U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Center for Character and Leadership Development at the Air Force Academy kicked off the spring semester with a new leadership program for cadet squadron officers.
The voluntary coaching program for air officers commanding is designed to enhance their personal, professional and leadership skills, and give them tools and support for current and future assignments.
A coach’s availability revolves around the AOCs schedule.
"A coaching style of leadership is key to building high-performance teams and letting Airmen realize their potential,” said Lt. Col. Steve Lipinski, who manages the CCLD’s AOC program. “Our AOCs are high-potential leaders in their first command and our coaches will help them grow while leading a cadet squadron.”
Program coaches get feedback from AOCs going through the Intermediate Developmental Education program, Lipinski said.
Maj. Michael Wetherbee, a cadet squadron commander, has been coached by Lt. Col. Hans Larsen, a former AOC. Wetherbee said the program allows him to see his personal and professional life from a broad perspective and talk to someone familiar with the challenges AOCs face.
The coaching program helps prepare AOCs for personal and leadership challenges, organizational change, overcoming cynicism and more.