AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- When we think of leadership, especially in the military, most of us immediately think about senior and executive level people who have likely been around the organization for some time. Although this is often true, leadership can, should, and must exist, at all levels to have a truly great organization. From the newest Airmen, to the most senior general, we can and should all be leaders.

John Quincy Adams once said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more or become more, then you are a leader." He recognized that there are often leaders that may not hold the traditional positions or titles but are essential to an organization.

Being a leader in your community and in our Air Force can start with the easiest of actions. It can start as simple as that young “butter bar” lieutenant the extra minute to clean up a mess that he found in the squadron snack bar and helps the unit feel a bit more proud of their older work facility, or be as tough as that “crusty old” master sergeant that takes the time to correct a misguided airman first class.

Recently while heading into the dining facility, I witnessed one of these acts of leadership. A major had just come in from the bus but had neglected to put on his cover while coming across the parking lot. While standing in line to scan his ID, a senior airman that had come in behind the major started telling him a story about his recent graduation from tech school. He talked about how his parents had made the long drive just to see him standing proud in the uniform. This Airman not only was able to politely remind the major of the uniform standards, but he also exemplified them himself with a fresh haircut and impeccable uniform. This impressed me, but equally impressive was the major’s reaction. I had expected him to dismiss the young Airman’s story, instead he said “Thank you for taking the time to remind me to show respect for our uniform and everyone else in it.”

Sometimes leadership requires what we all hate to do… give someone honest feedback. And sometimes it means opening ourselves up to receiving that honest feedback from others and just admitting, “I screwed up.” Both of these require courage and leadership. Correcting the major didn’t require someone of higher rank to lead him in the right direction; it took a bit of courage and the enterprising actions of one of our Air Force leaders, a senior airman.