and situations affecting them that I may not be aware of. The perspective of those around you will affect how they perceive everything from a situation, the job at hand, a new task or assignment and even communication up and down the chain of command. This 360-degree perspective has afforded me a better understanding of the battlefield, whether that “theater of operation” is a job, a recreational activity, or a setting with friends and family. By considering what others think about a situation and what is shaping their perspective, I can better understand how a course of action or even my words and actions will affect them. This has afforded me a vantage to make better choices, and I’m often more effective at shaping the battlespace to achieve the desired effects. By considering perceptions, I’ve become a better communicator, airman, wingman, mentor, dad, husband and friend. I encourage each of you to think about perception, both yours and those of others. Do your actions and words inspire others or do they perpetuate mediocrity? When you’re on the flight line, in your shops, TDY or even at home and everyone is a little tired, bored, or frustrated by a situation, consider your actions and words and how they are perceived by others. The choices we make; deeds and words make a difference.