Leadership at The National Museum of the US Air Force
Examples of Leadership in History
Consider the leadership necessary to progress from balloons to landing people on the moon in only about 65 years – and in that period prevailing in two world wars and many other conflicts. Each day we will cover crucial leadership topics, and we will discuss on tour how those principles were exemplified in the development of air power.
Custom Programs or Public Programs
Provide a unique opportunity for your leadership team to absorb the lessons of history and put today's issues in perspective. Do this to augment your existing programs or to anchor your entire leadership development effort.
About twice a year public programs - open to all - are also available. These programs consist of the Leadership Excellence Course, conducted over a three day period.
Program Content
Each day begins in one of the museum learning centers where we discuss crucial leadership concepts from self awareness to communication to coaching to team building to strategic execution, depending on the program selected. At different times each day we will take the learning on tour as we examine aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. We use those exhibits as case studies to consider the context, choices, and leadership actions of some of the great people of aviation. Large format movies in the museum theater may be included. Meals, beverages, and snacks are included.
The National Museum of the US Air Force
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. The museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space.
Your Facilitator
Andy Foerster is a retired US Navy Commander, pilot, aviation enthusiast, member of the Civil Air Patrol (an auxiliary of the US Air Force), and history buff in relation to military, economic, and technology development.
Required Disclaimer
Academy Leadership is not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and it has no governmental status. No Federal Endorsement implied.
Program Options
Custom Corporate Programs
Custom Corporate Programs
Custom Corporate Programs
Ranging from an engaging off-site staff meeting to a dedicated leadership development program, we can build exactly what you need. It can include leadership topics, keynote talks, tours, movies, meals, and more. Part of the time may be set aside for your own staff meeting. And sometimes it is helpful for Academy Leadership to facilitate your meeting to allow everyone to participate. Contact us to let us know what you have in mind and help develop a program.
Public Programs
Custom Corporate Programs
Custom Corporate Programs
Twice a year programs are offered publicly to anyone that wishes to enroll. The program is based on the Leadership Excellence Course, the flagship Academy Leadership Course that is suitable for all leadership levels in your organization. Full use of the museum is made to show examples of leadership in action and to help attendees ponder on what leadership will look like in their context.
Upcoming dates for 2023:
- June 20-22, 2023
- October 24-26, 2023
Leadership Examples at the museum
Goal Setting - Apollo
- President Kennedy did a masterful job aligning the nation with a SMART goal.
- Apollo 15 is an example of the resulting achievement.
Personal Leadership Philosophy - POWs
- Many leaders find themselves in challenging situations, but the POW leaders had to give hope and unite those facing getting beaten to death.
- Their specific philosophies shaped how they successfully dealt with the situation.
Motivating People - The Memphis Belle
- How do you motivate people who must face something beyond tough conditions?
- Think about those who lead crews of B-17s like the Memphis Belle.
Accountability - Air Force One
- The President is accountable to the nation for the conduct of the government.
- Harry Truman was famous for his ‘The Buck Stops Here’ motto. Climb into the airplane he used as an office.
Communication Style - Billy Mitchell
- Billy Mitchell proved in the 1920’s that airplanes could sink battleships. WWII would prove Mitchell correct about airpower.
- But in the 20’s and 30’s his communication style antagonized many and he was court martialed.
Setting Priorities - KH Spy Satellites
- The KH satellites revolutionized the collection of intelligence in the cold war.
- But they could not be everywhere. How to prioritize their collection? What would have the highest payoff?
Communication & Feedback - Air Traffic Control
- Sometimes clarity of communication has life and death consequences.
- Look at specific techniques used by Air Traffic Control to make sure that there is clarity.
Conflict Management - Missile Development
- Conflict is the reason the military exits.
- But sometimes the conflict is internal. How did the Air Force and Navy resolve conflicts over the role of aviation, and later strategic systems like ICBMs?
Change - the B70 and SAMs
- The B70 was an amazing pinnacle of design, capable of sustained Mach 3 speed.
- But the world changed before it could be operationalized. The advent of Surface to Air missiles eliminated a need for its capabilities and it was cancelled.
Coaching - The Mentor
- Leadership is experiential. Becoming more effective is a guided journey.
- How are new pilots coached and developed? Crossing the know-do gap involves much more than reading a book. Look at the Mentor training airplane.