WHERE THE AIR FORCE NEEDS YOU MOST: Outside your comfort zone

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Arthur Moore III, Commander
  • 552 Air Control Networks Squadron
I'm sure most of you have heard the phrase "I'm in the zone" or "you're in the zone man." Well, usually this is something to be celebrated because it suggests that you've reached a point of peak performance--so much so that you're almost on autopilot. You're in your "comfort zone."
Although this may be great for the ego, if it's not coupled with a willingness to do things that aren't so familiar to you, it can be harmful to your overall development as an Air Force member. The Air Force actually needs you more than ever to be outside your comfort zone or "outside the zone."
Recent force reductions and Global War on Terror commitments have resulted in Air Force members having to do more than ever before. Without question, the Air Force requires that each do more while still striving for excellence. Afterall, it's a central part of our core values, "excellence in all we do." Each member must strive to be an expert in their career field, whether that is a maintenance troop turning jets on the flightline or a civil engineering technician working heating and air conditioning support in base housing.
There will be times, however, when you're asked to do things for which you have not been formally trained. As a squadron commander, there are few things more gratifying than watching troops raise their hands to take on challenges that I know they're completely uncomfortable with--taking the proverbial leap of faith. This excites me because I know that at the end of the task they will experience personal and professional growth that will likely benefit them for the rest of their career.
So, the next time you get excited about the great job you've done in your workcenter or around the base, don't forget to reflect on your level of comfort while getting the job done...were you inside or outside of your "comfort zone"?