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The ability to build powerful interpersonal synergy and leverage is critical to success, both personally and professionally. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Commander, Air Education and Training Command, reiterated this message at the Air Force Institute of Technology during his visit as part of his outreach effort to speak, and listen, to all the communities of his AETC command.

At lunch prior to his presentation to all faculty, staff, and students at AFIT on 21 November, Gen. Lorenz asked what he could do to help the mission. After some feedback, he offered $200,000 of his budget to help update AFIT’s current facilities renovations, which will be used to refurbish the bathrooms in Twinning Hall.

Once the presentation started, Gen. Lorenz reminded everyone that he had been in that very auditorium not long ago as Air University commander. “Now, as the commander of Air Education and Training Command,” he said, “I offer some additional thoughts on my favorite subject: leadership.” The general went on to offer examples procured from his life and the experiences of others. “Reading biographies is my hobby, and it just happens to fit in with my line of work.” He cited provocative topics from his Lorenz on Leadership II, such as: Life Is a Marathon,Not a 50-Yard Dash; Never Develop a Sense of Entitlement; As a Leader, You Must Reach the Acceptance Phase of Grief Faster Than the People You Lead; It’s Not about You!; You Want People with Ambition Working for You, Not Ambitious People; You Never Know When You Are Going to Make a Difference; Being in Our Profession Is All about Service to Others; What Will Your Leadership Legacy Be? These topics were followed with thought provoking examples and personal messages designed to inspire and elicit leadership challenges within all airmen, no matter of rank.

During a question and answer period, a young captain stood and voiced concerns over his career field and the challenges ahead. Gen. Lorenz listened, then offered this advice: “If I could trade places with you, I would. There are obstacles ahead, but don’t forget this is a very exciting time.” After a short pause, the general added, “But, I’d have to get your body, too.” The crowd laughed, both sympathetic to age and animated by the challenges of our time.

“In my office, I have a quotation framed and positioned on my desk where I can see it every day,” said Gen. Lorenz. “It says, ‘My biggest fear is that I will look back on my life and wonder what I did with it.’ Sooner or later, it will be time for all of us to hang up our uniforms and find something else to do. As I look back over my career, I continually wonder if I have done enough—if I have done all that I could to make a difference and be a positive influence on others.” He went on to challenge those in the audience to look similarly into their lives and efforts.