19 Apr 2007

Unexpected accidents can happen in a blink of an eye

It can happen in a blink of an eye. The car in front of you stops suddenly. The reason doesn't matter - maybe the driver was talking on a cell phone and wasn't paying attention, maybe a child became disruptive in the backseat and the parent had to intervene - but within a split second you're hitting the brakes and finding yourself in the middle of

19 Apr 2007

Try walking down a different career path

They maintain a watchful vigil at remote facilities located across the rugged, wind-swept prairies of Montana. From across the Air Force, these men and women come to put their unique experiences and skill sets to the challenge. Currently, 74 silent warriors operate and maintain the 341st Space Wing's 20 missile alert facilities. But there's always

17 Apr 2007

Laugh to improve quality of life in five simple ways

1. Humor wards off depression. Studies have shown people who possess a good sense of humor are less likely to become depressed and anxious than those whose sense of humor was not as good. Humor quite simply elevates mood ... your own and the moods of those around you. "Telling a joke, particularly one that illuminates a shared experience or

17 Apr 2007

Formal, informal feedback key to motivation

What motivates you? Equally important, how do you motivate someone else? We have a tendency to come up with slogans or processes that attempt to make us better or more efficient, but I believe nothing is more important than getting someone to want to do more or, well ... do less with less. Embrace change; it will make us more efficient. Computers,

17 Apr 2007

No-show for promotion test; no excuse

With the New Year upon us, tens of thousands of enlisted promotion hopefuls across the Air Force will sharpen their focus on the upcoming testing cycle. For 2007, the Weighted Airman Promotion System testing window has been adjusted slightly; for technical and master sergeant, testing will be held Feb. 1 through Mar. 31, and testing for staff

17 Apr 2007

Concentrate on doing tasks with excellence

Someone once said, "If it is worth doing once, it is worth doing right." As one of the Air Force Core Values, "Excellence in All that We Do" is a must in today's transitioning Air Force. It is not just about doing things better or smarter. There are initiatives like AFSO21 that speak to that. "Excellence in All that We Do" - there is much more to

16 Apr 2007

Attitude makes all the difference

Today might seem like any other day, but it doesn't have to be. The holidays are over and a new year means a fresh start. If you are like most Americans, you made resolutions that you fully intend to keep. That is ... once you get started. Getting started is the key. Whether your resolutions involved finances, health, love or work, one thing is

12 Apr 2007

Good leaders never walk by a problem

Early in my military training, one of my mentors said, "a good leader never walks by a problem." I have no idea if he was quoting one of history's military greats, he made this up himself or he heard it from one of his mentors. I guess I'll never know. However, the message is clear. When we see something that's wrong, don't ignore it. Fix it or get

6 Apr 2007

Malmstrom in ‘spring training’ for upcoming NSI/CI in June

Every year, the boys of summer travel to the deserts of Arizona or the tropical confines of Florida to begin the long journey which, for one team, will end as World Series champion in October. This is the yearly process of spring training. It is a wonderful time because every team is optimistic and has visions of playing in the fall classic. I

30 Mar 2007

Strategy on planning for the future: Pay yourself first

If your focus is to take control of your finances, I would like to share some simple tips that helped my wife and me achieve financial success over the years. First off, forget about a budget. That's right! Don't even attempt to stick to a budget you created in a desperate attempt for self-improvement. Think about the budgets you developed in the