Command Chief outlines top priorities, shares leadership philosophy Published Aug. 8, 2024 By Staff Sgt. Mikaley Kline, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Wieser became the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Command Chief on May 20, 2024. Since that time, he has traveled to many AFLCMC locations to meet with Airmen, hear their concerns and watch them on-the-job. When asked about the AFLCMC mission, Wieser praised the high performing teams within the Center. “We have high performing teams that are making sure our National Defense Strategy is executed now and for our future,” he said. “The 28,000 people in this Center are the key component when it comes to Great Power Competition (GPC). My three-month impression is that we have absolutely outstanding humans doing the impossible.” Wieser also shared his seven-part philosophy on leadership: 1 – Leaders need to take care of their people. The human weapon system is the most important weapon system in our force. In order to properly train, coach, mentor, and care for our folks, we must have face-face communication as much as possible to find out the true essence of what makes one perform at the highest level. 2 – Lead your peers. Peer leadership is extremely difficult. Please take care of your fellow teammates when you see them having issues. Great leaders come in first place, then they trek back to pick-up their teammates and make sure the entire formation crosses the finish line. 3 – Take care of your boss. Your boss has hard days. Have the courage to sync with your boss and let them know you’re there for them. Also have the courage to talk truth-to-power. Difficult conversations can easily be avoided, however, if you’re in it for the people, please be the individual who invites tough conversations versus ignoring them. 4 – Take care of yourself. Be physically, mentally, spiritually, technically and socially relevant. Be a transformational leader, teammate and follower. Walk the walk and make sure your video always matches your audio. Wieser combines his first four leadership parts with his last three, tying them together as his "three C's." “The first "C" is to lead with candor. "You need to be candid up-and-down the chain as well as laterally,” the Chief explains. “You need to have impeccable character. Lastly, you need to have compassion. Always start with grace when you’re dealing with a difficult issue.” Chief Wieser has direct advice for enlisted Airmen who are feeling disconnected from the Air Force while working within AFLCMC. Quoting Center executive director Dennis D'Angelo, Wieser says "Never underestimate your impact to the mission by the proximity to the fight." For Wieser, that quote applies to the civilian and contractor force as well, noting the importance of everyone being able to articulate the true warfighter ethos. Proper use of the chain of command is very important to the Chief. “My best advice for [Airmen] is to use your chain of command,” Wieser said. “If you’re having a hard time, you need to get with your supervisor. You need to let them know what’s going through your mind and have trust in your leadership. If you don’t have trust in your supervisor or leadership or just don’t feel comfortable, you need to go up the chain of command correctly. There is always someone in the linkage that will help you.” Wieser also highlights a priority for each enlisted tier: Airmen – Be motivated, fail forward and know that leadership will take care of you. NCOs – Be tactically and operationally outstanding at your profession, fail forward, lead by example and know your leadership will take care of you. SNCOs – Be physically, mentally, spiritually, technically and socially fit at the highest levels. Fail forward, lead your NCOs, take care of them like they are family and know your leadership has your back. Wieser previously served as the Command Chief of the Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Coming up next week... a Leadership Log podcast featuring Chief Wieser as he goes more in-depth on the importance of failing forward and using the chain of command.