Col. John Michel's Dream Job....

Dream job

By Ann Bailey Photo by Jackie Lorentz- Grand Forks Herald
Published Sunday, January 25, 2009

 

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE — There's little room for down time in Col. John Michel's life.

Embracing each day with a positive attitude and bursting with exuberance, the commander of the Grand Forks Air Force Base 319th Air Refueling Wing relishes challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth and a way to develop leadership skills.

That's why Michel, who assumed command of the base last summer in the midst of the tumultuous realignment process, considers his assignment a dream job. Armed with a doctorate in transformational leadership from Bakke Graduate University in Seattle and a belief system that values the uniqueness of each person, Michel is on a mission to bring out the potential in each and every civil and military employee on base.

 

Team approach

Doing so will not only help retain the base, but make it more vibrant and improve its chances of once again being filled to capacity, Michel believes. He has already taken steps to develop leadership and problem solving skills by implementing a TEAM program.

The program is designed to celebrate transparency by giving the same information to the lowest rank service members as the 4-Star generals, encouraging people, no matter their rank, to make decisions, making the base agile by building new bridges with the Grand Forks community and highlighting the importance of achieving meaning in and through people's lives, Michel said.

 

For example, Michel encourages airmen to send him e-mails suggesting ways to accomplish the projects he wants to get under way on the base. That gives the young men and women a chance, not only to exercise creativity, but to be mentored by the wing commander, he noted.

 

Creating a leader

"The primary responsibility of a leader is to create an environment for those in their care to reach their fullest potential," Michel said. "My greatest desire is to be viewed approachable by all, regardless of where they fit in the organizational chart."

 

Michel went through the ROTC program at then-Southwest Texas State University, entered the Air Force at age 23 and is the son of a French immigrant who made a career of the Air Force, so he is well aware that his approach to leadership is not typical of the military — and doesn't apologize it for it. While he knows that he can pull rank on people and make them perform their duties, he would rather create an environment that nurtures a desire to succeed.

 

"Admittedly, there are those who believe my proactive, and slightly provocative, style of leadership is unconventional," Michel said. His philosophy of leadership, not only is a product of his studies at Bakke Graduate University, which is targeted toward individuals who want to address many of our society's most daunting urban social challenges, but also of a Christian belief system. While he doesn't bring up the topic of faith during an interview, he doesn't shy away from it when he's asked about it.

"My CEO's picture is on the wall," Michel, said nodding toward a charcoal drawing of a pensive Jesus Christ. "I believe in the example that was set.

 

"Life is not easy. Nor was it intended to be. I believe if you are going to step up equally to life's challenges and opportunities, you need a guiding light; something that gives you the courage, hope and strength to celebrate the good times and persevere in life's difficult moments. That guiding light for me is my faith." Michel also emphasized that everyone needs to find something that inspires them to give their very best every day.

 

Leading by example

One of the ways Michel strives to live out his belief system is to promote the value of pursuing service to others. He accomplishes this by volunteering in the community and encouraging military personnel to do the same. The volunteer work has become a regular part of the lives of Grand Forks Air Force with four hours each month made available from their work schedules so they can help an organization or individuals in the community.

 

"The response has been great," Michel said. He notes that approach is successful because it encourages people to volunteer in the community without interfering with their private time as much. "Previously, community service was something that was expected to be accomplished after hours or on weekends. However, I believe service to others is a key priority, and, as such, should be something we make a wing priority all the time.'

 

Michel who enjoys spending time with his wife, Holly, and their sons, Taylor, 14, and Brandon, 12, believes in the importance of family time. Besides attending their sports, music and school activities, he and Holly also like to golf and hike.

 

Michel also is an avid reader and typically juggles from five to seven books at a time. His favorites are stories about people's lives and the titles he's now reading include "The Power to Lead," by Joseph Nye and "Virtuous Leadership" by Alexander Howard.

"Bottom line, we want to be role models for all of the folks out there," Michel said.

 

Bailey writes for special features sections. Reach her at (701) 787-6753; (800) 477-6572, ext. 753; or send e-mail to abailey@gfherald.com.

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