NCO DLC - Course Foundation

TSgt Browning's actions of reviewing her test results and thinking about how she can use the information to improve herself and her work center demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and development. This aligns with the concept of lifelong learning, which refers to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one's life.

TSgt Shelby is using the keys to successful learning, which according to the
Course Introduction chapter are reading (completed all assignments), taking notes (took
good notes), studying (study sessions), testing , and lifelong learning. TSgt Shelby's actions
will most likely enhance her effectiveness.

TSgt Moran effectively used team roles which according to team roles section,
there are four roles that are typically found on teams and those roles, creators look for
activities that are unstructured or abstract, and they thrive on innovation and unique solutions
(SSgt Gomez, who is innovative), Advancers communicate new ideas and carry them
forward (SrA Herzig, who likes to move a task along), Refiners challenge all concepts (TSgt
Ceniceros, who likes to poke holes in ideas) and Executors focus on ensuring the implementation
process proceeds in an orderly manner (SSgt Jewett, who eagerly awaits to put
ideas into practice). TSgt Moran’s use of the team roles, will most likely increase mission
effectiveness.

According to the Adaption Innovation Theory chapter, the A-I Continuum is depicted in conjunction with the bell curve and it displays the distribution of style preferences from strong adaptor to strong innovator. Although large gaps between styles means greater chances of conflict (i.e. Problem B), it also offers greater potential/ability to solve problems (Problem A) because of cognitive diversity.

The authority part of the Right to Lead Model is about the authority that
flows from the constitution, the congress, and powers vested in you by the President, as
Commander-in-Chief. These powers allow you to accomplish specific missions, and to
maintain good order and discipline. Constitutional and legislative authorities, such as Title
10 of the US Code, codify in greater detail what you are allowed to do, as well as, what
you are prohibited or restricted from doing and authority, based on rank, position, (understanding
your place and power) and duty is ever present, the trick is to understand the
limits of your authority and to never abuse the authorities (rights) vested in you by our
nation and your superiors.

The given statement describes a collection of individuals or objects that have come together or are located in the same place. This aligns with the definition of a group, which is a gathering of people or things with a common purpose or interest. Therefore, the correct answer is "group".

According to the Five C’s of a team, in order for people to feel like part of the
team, they need feedback early and often. Make sure everyone knows what’s going on by
including such vital information in staff meetings, roll calls, and other daily/weekly get-togethers.
During these short meetings, make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak
by “going around the room” or asking if there are any questions or concerns. This is a
simple way to let your team know everyone has the opportunity to offer their perspective
and which supports cooperation. In the scenario, TSgt Duckworth was able to identify the
lack of communication. (The next day Duckworth has roll call and tells the team that he
has not provided clear guidance to them. He starts off the day with roll call at 0700 and
provides vital and clear guidance because he does understand that this exercise has been
very dynamic with constant changes).

TSgt Lacey is effectively using the keys to successful learning, which according to the Course Introduction chapter are reading (she didn’t let anything interfere with homework), taking notes (took good notes), studying (study sessions), testing (scored well on the exam), and lifelong learning (use the information once she returns to home station). TSgt Shelby’s actions will most likely enhance her effectiveness

According to the Team Building chapter, TSgt White’s supervisor demonstrated the traits of coaching by teaching TSgt White and demonstrating to him, “You’re important and I’m here to help you succeed.” (My supervisor is always training me and encouraging me to join the 5/6 because he does a lot of good things in the Top III. He praises me when I do well and also counsels me to get on the right track).

According to the Airmanship chapter, respect in the POA goes beyond professional
courtesy. It means accepting others for who they are, embracing a heightened
personal sense of humility and fostering an environment of inclusiveness in which every
Airman is able and eager to offer their skills, abilities and ideas. It means treating the
equipment and resources in your possession with care, understanding and embracing
the power of diversity and holding those who mistreat others accountable. More than
anything, you must respect the humbling mission placed in your hands by the American
people, and the impact our weapons and our actions can have around the globe. In the
scenario, TSgt Richardson discusses respect in the POA when she says, "Nelson, don't
discount Izar's idea before hearing her out. We're a team and are owed the courtesy of
being not only heard, but listened to. Her idea would increase the fuel efficiency and not
put strain on the engine, which will reduce breakdowns." Richardson is holding Nelson
accountable for not fully listening to Izar's idea. She describes Izar's perspective as worthy
and beneficial to the team and the overall mission.

According to the Adaption Innovation Theory chapter, Cognitive Gap is the
distance between one's preferred style and the behavior actually needed in a particular
situation. It is also described as the distance in a social interaction, between the preferred
styles of two people, a person and a group or between two groups.

According to the Course Introduction chapter, dealing with distractions is in the same realm as self-discipline. It is the ability to deal with distractions. Most of the work is probably going to be completed on your home computer, which is a wonderful convenience. However, home can also be a source of distraction (getting everything done at home). Whether it’s children, a spouse, household projects and chores, or the television, make sure that when working on a task, you’re focused on that and nothing else (She spoke with her husband about helping out around the house and with the kids while she was doing her course work). Since TSgt Irwin dealt with the distractions, she was able to complete her coursework on time.

According to the Airmanship chapter, Air Force Core Values are said to be our
inner voice; the voice of self-control and the basis for the trust imperative in today's military.
These institutional values and principles of conduct provide the moral framework
within which military activities take place. By instructing the use of the overdue torque
wrench, Oddo is violating the AF Core Values and negatively impacting mission
effectiveness

According to the Adaption Innovation Theory chapter, a Bridger is a person
willing to help other's understand the cognitive approach between those being bridged
through interpersonal skill, active listening, and effective questioning techniques. Bridgers
accomplish this through the roles of counselor, mediator, and negotiator.

TSgt Finch final comment BEST illustrates Bridging and its impact on subordinate effectiveness. According to the Adaption Innovation Theory chapter, Bridging is reaching out to members of the team and helping them contribute even if their contribution is outside the mainstream. To be a successful Bridger, one needs to be willing to help other’s understand the cognitive approach between those being bridged through interpersonal skill, active listening, and effective questioning techniques. Bridgers accomplish this through the roles of counselor, mediator, and negotiator. This is evident when TSgt Finch states, “We’re all working toward the same goal, so even though their way may not be the way you prefer to solve problems, let’s at least consider what the others bring to the table and meet them somewhere in the middle.”

According to the Airmanship chapter, Progressive Professionalism (P2) is the
concept of improving oneself on the professional continuum through education, training,
ethical behavior, and being morally balanced. The foundation of P2 is the DDR, a methodology
of providing Airmen with direction, discipline and recognition as required. Tate
is promoting that by taking the effort necessary to improve herself on the professional
continuum and providing direction, discipline and recognition for her Airmen as required.
This will have a positive impact on mission effectiveness.

The statement suggests that individuals need to work together in a synchronized manner to achieve a mutually-desired result. This implies a level of coordination, collaboration, and shared goals, which are characteristics commonly associated with a team. Therefore, the statement best identifies a team.

According to the Critical Thinking chapter, relevance means to ‘weed out’ the information that doesn’t have anything to do with it (however, the data report reflected money spent on a project associated with his program) To establish Relevance, you could ask the following questions: How is that connected to the question? How does that bear on the issue? (He asked the questions: How is that connected to the question of money spent on my project and how does that bear on the issue?)

The Critical Thinking chapter states, “A statement can be both clear and accurate, but not precise. There might be information you need, but isn’t provided.” Also, the chapter states, “The goal is to get as much information as possible before you make a decision.” In this scenario, TSgt Tomlin’s misuse of Precision will most likely hinder mission effectiveness. This is evident in the lack of detail (quantity, type of consumables/equipment, etc.) that he provided in his feedback to unit leadership when previously asked to provide specifics of the purchases.

Fairness implies the treating of all relevant viewpoints alike without reference
to your own feelings or interests. Because you may tend to be biased (prejudiced) in favor
of your own viewpoint, it's important to keep the standard of fairness at the forefront of
your thinking, especially when the situation (concerns) may call on you to see things you
may not want to see...like problems you weren't aware of or issues (circumstances) that
might make you look bad, or give something up you may want to hold onto...like manning
or other resources (assets).

The psychodynamic theory of leadership assumes the world can be a hostile
(antagonistic), unpredictable (volatile), and unforgiving (intolerant) setting (environment),
and followers look for leaders who can make sense of such turbulent (blustery) environments
(conditions) and crisis (emergency) situations (conditions). This explanation
supports the notion leaders and followers are drawn to their roles by virtue of personality
(temperament) type.

The recovery tenet of physical fitness includes the practices you engage in that
help to restore energy to your body and counterbalance stress that could result in adverse
moods and/or deteriorating performance. The recovery tenet is evident when TSgt
Swarray says, “We should consider getting involved in activities that help us wind down
during these difficult times.”

SSgt Baldwin’s comments BEST identify the formative exercise which, according to the Course Introduction chapter, the formative exercise is part of the learning process and is not part of the evaluation process. It’s designed to provide feedback to you on your strengths and weaknesses. Formative exercises are considered exercises in learning, and passing them is NOT a requirement for graduation (doesn’t count toward course completion); however, you should prepare for formative exercises the same way you prepare for summative evaluations, i.e., give them the same weight or seriousness when studying, reviewing, etc. (you should prepare as if it did). That way, the formative exercises will serve their purpose, which is to give you a clear indication of where you stand for the summative evaluations (how well you understand the material prior to taking the final).

According to the Full Range Leadership chapter, the trait-based theory of leadership looks at a person’s leadership effectiveness being influenced by their intelligence (brainpower), self-confidence (self-assurance), determination (willpower), integrity (reliability), and sociability (friendliness).

According to the Time Management section, the benefits of time management
helps to maintain motivation (maintained his drive) while avoiding procrastination
(he didn't put it off to a later time or day). The secret to successful time management is
acknowledging, setting up, and prioritizing goals (set up his goals in order of importance)
that work. Through the use of time management TSgt Henderson received a 90% on the
evaluation.

According to the Critical Thinking chapter, “When using the standard of Breadth, you should consider (think) if there’s an argument (dispute)/position (point) that hasn’t been heard (voiced) yet. A problem might meet all the previous (preceding) standards (criterions), but is only presented (offered) from one perspective (viewpoint).”

According to the CF chapter, social fitness is the domain of fitness that deals with your ability to engage in healthy social networks that promote overall well-being and optimal performance. It captures your ability to build and maintain social networks in order to deal with distress caused by stressors and demands. TSgt King comments, (you all saw during our last deployment, she related to the local community, which led to building trust with the local nationals and established lines of communication) which clearly shows she understands social fitness. This will most likely increase NCO effectiveness.

By practicing skills such as critical thinking, self-awareness, and flexibility, you’re
more likely to strengthen your mental fitness…making it easier for you to adapt your
thinking and emotions to deal with stressors in a way that helps you return to your normal
state quicker. This is evident in Gomez’s comments when he says, “he has a good grasp
on acute thinking skills (critical thinking), self-awareness, and he’s shown the ability to
bounce back from diversity (flexibility)”. His actions will most likely enhance the mission.

TSgt Hernandez is in the dining hall talking to one of his buddies, TSgt White who works in another section. He asks White, “How does your supervisor provide opportunities for your growth?” White tells him, “My supervisor is always training me and encouraging me to join the 5/6 because he does a lot of good things in the Top III. He praises me when I do well and also counsels me to get on the right track. He is always there for me.”
TSgt White’s comments BEST illustrate _______ and its impact on team effectiveness.

Open mindedness is a willingness to investigate viewpoints different from your
own. Being open-minded means you're 'open' to actively listening and thinking about
an idea, solution, or criticism (he is willing to listen and explore their inputs) that, on the
surface, you might not normally subscribe to (TSgt Willis has been in personnel for 10
years now. He knows his job well.)...even if you believe your viewpoint is the right one (he
believes he has the right processes in place).

Relevance means to 'weed out' the information that doesn't have anything
to do with it. Since TSgt Jones is looking a wait times (Our focus is on wait times) and
(According to our metrics, the wait time goal is 30 minutes or less), only the 70 complaints
on wait times (Out of the 100, 70 of the complaints are focused on long wait times, averaging
45 minutes to an hour and a half) should be considered. The complaints on courtesy
(Ten complaints are about the courtesy of our civilian technicians) and cleanliness (The
other 20 are about the cleanliness of our area) are not relevant to wait times and should
be weeded-out.

A profession must include a body of theory and specialized knowledge, a public service orientation, and a distinct subculture. The purpose of any profession is to serve society by effectively delivering a necessary and useful service. For an occupation to be a profession, it must contain an element of selflessness, a sense that one’s personal actions serve the greater good. Each profession establishes performance standards, codes of conduct, particular vocabularies, data, and often, a distinct appearance (uniform) to maintain a desired level of effectiveness. “As you prepare yourself mentally for this overwhelming challenge, you remember that you’ve done this before…” You have embraced your role in the POA and effectively getting the mission done.

There are several elements of time management in the scenario. According to
the Course Introduction chapter, time management includes the elements of scheduling
(scheduled milestones and ensured she had the time to complete them), self-discipline
(stayed motivated), dealing with distractions (staying away from things that could prevent
him from meeting his milestones), procrastination (didn't put things off until the last
minute).

TSgt Roy's comment to the team best identifies a vision statement. A vision statement is a statement that describes the future direction and aspirations of an organization. It outlines the long-term goals and objectives and provides a clear image of what the organization aims to achieve. In this case, TSgt Roy is emphasizing the need for the team to come up with a statement that describes new concepts and technologies and gives the organization a way to explore through testing and wargaming techniques, indicating a focus on the future and the organization's desired direction.

According to the CF chapter, spiritual fitness focuses “on your ability to adhere to beliefs (embraced our organizational values), principles, or values needed to persevere (fully capable of bouncing back from failure) and prevail when accomplishing the mission (dealing with unpredictable and complex situations that might seem to be intolerable).”

According to the Airmanship chapter, Warrior Ethos is the tenacity to push
through self-discipline, self control, hardiness of spirit despite physical, and mental hardships,
moral and physical courage. In the scenario TSgt Goodgame's comments reflect
Warrior Ethos.

The competence part of the Right to Lead Model is the actual state, or level, of
skills and abilities you possess (an expert in records management). When what is required
(to become a more well-rounded leader) is greater than your present abilities or skills (an
expert in records management) you must either develop the required skills or risk failure.
It is not necessarily a bad thing to be in a position where the skill required is greater than
your current abilities as this is the very essence of being stretched (pushed) as a leader in
order to grow (mature) and develop (advance).

According to the Adaption Innovation Theory chapter, Innovators prefer to
solve problems in a manner that is less concerned with structure and details. Creativity is
exercised "outside the box." Someone that prefers this style usually breaks or goes against
the current organizational paradigm when coming up with ideas.

Management by Exception – Active is a leadership behavior commonly used in
environments where critical, life-threatening (dangerous) situations are expected as the
norm. MBE-A is a leadership behavior used to prevent problems from occurring (ensure
we prevent as many problems from occurring as possible) by keeping people and processes
in control. The leader monitors subordinates’ activities (I will be closely observing your
work) by ensuring compliance with rules, regulations, and performance standards (to
ensure you meet all work standards that I lay out for you).

The communication tenet of social fitness is the exchange of thoughts, opinions,
or information, including problem solving and relationship management. It includes
responding to others with positive, constructive feedback, even when you’re feeling
distress, and may tend to see only the negative. TSgt Lopez’s comments indicate the
communication tenet of social fitness when he says, “Let’s make sure we answer questions
with positive, useful feedback.”

According to the Airmanship chapter, Respect in the POA goes beyond professional courtesy. It means accepting others for who they are, embracing a heightened personal sense of humility and fostering an environment of inclusiveness in which every Airman is able and eager to offer their skills, abilities and ideas. It means treating the equipment and resources in your possession with care, understanding and embracing the power of diversity and holding those who mistreat others accountable. Ohler explains to Robertson that he needs to see the issue from a different perspective by getting to know Rivera better and to include him in the task process.

According to the Team Building chapter, in the Z process ideas might go back and forth several times (TSgt Maribel has been observing her team work through a project and has noticed that the team is unable to move forward). Without continuous leadership involvement and oversight, Creators are likely to continue developing ideas, gaining support from the Advancers and criticism from the Refiners (She addresses the team at the end of the project and says “team you all did a great job, although some of you were not content we were able to complete the task.”).

Transformational leaders are genuinely engaged in the follower’s personal development (goes out of her way to help with educational and personal goals), and positively influences the follower’s self-worth. Subsequently, the follower becomes genuinely committed to the cooperative effort and demonstrates commitment to the leader (I’d work for her anytime, anywhere).

The decision making tenet of mental fitness involves the ability to assess a situation,
determine the desired outcome, and chart a path to get there. It takes work and good
judgement. This is evident in TSgt Whites’ statement when he says “Being able to evaluate
a condition (assess a situation), conclude the desired result (determine the desired
outcome), and create a route (chart a path) to get there takes work and good resolution.”

To think freely, you must restrain your desire to believe because of social pressures
to conform (TSgt Lenz is being pressured by the other section NCOICs to follow their
way of processing). You must be willing to ask if conformity is motivating your belief or
opinion (He thinks he has a better way of doing things but does not want to upset the
other NCOICs), and if so, have the strength and courage (nerve) to at least temporarily
abandon your position until you can complete a more objective and thorough evaluation
(do an inquiry of all of the processes currently in place). This will most likely enhance
mission effectiveness.

According to the Adaption Innovation Theory chapter, to be truly successful at
solving both Problem A's and Problem B's, leaders must be able to effectively manage the
diversity that stems from people whose cognitive preferences ranges from highly adaptive
to highly innovative and every point in between. MSgt Vail dismissed TSgt Wynn's suggestion
without taking it into consideration. These actions have the potential to create
Problem B's for the team.

Organizational and personal core values are a part of spiritual fitness. They
are useful when dealing with stressors (tension) that might appear to be insurmountable
(unbearable). This is evident in Lopez’s comments, “When you embrace our core values as
intended, they can help you deal with the tension that might seem to be unbearable.”

According to the Team Building chapter, Refiners focus on the analysis. They
challenge all concepts. They use a methodical process to analyze things in an orderly
manner to detect possible flaws and identify potential problems under discussion.
Refiners are good at reviewing ideas and implementation plans, modifying those ideas
or coming up with new ideas, and rationally reviewing them to ensure successful implementation.
Refiners use logic and a systematic approach to redesign a solution, and they
make sure that ideas are sound before moving them to the next level. In the scenario, TSgt
Tellier’s comments identify a Refiner.

According to the Levels of Learning Section, translation is focused on restating or
paraphrasing the concept, principle, generalization, or theory into your own words (puts the
material into his own words). This means you must be able to think past the exact way you
see the material in the reading and start to formulate it into the best way for you to understand
it and store it into your memory (thinks about the best way for him to understand and
retain the information).

MBE-P is more active than laissez-faire behavior because the leader holds
subordinates accountable (intervenes) if they fail to meet standards of performance or
disregard policies and procedures (only when someone infringes on the rules). MBE-P is
laissez-faire…with a follow-up if there’s a problem. The leader does not put much effort
into preventing these events from happening (Why mess with something that’s working?).
This will most likely hinder NCO effectiveness because the non-verbal message communicated
is: the passive way of doing things is acceptable, or perhaps even expected.