6th CMSAF: Lead people instead of trying to manage them

Published July 30, 2012
By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James McCoy visited Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., July 27 to be the guest speaker for the senior NCO induction ceremony.

While at Fairchild, McCoy spoke at an enlisted all-call and toured the base talking with Airmen on many important subjects in particular, the chief focused on effective leadership and education.

"My philosophy has always been to lead people instead of trying to manage them," he said. "Be brief, be bright and be gone."

As a first sergeant, Master Sgt. Michael Roberts said he was excited to hear the chief holds professional military education with high regards as he also focuses on education as he mentors young Airmen in his group.

"One of the key messages I took away from Chief McCoy is that professional military education is key to developing our Airmen," the 92nd Operations Group first sergeant said. "If we want to continue to be the greatest enlisted force, we need to fight to keep our PME schools alive."

McCoy retired from active duty in November 1981 with more than 30 years of service. He still tours the country speaking with Airmen of all ranks offering helpful and insightful advice.

"Take care of your people," he said. "And for our younger Airmen, listen to those appointed over you -- you may just learn something."

The chief said he couldn't have been more impressed with the mission focus at Team Fairchild.

"It delights me to no end," McCoy said. "It gives me a great sense of pride and accomplishment to see how successful our service has become and to see the high quality of men and women serving our country today."

When asked if he'd serve again, he exclaimed, "You bet your life I'd serve again!"

But jokingly he added, "I don't think they'd take me now."