Visionary leadership Published June 5, 2014 By Senior Master Sgt. David Morgan 9th Maintenance Squadron BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- I can recall a time when I was assigned to a Contingency Response Group (CRG) where my squadron superintendent wanted my unit to practice how fast we could set up a bare base. The suggestion was not responded positively of course, many moans and groans echoed from the Airmen but the superintendent made it fun with competitions with our sister CRG. He pushed us until our unit became more efficient and our teamwork excelled. Two months later, our bare base set-up skills were put to the test. All of our units were deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I remember feeling nervous, scared, and then I recalled our training. I knew all of us had no worries about setting up that bare base because we were prepared and could have set-up that bare base in our sleep. Thanks to a chief who was a true visionary leader. What is a visionary leader? Well, simply put a visionary leader is a person who is able to anticipate future events, and can influence his or her people to flourish in fundamental ways. In the military this means observing challenges and growth opportunities before they happen while positioning the unit to produce extraordinary results that make a real contribution to the organization. Visionary leaders not only have a clear outlook and goal for their organization but they are involved in the implementation as well. The qualities visionary leaders cultivate are imagination, engagement, concrete results, and strong self-reflection. A visionary leader isn't confined to a certain rank nor is it earth shattering. We all have the potential. Only a strong imagination is needed to anticipate the future. When we are put in leadership positions we never shrink from the challenges of the World. Visionary leadership requires total involvement, incredible work, constant engagement, and a willingness to put everything on the line. Visionary leaders often suffer opposition from all sides. Yet, the payoff is greater than anything imaginable: the personal reward that comes from making a genuine and substantive contribution to our country. I challenge you to become visionary.