Ivan F. Ingraham

Ep 329: Grit and Mental Preparation for Air Force Special Warfare https://lnkd.in/gJnSH4kW Aaron Love Trenton Seegmiller We often get asked, "What is grit, and how will I be evaluated on that attribute at the Air Force Special Warfare Assessment and Selection, or A&S, course? How do I prepare?" Well, we got you. Grit, mental fortitude, or the willingness to continue in the face of uncertainty can *most certainly* be trained and built. In this enlightening conversation, Aaron and Peach delve into the significance of mental fortitude and the means to bolster the mind before embarking on the pipeline journey. They stress the importance of honoring commitments and persevering through discomfort. They also highlight the power of reshaping one's mindset and embracing the identity of a person who follows through without making excuses. Additionally, they discuss the value of self-regulation, managing reactions, and maintaining emotional balance. They place emphasis on the concept of reach-back moments, both physically and mentally, as crucial preparation for the challenges ahead. Jared and Aaron also underscore the significance of mental fortitude and its cultivation. They emphasize the need for resilience and the capacity to surmount obstacles. They expound on the idea of drawing strength from past experiences during reach-back moments to navigate adversity. Furthermore, they advocate for dependability, fulfilling commitments, and prioritizing others. They underscore the importance of mental preparedness and being comfortable with starting from the bottom. Overall, they offer valuable insights and strategies for fortifying the mind. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Call to Action 01:03 Building Mental Fortitude: Follow Through and Finish What You Start 06:19 Self-Regulation: Managing Reactions and Avoiding Extremes 09:06 Avoiding Catastrophizing and Focusing on Priorities 13:43 Recognizing Situations and Self-Regulating Emotional Responses 23:31 Managing Road Rage and Reaching Back to Past Experiences 28:41 Building Mental Fortitude 31:06 The Power of Reach Back Moments 35:01 Dependability and Commitment 38:46 Selflessness and Teamwork 46:11 The Importance of Mental Preparation 50:03 Starting at the Bottom Join this channel to get access to perks: https://lnkd.in/gFWiye3b

17

**Executive Presence: Essential Elements and Importance Among Military Leaders** Executive presence is a multifaceted quality that combines gravitas, communication skills, and appearance to create an aura of leadership. Gravitas, the cornerstone of executive presence, involves exuding confidence, decisiveness, and emotional intelligence. Military leaders, in particular, must embody gravitas to inspire trust and respect among their subordinates and peers. This quality enables them to remain composed under pressure, make sound decisions quickly, and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, all of which are crucial in high-stakes environments. Effective communication is another critical element of executive presence. Military leaders must convey their vision and directives clearly and persuasively to ensure mission success. This includes the ability to listen actively, articulate thoughts succinctly, and adapt their communication style to different audiences. In the military context, where orders need to be understood and executed precisely, strong communication skills foster unity, prevent misunderstandings, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Appearance also plays a significant role in executive presence. For military leaders, maintaining a sharp and professional appearance is not merely about aesthetics but about setting an example for discipline and attention to detail. A leader who is meticulously groomed and well-dressed commands respect and signals to others that they take their role seriously. This visual aspect of executive presence helps to reinforce authority and cultivate a culture of excellence and accountability within the ranks. The importance of executive presence among military leaders cannot be overstated. It directly impacts their ability to lead effectively, inspire confidence, and maintain order and morale. Leaders with strong executive presence are better equipped to handle the complexities and demands of military operations, fostering a cohesive and motivated team. Ultimately, the presence of such leaders ensures that the military remains a formidable and respected institution, capable of achieving its strategic objectives and safeguarding national security.

1

As a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, I have been to many Professional Military Education Courses. In these courses we discuss what a leader is defined as, but what about leadership styles. What is a leadership style? A leadership style refers to a leader’s methods, characteristics, and behaviors when directing, motivating, and managing their teams. A leader’s style is shaped by a variety of factors, including personality, values, skills, and experiences, and can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of their leadership. Why is it important to know your own leadership style? As a leader, understanding your leadership style is critically important. When you understand your leadership style, you can determine how this affects those you directly influence. Transformational Leadership Transformational leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes change and transformation. Leaders who adopt this approach strive to inspire their followers to achieve more than they ever thought possible by tapping into their potential. Delegative Leadership Often referred to as “laissez-faire,” a delegative leadership style focuses on delegating initiative to team members. This is generally known as one of the least intrusive forms of leadership; this translates to “let them do.” Authoritative Leadership Authoritative leaders are often referred to as visionary. Leaders who adopt this style consider themselves mentors to their followers. Not to be confused with authoritarian leadership, authoritative leadership emphasizes a “follow me” approach. Transactional Leadership Transactional leadership, often referred to as managerial leadership, is a leadership style that relies on rewards and punishments. This style clearly emphasizes structure, assuming individuals may not possess the motivation needed to complete their tasks. Participative Leadership Sometimes referred to as democratic leadership, participative leadership is a leadership style that encourages leaders to listen to their employees and involve them in the decision-making process. This style requires leaders to be inclusive, utilize good communication skills, and, crucially, be able to share power/responsibility. Servant Leadership Servant leadership is a leadership style that puts the needs of others first. It emphasizes creating strong relationships with those around you and focuses on enabling them to reach their full potential. As a leader, it requires focusing on understanding the people you are working with and developing their abilities. How do I know what leadership style is going to make me a more effective leader? First you need to set clear goals on what you want to achieve, then experiment with the different styles to see what works best for you. Remember leadership is not about being perfect but authentically leading. When you lead with passion and purpose others will naturally be drawn to you.

I've had the honor of witnessing firsthand the profound impact of effective leadership, especially as outlined in Army FM 6-22. These experiences have reinforced the importance of being grounded in core values and adapting leadership styles to meet the needs of the team and the situation at hand. Army Leadership Fundamentals: Grounded in Army Values and Warrior Ethos: I've learned that embodying values like loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, along with the Warrior Ethos, forms the bedrock of strong leadership. Competent in Core Competencies: Mastering the essential skills and knowledge required for our roles is not just beneficial—it's necessary. Developing Subordinate Leaders: One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is investing in the growth and development of others. Culturally Astute: Understanding and respecting cultural differences allows us to navigate the complexities of our environments more effectively. Leadership Styles: Through my journey, I've encountered and practiced various leadership styles, each with its unique advantages: Laissez-faire: Providing tools and resources, then stepping back to let the team work their magic. Servant Leadership: Prioritizing the needs of the team above my own. Coaching: Focusing on professional development and continuous improvement. Transactional Leadership: Motivating through rewards and clear goals. Transformational Leadership: Inspiring and driving growth by setting high expectations. Autocratic: Making decisive choices when necessary. Democratic: Encouraging team participation in decision-making. Bureaucratic: Ensuring adherence to rules and procedures for consistency. Charismatic: Infusing energy and enthusiasm into the team. Situational: Adapting my style to the context and the individuals involved. I've seen the incredible results when leaders are versatile and adaptable. At FRAGO22, we focus on cultivating these leadership qualities. We train leaders to be culturally astute, develop their teams, and navigate operational complexities with agility. Are you ready to transform your leadership and elevate your team? Contact FRAGO22 today to learn how we can help! Visit Frago22.com Stay inspired and lead with excellence! #Leadership #ArmyValues #WarriorEthos #LeadershipStyles #TeamBuilding #FRAGO22 #VeteranTalent #LeadershipDevelopment #TransformationalLeadership #SituationalLeadership

17

6 Comments

Ladies and Gentlemen, Those of you who attended United States Army Human Resources Command's Conversation With Industry Event (#CWI2024) a few weeks ago got the opportunity to hear Major General Tom Drew describe his "Moonshots". What are the big, audacious goals that he wants to solve over the coming years. These don't represent concrete requirements but are more "themes" that we want help thinking about. There are better ways for us to: ☑ See the Army - We have to find a better way to model inventory against requirements and better assess those joining the Army. ☑ See the Solider - Today we equate Skill and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). A Soldier is more than their rank and job title. How do we differenctiate the skills and map strengths to Army needs and Soldier preferences. ☑ See the Future - How do we forecast needs 5 years from now and provide a new level of predictability. How do we model that forecast and assess the impact on future readiness. If you weren't able to attend or you lost your notes from the event and you want to know what is keeping senior leaders awake, take a look at the graphic Maria Rice McClure from the HRC Public Affairs Team made to summarize the goals. Patricia Bourgeois Houchin | Christopher Ruga | Kris Saling | Greg Johnson | The Adjutant General Directorate | Karl Anderson | Guy Timberlake | Dolores Kuchina-Musina, Ph.D. | Raj Sharma | Becky Weirick |

93

7 Comments

The poison of popularity. This article’s talks about the dangers of pursuing being liked over making hard decision or difficult conversations. It applies outside of the military also. https://lnkd.in/gAgyK4eh

3

Imagine…before July 4th, you could have a strategic, magnetic federal resume WORKING FOR YOU while you celebrate with your loved ones... A magnetic resume that conveys your value and includes the proven strategies that have helped thousands of our clients land interviews and job offers in over 400 federal agencies worldwide! Are you struggling to land high-quality interviews, or any interviews at all?  Ready for that promotion but can’t seem to get past the gatekeepers? There has never been a better time to get access to our propriety methods and get help from me and our Magnetize Your Federal Resume® Certified Writers! Let us help you get this done through this special offer. In honor of our military heroes, we’re excited to offer you an exclusive opportunity to fast-track your federal resume and job search with our done-with-you Magnetize Your Federal Resume Builder Online Course during our Memorial Day Promotion! Yes, we are going to do it WITH you! If you want to attract more interviews, watch this complimentary video training, "Your Federal Résumé: How to Get Hired in Federal Government," and discover the secrets to landing interviews that lead to lucrative job offers. In this 90-minute workshop, you'll uncover: - The #1 strategy your federal résumé needs to get through the gatekeepers - The biggest mistakes keeping you from landing interviews - Top secrets for getting hired faster, even without inside connections - How to navigate the federal hiring process Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! Check the first comment on how to attend the workshop then register for the course so you get all the bonuses and the 2 SUPER BONUSES - only for a limited time. Limited-time bonuses are now available.  P.S. Imagine a magnetic federal resume that helps you land interviews…so you can start applying as early as 4 weeks from now (or less)! Transform your federal resume to speak to the 6 gatekeepers and land interviews that lead to lucrative job offers with our expert guidance and amazing exclusive, limited-time bonuses.  #FederalJobs #ResumeBuilder #CareerSuccess #MemorialDayPromo #JobSearch

Modernizing and transforming sustainment operations!

5

🚨 Attention Transitioning Service Members! As a proud participant in the Fall cohort of FourBlock's Career Readiness Program - I want to share how transformative this program can be for your career transition. I highly encourage all service members to seize this opportunity! 🤝 Expand Your Network: Connect with fellow veterans and industry leaders who can open doors for you. 💼 Gain Valuable Insights: Learn directly from nationally recognized Fortune 500 companies on how to present the best version of yourself to potential employers. 🔍 Streamline Your Job Search: Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to make your job search more efficient and effective. Don’t miss out on this chance to invest in your future. Take the next step in your career journey! 🚀 #FourBlock #CareerTransition #Veterans #Networking #JobSearch #ProfessionalDevelopment

15

2 Comments

Whether or not the fireworks were expected, you may know you are in a safe setting, but still feel cued (or "triggered") to react. Some examples of distress you may feel include: Strong reactions to the sound of fireworks (or ceremonial gun or cannon fire) Strong reactions to flashing lights common with fireworks Feeling on edge or jittery Feeling jumpy or easily startled by loud noises Tips for Dealing With Fireworks You can take steps to manage the impact of fireworks on your well—being. Reminding yourself that trauma reminders—sights, smells, sounds, settings--match a past event but are not a threat in your current context can get easier with planning and practice. If you find that fireworks—or other trauma reminders—are very distressing and hard to manage, treatment can help. Learning to respond to trauma reminders, rather than react to them, can make a difference in your level of distress. You can learn to turn a "trigger"—a reminder that sets off an automatic reaction—into a "cue" that you respond to in a way that feels safe and healthy. To read more, follow this link to the VAs PTSD site in the comments.

2

1 Comment

David is absolutely correct. Don't go through your military transition alone. Everyone's adventure looks a little different, but it's up to the individual to take ownership of their transition. 2 pieces of advice for transitioning service members, I feel confident to share at this point in my journey are: 1) Start early. Small steps early pave the way for big things later. 2) Ask for help early and often from veterans or one of the many organizations out there dedicated to help veterans find meaningful post military employment. Much like Bilbo learned later in his adventure, having a group to help increases your chances for success. #transitionthursdays

5

2 Comments

The U.S. Air Force is once again leading global humanitarian efforts! ✪The Air Force has resumed humanitarian aid drops into Gaza. 🇵🇸 ✪ This mission showcases the Air Force's commitment to international humanitarian efforts. ✪Aid drops include essential supplies such as food, water, and medical supplies. This effort emphasizes the critical role of the USAF plays in maintaining global stability. For more details about the Air Force's crucial role in humanitarian missions, check out the full article in the comments. #AirForce #USAF #Airmen #HumanitarianAid #GlobalStability #Leadership #InternationalRelations #DefenseNews #MilitarySupport

1

1 Comment

Is it wrong to call a senior officer by their first name? Depends on where you work. It’s not disrespectful in the civilian sector. Not should it be considred disrespectful in many contexts in the #military. Not every officer relationship is one of command or supervision. Not every rank relationship is relevant. In fact, as we argue, in many staff contexts, rank can get in the way of #leadership. In others, attempts to leverage or insist on rank can be detrimental to leadership, especially when that leadership must be exercised across a staff. Many thanks to Brian, Dennis, and Cory for being great teammates and great coaches. To myself and the rest of the III MEF staff.

16

2 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I attended the Congressionally mandated Transition Assistance Program hosted by the Military & Family Readiness Center at #USAFA. I’m a month into trying to wrap my head around what I’ve done in deciding to retire from military service. Here are 3 things I got from the presentations: -         There are a ton of resources available to service members transitioning from military to civilian life. From national organizations you would expect like the DAV, VFW, and local Vet Centers to experts and volunteers who have a heart for helping separating/retiring military members get re-integrated into a work culture some of us have not been a part of for decades. Shout out to Lida Citroën for her discussion on personal branding, something most of us haven’t done in a long time. For us, the focus is on the team, mission, etc., separating ourselves from the team doesn’t come naturally so this was timely information. -         Veteran’s Affairs benefits are complex. Since 1789, the federal government has had responsibility for the management of the veterans. Since the VA was promoted to a cabinet level position in the 1930s, the scope of health and other benefits has changed and morphed into what we see today: health, mental health, tuition assistance for veteran, spouse, and/or children (aka Post 9/11 GI-Bill), home loan guarantees, and many others. -         Future employment is anxiety inducing.  Maybe not for everyone, but for me it is. I will have a nice pension from my 24 years of service, but the intangible benefits to military service are so value-added that I’m not actually going to receive 60% of my pay.  When you add in the variable allowances, incentive pay, and tax breaks, it’s going to work out to about 36%. So now I feel the pressure to make up that 64%. It’s daunting – will my skills translate? Is there going to be a job that lines up with my timing? How do I even look for a job? The last time I did this all I had to do was sign a few pieces of paper and then shave my head! Even still, I know a ton of people have done this before me and thankfully there are people and organizations out there willing and able to help. I just have to keep focused on what I’ve learned and trust that what I learned is designed to help in the transition.

18

3 Comments

#TransitioningVeteran- If the article below summarizes your TAP experience (that it was not helpful), then join my webinar this Wednesday, 10/9, at 8 PM ET. Over 1,000 transitioning service members have attended, and 98% stay until the very end. It's highly applicable, very practical, and free (nope, there won't be a sales pitch, ever!). Register here: https://lnkd.in/edvfZcbx #transitioningveteran #transitioningmilitary

6

2 Comments

A team effort, our latest in Marine Corps Gazette, and the winner of this year's Hogaboom #Leadership #Writing Contest! Christopher Denzel, Dennis Dunbar, Cory Frederick, and myself co-authored this article on #collegial leadership. Leadership style are many and varied. Some are more appropriate for different people, and for different occasions. But we generally associate leading in the #MarineCorps with #command, and expectations for how #commanders should lead. The fact of the matter is, most Marine officers will spend only a heartbeat of their careers in command. Most will command briefly, and only while captains. Over the course of a career, you are usually in a staff position, and must lead while working alongside teams over which you have little authority. If this is the case, how can we optimize our leadership style for these jobs? Chris, Dennis, Cory, and myself got an awful lot of experience doing this as Operational Planning Team (OPT) leaders during our 0505 payback tours, working with OPT's at the MSC, MEF, MARFOR, and CCDR levels, and in joint, multinational and interagency environments. We learned how to serve as #collegial leaders, how to set conditions to create collaborative environments where we can distill the most useful efforts out of a motley crew of varied personalities, while under a time constraint, and still achieve our commander's intent and deliver the right work on behalf of an executive leader - despite having no real authority over the individuals involved. This article discusses some of the insights we gained during that time, and hope it can help others succeed as well. Give it a look! #PME #WriteFightWin #ReadFightWin

104

15 Comments

Veteran Transition Tip of the Week:   "You can't hang out with chickens and expect to soar with eagles."   A few months ago, a friend shared this phrase with me, and it has stuck with me ever since.   Originally said by Joel Osteen in a sermon about the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, the phrase later found its way into Slim Thug’s 2015 hit "Church."   But who said it doesn’t really matter.   What does matter is the message:   The people you surround yourself with have a direct impact on your #mindset, your #goals, and ultimately, your #success.   In other words, if you hang out with chickens, you'll stay grounded, stuck in the same place, never realizing your true potential.   As #veterans, we understand the value of strong teams.   The same principle applies in civilian life.   If you want to grow, excel, and reach new heights, you need to surround yourself with those who challenge and uplift you—eagles, not chickens.   Since hearing this, I’ve made it a priority during my transition to seek out positive influences.   People who push me to think bigger, aim higher, and never settle.   The result?   I’ve shifted my entire approach to #transition.   I’m actively seeking out educational opportunities to make myself more desirable to employers.   I’m pursuing positions I once thought were beyond my reach.   And I’m targeting salaries that truly reflect my worth.   The mindset shift has been transformational.   It’s not just about professional growth—it’s about personal growth, too.   Surround yourself with those who inspire you, and you'll discover just how high you can soar.   Who are the eagles in your life?   #VeteranTransition #VeteranSuccess #PersonalGrowth #GrowthMindset #SurroundYourselfWithGreatness #SoarWithEagles

6

"So, tell us about yourself and why you would be a good fit." 😬 (INSTANT PANIC AND MIND GOES BLANK) 👀 Transitioning out of the military can be challenging, but one crucial step to success in the civilian job market is crafting a compelling elevator pitch. Imagine you have 30 seconds to make a lasting impression on a potential employer. 🏅 Your elevator pitch should highlight your unique skills, experiences, and what you bring to the table. Here's an example: "As a dedicated and disciplined professional with four years of military service, I excel in high-pressure environments and bring a proven track record of leadership and teamwork. My experience in logistics and project management has honed my ability to streamline operations and ensure mission success. I am eager to leverage these skills in a new role where I can contribute to the success of a dynamic organization." Tips for Crafting Your Elevator Pitch: ✨ Be Concise: Keep it short and to the point. Aim for around 30 seconds to one minute. ✨ Highlight Key Skills: Focus on your most relevant skills and experiences that align with the job you are seeking. ✨ Show Enthusiasm: Convey your passion and excitement for the role or industry. ✨ Practice: Rehearse your pitch until it feels natural and confident. ✨ Tailor It: Customize your pitch for different opportunities, highlighting the aspects most relevant to each potential employer. Remember, a strong elevator pitch can open doors and set you apart from other candidates. Good luck! #transitioningservicemembers #militarymembers #elevatorpitch #networking #veterans

6