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Show 10 Hilltop Times COMMENTS June 14, 1991 Filled squares build sound like it could be put to use when our airman is given his own shop? And our airman developed all that on his own seeking out the opportunity and then seeing it by Maj. Debbie Davis Human Resources Directorate J J How many times have you heard that? Have you ever thought or said that yourself? Square-fillin- g seems to mean a does person things like signing up for classes or taking on additional projects just to fill the expectations of a boss, a recognition program or a promotion board. But within that phrase is the basic assumption that the act itself is really meaningless. But it that true? Or are filled squares really building blocks? Let's take a very common act of community involvement a young airman coaching a youth softball team and see what it can mean to his career development: Leadership Our airman isn't a supervisor at work, but during evening and weekend practices and games, he's responsible for orchestrating the actions of a group of highly active youngsters. He has to mold them into a team, teach them the rules of the game, display good sportsmanship, and keep them pumped up and excited about what they are doing, even when they grow tired and discouraged. And he does this week in and week out for the entire season, maybe even through championship tournaments. Does that kind of leadership through. to coordinate projects This coach needs to make sure practice fields are scheduled for his use, that equipment is availQ The ability able where and when it's needed, and that everyone knows when to show up for games and practices. Parents need to know what days they are to bring team treats and when the team pictures will be taken. Uniforms have to be issued, gathered and returned to the Youth Center when the season is over. What about games? Other coaches need to be consulted and schedules drafted. Sounds like a lot to think about and a lot of coordination to take place. After our airman finishes the season, do you think he will be better able to coordinate projects, conferences, etc., when called upon to do it at work? You'd better believe it. And do it better and more efficiently than his contemporaries who haven't exercised that skill. Time management Our coach doesn't have every evening to get his uniforms ready, to watch lots of TV or run errands. He's got practices and games to work around and so he's got to plan his time pre-seaso- n better. He has to make sure his errands are run as efficiently as possible don't make three trips when one Entiie Stock Long character Wish your Dad a Happy will do. Responsibilities can't be put off, the luxury of procrastination is gone and every hour needs to count. Does that sound like the way you'd like a future noncommissioned officer to be thinking? El Communicative skills This airman has to explain rules to children in a way that they'll remember and understand. He has to explain other rules to parents in tactful, but firm, manner. When his team's practice time gets rained out, he's got to plead his team's case in a convincing manner with the Youth Center. If he writes a letter to parents on the season schedule and rules that didn't quite make sense, he'll find out about it. And he'll learn how to communicate more clearly. Does anyone doubt the importance of effective communicative skills for an Air Force professional? You get the picture and you can probably think of other skills he's developing that' I haven't mentioned. The next time you hear of someone filling a square, remember that individual is making the effort to become a more effective professional. And that's exactly the person the recognition boards and promotion boards need to identify. After all, these folks are using building blocks to prepare themselves for more responsibility. And that's the kind of people we need as leaders on the Air Force team. Editor's note: Major Davis is Father's Day Sunday chief of military personnel at Hill AFB. & Shori SLEEVE SKIRTS Wrangler. Panhandle Slim, Roper 20 Off 20 Off Entire Stock STRAW HATS Bailey, Resistol, Stetson .. 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