Download EX Update April 06

SQUADRON LEADERSHIP SCHOOL Seminar 2.1
Officership & The Public Trust
Introduction
“When a man assumes a public trust,
he should consider himself as public
property.” - Jefferson
Objectives
Define the concepts of “accountability,” “public trust,” & “officership.”
Explain why public organizations are held to high ethical standards.
Describe basic responsibilities of staff officers.
Describe moral concepts embedded in each Core Value; apply your
understanding to a case study
Describe how to develop positive attitudes toward accountability.
Key Concepts
What do these concepts mean to you?
Officership
Accountability
Public Trust
Key Concepts
Officership: A blend of leadership, management, and professionalism
(Gen. Bennie Davis)
Accountability: Everyone is expected to be able to justify their actions
Public Trust: The duty to respect the true source of democratic power,
the people and the overall community
Public organizations
Why are public organizations held to
high standards of ethics?
Public organizations
Why are public organizations held to
high standards of ethics?
Owned by America
Taxpayer-funded
Humanitarian missions have life and death
implications
Special trust in working with youth
Affiliation with USAF
Claim to be benevolent
Basic responsibilities of staff officers
What are some basic responsibilities
all staff officers hold in common?
Basic responsibilities of staff officers
What are some basic responsibilities
all staff officers hold in common?
Follow the Core Values
Stay safe & promote safety
Follow CAP policies in fact and spirit
Be a good steward of CAP money and
property
Model a positive attitude
Mentor, coach, & correct new members
Core Values Project
Premise: Each Core Value is
really a form of shorthand for
many other values.
Tasks:
1. Provide a well-rounded, multifaceted definition for your
assigned Core Value by
identifying at least 4 moral
concepts embedded in the Value.
2. Identify 4 practical ways a
squadron staff officer can
demonstrate your assigned Core
Value.
Core Values: Integrity First
Honesty: the habit of telling the truth
Moral Courage: the willingness to do
what is right, even if it’s not easy
Responsibility: acknowledge your duty
and take responsibility for success or
failure
Openness: being transparent in your
motives and actions
Honor: Showing integrity in and out of
uniform; integrity is not something that
can be turned “on” or “off.”
Analysis of the Core Values is based on USAF Doctrine Document 1-1
Core Values: Volunteer Service
Altruism: when your actions stem
from a desire to help others; the
difference between “giving” and
“taking”
Selflessness: seeing “service” as the
act of putting someone else’s needs
ahead of your own
Good Citizenship: making a
contribution to the general welfare of
the community
Fun: volunteerism takes effort, but it is
not supposed to be a dreaded chore
Core Values: Excellence in All We Do
Professional Development:
participating in training programs and
learning how to contribute more
Teamwork: working together and
recognizing that teams accomplish more
than individuals
Efficiency: recognizing that budgets and
equipment are not limitless; making do with
what we have
Big Picture Vision: knowing how your
role affects the team and CAP as a whole;
acting in a way that supports the overall
mission
Core Values: Respect
Loyalty: Supporting the leader; not trying to undercut their authority
Politeness & Tact: Treating others as you would want to be treated
Good Faith: Giving the other person the benefit of the doubt
Humility: Recognizing you are human; not boasting about rank or position
Tolerance: Recognizing individual rights and differences
Case Study
How do the Core Values relate to this case?
Promoting Accountability
How can squadron-level leaders promote accountability
among squadron members?
Promoting Accountability
How can squadron-level leaders promote accountability
among squadron members?
Lead by example
Say thanks
Avoid favoritism
Integrate the Core Values
Promote professional development
Show you support your leaders’ efforts
Don’t make ours a “one mistake” CAP
Correct members’ mistakes
Final Thoughts
“Nobody can acquire honor by doing what is wrong.” - Jefferson
Accountability makes us stronger.