Air Force News :: Features

AIR FORCE News asks 11 members to share their thoughts on what they mean to them
Volume 48, No. 10, June 15, 2006

The Air Force aims to: Be a professional, highly motivated and dedicated team, Develop and support its people, and Be a safe and equitable place to work. What are values? Behaviour reflects our values. Values are the expectations we have about how we are treated and how we should treat one another. Values shape our behaviour – they do not rule our behaviour. Values exist on many levels and they are essentially the core principles by which people measure options or make decisions. Values must live through the behaviour of the organisation and its people. So the organisation and its people must have ownership of those values. Values provide a guide when no other guide exists. Values define the culture of the organisation and differentiate it from other similar organisations. They underpin our sense of belonging. Has the Air Force always had values? Throughout its 85 year history, the Air Force has been recognised for the achievements of its personnel. In other words, it has been recognised for the behaviour of its people. In the past, as now, we have been defined through the values represented by our behaviour. For example, in World War II at Milne Bay, Air Force ground and aircrew found ways to overcome both difficult and primitive conditions in an environment of direct personal danger. The professionalism and innovation they exhibited directly contributed to the first defeat of Japanese forces in the Pacific. We need to emulate the teamwork, courage, dedication, excellence and esprit de corps that ensured operational success in so many different circumstances in all parts of the world since 1921. These values do not only appear in times of conflict. They are reflected every day in the way we treat our people and do our business. Who created our Values statement? In 2001, the Air Force Senior Leadership Team decided to consult with Air Force people about their shared values. They formed Values Teams, bringing together people from all over Air Force to describe the things that held meaning for them. Their contribution was summarised in a statement that was released in 2002 as the Air Force Values Statement. It addressed the aims of the Air Force and what is expected of Air Force people in terms of their attitude and conduct. It is a declaration created by Air Force members, not a set of rules imposed from above. What do the Values mean to you? Next time you make a decision, think about the effects it will have on those concerned and determine whether it is aligned to your values as well as those of the Air Force. The statement outlines several expectations, and it should encourage you to build on areas of weakness and further develop areas of strength.
		Strive for excellence as both leaders and followers To be a good leader you also need to be a follower, as this gives an insight into both roles. A good leader sets the standard for their subordinates to follow whilst maintaining a high level of military ethos.’ SGT Tracy Holland, RAAF Base Amberley
		Be fair to and respect the rights of others ‘As a manager and a leader with staff, I find by treating everyone with equal fairness and respect, the deadlines and outputs within our section of DP-AF are met and often surpassed.’ FLTLT Steven Smith, Russell Offices, Canberra
		Encourage diversity in all its forms ‘It’s important to recognise, value and utilise the contributions of people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives as they often prove beneficial to the workplace.’ CPL Sheree Trigg, RAAF Base Tindal
		Balance work and personal commitments, including family and relationships, for themselves and those they work with ‘I believe that without good relationships in all areas of my life I would not feel as focused or committed to my current position.’ FSGT David Kelly, RAAF Base Richmond
		Work together as a team ‘There are more hands working towards a task, all working towards the same thing. The section comes together and we do everything together, one in all in.’ CPL Jamie Roberson, currently deployed in the Middle East
		Communicate in an open and honest manner ‘I believe that it’s vital for members of a team to have the latest and most accurate information available by using open and honest communication both up and down the chain of command.’ WOFF Graeme Tingey, RAAF Base Pearce
		Display honest commitment to the Air Force Values ‘Leading by example for those that may be unsure and unconfident are very strong values to carry outside the Air Force in everyday life and sporting achievements.’ CPL Leigh Mills, RAAF Base Townsville
		Be capability focussed and operationally ready ‘In a society that is full of unrest and a career that requires deployment at a moment’s notice, I must be operationally ready at all times, so I am constantly gaining knowledge to better myself and to be the best I can be.’ LACW Alison Duxbury, RAAF Base Edinburgh
		Be professional and innovative ‘I enjoy working with a focused, professional and enjoyable group of mates, who work together in achieving the same goal and enjoy the little challenges along the way.’ CPL Daniel Price, RAAF Base Williamtown
		Serve with pride and dedication ‘When I tranferred into the Reserves, morale and values in Defence were at a low, so I wanted to uphold the strong values within the Air Force and pass them on to the newer members.’FSGT Graeme Whitmore, Reservist, RAAF Base Townsville
		Be recognised for their loyalty, integrity and determination ‘As a SECPOL member our integrity is on display at all times so we must be fully transparent. If members were to question our values, how can we be expected to fulfill our duty of ensuring these values are upheld by others.’ LACW Fiona Bradfield, RAAF Base East Sale