Values-based leadership and communication which encourages teamwork and puts people first in every circumstance is the key to success for the Royal Australian Air Force, according to it's Chief, Air Marshal Angus Houston.

In an informal address in Canberra recently, CAF chatted openly about leadership and his perspectives, using examples of leadership challenges from his own Air Force career.

From his days as the new Commanding Officer of Number 9 Squadron, responsible for implementing the transition of helicopters from Air Force to Army, to being in charge of the entire Air Force, AIRMSHL Houston has used a clear, open and people-oriented approach to leadership.

These real-life examples, while on a larger scale, are the same leadership issues people of all levels deal with on a daily basis. CAF said whether you are the Chief of Air Force or a Corporal, successful leadership is based on the same principals.

He spoke of the need to set a clear direction forward, to establish the right culture and reiterated the need for values-based, people oriented leadership. He also made clear his feelings on the importance of listening.

'If you listen to your people, you'll understand your people and when you do finally transmit it is exactly the right message which strikes a chord with your people,' CAF said.

AIRMSHL Houston urged every member of the Air Force to take up the leadership challenge and deal with the difficult issues as soon as they arise, rather than passing them up the hierarchy where they become out of control.

'A responsible Corporal should sit down with a Leading Aircraftman and talk through his concerns rather than simply going to the CO,' he said. 'A bit of listening goes a long way.'

CAF's leadership address follows similar addresses by Chief of Army, Chief of Navy and Deputy Secretary Corporate Services and Infrastructure Group.

An initiative of Defence's Organisational Renewal Branch, the series of addresses was organised so that Defence Force members and civilians could hear their leaders' views on leadership.

People come first in values-based force
Air Force's response to the F-111 Board of Inquiry report is proof that Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston puts people first.
'An Air Force that puts people first needs to be values-based,' CAF said. 'Putting people first means embracing our Air Force values as individuals and as an organisation and using them to guide our decisions, our behaviour and our relationships.'
AIRMSHL Houston, during his recent address on leadership, explained the response to the F-111 Board of Inquiry was a values-based response.
'The Board of Inquiry report made 53 recommendations and we accepted all 53,' CAF said. 'We have taken responsibility for the 400 people we hurt.'
He said the process was totally open and in line with the 'values we hold dear'. 'Anything else would have been in contravention to those values.'

Chain of command is best
The chain of command is the best way to get difficult messages across.
That's according to Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston who sang the praises of the military communication system while talking about leadership and his perspectives.
'I believe passionately in the chain of command,' AIRMSHL Houston said. 'It works wonderfully well operationally and in any situation.'
'The Australian Defence Force's 60 operations over the last four years are testament to the high effectiveness of the chain of command in all situations and through all three services.'
CAF said a chain of command develops trust and understanding through all levels.
'It is better for our people hear information, particularly difficult messages, straight from their CO through the chain of command than in a letter or an email from me.'
'Each and every Commander enjoys my complete trust ... and I will tell you that all of them are doing a wonderful job out there for Air Force.'

Stories by Rebecca Codey