Jared Wood’s Post

The irony here is that these types of transition assistance programs should have a positive effect on retention in the long term. 1) Military personnel have a chance to learn about the harsh realities that come with leaving the security of the military. They often return to the mission feeling better about their choices. 2) These types of programs help the federal government fulfill its promises to veterans which is where the idea originated in the first place, to mitigate issues with veteran homelessness and unemployability. Just as important as that, it in turn makes less disgruntled veterans who then support the future of our fighting forces. I recently read more veterans than ever before are actually discouraging youth from joining because of unfulfilled promises. Historically, the military has always been a way for the best of society to change their station. Why should we reduce such a strong incentive? Not to mention the simple truth this poster alluded to: supportive leaders inspire more followers.  I hope we don’t see this type of knee-jerk reaction in other branches. 

Take ownership of your learning journey. Completing my skillbridge training program has reinforced the importance of identifying needs and goals, adapting to change, and reflecting on acquired knowledge. Continuous learning is key for personal growth. Utilizing online courses and certifications is a flexible way to enhance skills. Transitioning from the military? Explore AllegiantVets' skillbridge program for a proactive approach. Stay ahead, grow personally, and unlock new opportunities! #development #continuouslearning #alwaysbyyourside #vets #military #DEI #organizationalleadership

🌟 Honored and Humbled 🌟 Today marks an unforgettable milestone as I had the profound privilege of addressing the incoming 2023-2025 class of Honorary Commanders for Scott AFB. Sharing my personal journey with these exemplary leaders was not just an honor, but a heartfelt homage to the values and missions we collectively cherish. As a guest speaker, I delved into the treasure trove of my experiences, unfolding stories of triumphs, challenges, and the unbreakable bonds I've forged with our airmen and the wider community. To the new commanders, I say: Embrace this journey with open arms and an open heart. The relationships you build today are the legacy you'll cherish tomorrow. Building bridges between the wings you're assigned to and the communities you serve goes beyond mere duties. It's about nurturing trust, understanding, and mutual respect. It's about being the catalyst for a camaraderie that transcends the confines of roles and ranks. I encouraged them to embark on this path not as a task, but as a transformative experience, fostering connections that will not only support our airmen but also enrich their lives and those of others in countless ways. It's about the human touch—be it a supportive word in tough times or a shared celebration in moments of success. Reflecting on my time with these inspiring individuals, I am reminded of how such moments have sculpted my own path as a civic leader. It’s in these interactions that we find growth, inspiration, and the unwavering spirit of service. To witness the spark of potential leadership in their eyes has been an unparalleled joy. As I continue my journey, the lessons learned and friendships formed through the Honorary Commanders program remain a cornerstone of my personal and professional ethos. May we all continue to lift each other, inspire greatness, and forge the kind of relationships that truly stand the test of time. To the incoming class, I wish you the very best of luck. May your tenure be as rewarding and enriching as mine has been. #ScottAFB #HonoraryCommanders #Leadership #Community #Service #AirForce #CivicLeadership #RelationshipBuilding #Mentorship #Gratitude

J&Js Energy for Performance Training reminded me of the profound impact that holistic well-being - encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual health - has on our professional lives. Prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance creates a solid foundation for success and fulfillment.

Up Your Game with Best Practices I recently posted two separate polls, one on the concept of “Best Practices” and the other on asking for possible explanations as to why service academy graduates excel in both the military and civilian labor markets. (You can review the prior posts.) The service academies educate and train “college” students, but they do it differently. Along with rigorous academics, they emphasize four areas: leadership. character building, self-discipline, and physical fitness. Some of what the academies do could be helpful to you in improving your performance potential and those that you can influence. In a series of posts, I will highlight one of the four areas. We will take each individually but recognize that the four are part of an integrated process that shapes the students over 47 months. A neighbor, hearing that I was a West Pointer, and having heard how demanding the life of a cadet can be, asked me to give him an example of what we went through. In our first summer, we went through what is referred to as “Beast Barracks.” It lasted eight weeks and was designed to integrate us into the Army and the Corps of Cadet. Each night, we attended a shower formation. All new cadets stood at attention in the hall of the shower area in their bathrobes. You were only allowed to take your shower after you had stood at rigid attention long enough to soak the bathrobe with sweat. Your reward was a one-minute shower. After hearing this, my neighbor said: “You can’t be serious!” Yes, I was serious. And in fact, if you were to survive those eight weeks and eventually graduate, it would be because you took things very seriously. All of it: studies, appearance, personal conduct, interpersonal relationships, and sports were all pursued with a drive for excellence. We became very self-disciplined, which is another way of saying we were results oriented. I do not advocate this type of regimentation throughout our educational system, but the incorporation of more regimentation and discipline might have a very positive impact. For individuals, the answer is different. The more seriously you take your career, the pursuit of excellence, your drive for new knowledge and skills, and the goal of being the person your supervisors can rely on to get results, the better your chances are of a rewarding career. #education #leadership #careergrowth #selfdiscipline

"I have been in the Navy for 4 and half years now and have not been able to find a mentor." Finding mentorship while serving is more challenging than we think. It should be something that is built into our monthly routine by our leaders, but that's not always the reality. Not all units, ships, or duty stations are created with an equal understanding of the impact mentorship can have. It's incumbent upon every service member to seek out mentorship, and that's where we can help. One of the things we're working on with our community is quantifying the impact of mentorship on a career in uniform. We exist to make our service members' and veterans' lives smoother through connection with those among us with the experiences they desire. We'd love to hear your thoughts as we think about these questions: - How much impact do your mentors have on you? - How have the tangible metrics in your life improved because of the intangible benefits of your mentorship? - What life or career obstacles would be easier to navigate if you had guidance? Can't wait to hear from you. Here's a snippet of what our folks think so far:

🌟 Step into a Future of Excellence! 🌟 Air and Space Force Officer Instructor and Recruiting Special Duty, In our quest for excellence, it's crucial to embrace progress and innovation. Today, let's explore three powerful ways to shape a brighter tomorrow for our forces: 1️⃣ Recruit, Train, and Instruct: Our strength lies in our personnel. Let's commit to creating a stable and supportive environment for both future and current officers. By fostering an atmosphere of growth and collaboration, we can mold the finest leaders and operators. Each officer is a vital piece of our puzzle, and their development is paramount. 2️⃣ Broaden Your Impact: Consider the opportunity to temporarily step outside your career field. This isn't a detour; it's an expedition! By diversifying our skills and knowledge, we can contribute to our Air and Space Forces in unique and unexpected ways. Embrace this chance to make a broader impact, and watch our forces soar to new heights. 3️⃣ Create Unique Experiences: Innovation thrives in diversity. Let's seek out diverse experiences, engage with a broad mix of fellow faculty and students, and learn from their perspectives. It's in this rich tapestry of backgrounds and ideas that we can weave the fabric of innovation and progress. Together, we can create unique experiences that drive us forward. As you move forward in your career, remember that progress is not a destination but a journey. It's about collective growth, shared knowledge, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. By implementing these progressive ideas, you can shape a future where our Air and Space Forces continue to lead and inspire. Go boldly on this journey and make your mark on history. Apply today! Air Education and Training Command United States Air Force United States Space Force United States Department of Defense #oirsd #AirUniv https://lnkd.in/girwJhvY

🌟 Day 10/100: Mentorship - Guiding the Next Wave 🌟 On Day 10 of our 100-day narrative, let’s delve into a cornerstone of military life that profoundly shapes careers and lives: Mentorship. In the military, mentorship is more than just guidance; it’s a bond that fosters growth, leadership, and the passing on of invaluable lessons from one generation to the next. This tradition of mentorship ensures that every service member receives the wisdom, support, and encouragement needed to navigate challenges and succeed. Transitioning into civilian life, the value of mentorship remains immense. It’s about leveraging our experiences to guide others on their paths, helping them to navigate the complexities of their careers and personal development. “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey. This quote captures the essence of mentorship. It’s not just about teaching or advising; it’s about inspiring others to recognize and reach their full potential. #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #Day10of100 #veterans #veteranssupport 📌 10/100: As we reflect on the impact of mentorship today, let’s consider how we can be mentors in our own professional communities. Whether through formal programs or informal support, the opportunity to guide and inspire others is a powerful way to give back and strengthen our networks.

Civilian GS Supervisors: Are you skilled in writing award packages for your team members? Can you assess organizational impact(s) and gear your words to a lay audience outside of your area of expertise? Do you know priorities, vision, and mission beyond your immediate surroundings? I see a LOT of opportunity left out there to get your people recognized. Learn the system and what matters to your bosses boss. Then EXPLOIT that knowledge to give your team an advantage. I use that verb with intent.

In 2023, idgroup began using Heroic Public Benefit Corporation's training platform as a tool to reinforce our values of reciprocal responsibility, solutions-focused, appreciative worldview, continuous learning and curiosity, excellence and collaboration. Each month, a Heroic philosopher note/lesson is selected that ties back to one of our values. Throughout August, we are elevating our value of reciprocal responsibility. The philosopher's note that was selected dives deep into the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. The biggest takeaway from Extreme Ownership is absolutely owning everything in your world. Take 100% responsibility for the success (and failure) of your missions—blame no one and constantly seek ways to improve. So what does reciprocal responsibility look like for idgroup? It means doing what you say you are going to do. Our team members act as interdependent partners where the success of each individual is tied to personal responsibility for our attitudes and actions as well as the support, respect and love we give to each other. This attitude extends to our interactions beyond the walls of this organization–to all living things. How are you taking extreme ownership? Are you helping find solutions, making things better, leading and winning each and every day?