JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Brig. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Casy Boomershine sat down with military and civilian members from across the wing April 5 to discuss toxic leadership as part of the “Tough Conversations" series.
Miller started the discussion by sharing her experience with toxic leadership.
"I've worked for a toxic leader; it was awful, awful, I almost got out of the service," Miller said.
She told the group it was challenging to work in a toxic work environment and for a toxic leader, but fortunately, she had not experienced it since her time as a lieutenant.
Miller asked the group what they think motivates toxic leaders. She explained how she couldn't figure out what, why, or where it came from when she was experiencing it.
An attendee shared their encounter with a toxic leader, which lasted for about two years.
"We had a person that just hated civilians," they said. "It was very eye-opening, and they were very rude to some of the employees."
"You want your organization to be successful and the people to be successful," Miller said. "If you treat them with toxicity, disrespect, or don't value what they do, you're not going to get the productivity you would if you have an environment that people want to be in."
Another attendee brought up how they felt low self-esteem could be a part of the issue.
"Some leaders don't think they are good enough for their position. They see some subordinates may be better than them," said the attendee. "Those individuals feel they have more power or control and try to use it against their subordinates, all so they can stay on top."
Boomershine chimed in, “There's so much damage done when people try and protect their ego in the world.”
One attendee noted how their perception of toxic leadership changed when they were promoted to non-commissioned officer.
"So when I was younger, I was more so thinking about myself. Now being older, I realize that everyone has perceptions: how we think the military should be, requirements and supervisors should be," said one attendee. "I think people need to learn how to understand that everyone doesn't see the same things."
Another issue brought up was condescending behaviors and the lack of respect shown by some leaders. The attendees felt a person's position does not allow them to talk down to people or disrespect them.
"I'm noticing that respect plays a big key role in the military," said an attendee. "Disrespectful people seem like they're just ready to go over the edge. So I say that [Airman] better say something and don't be scared to speak up."
Miller commented on how confrontation is hard, and many people don't do it. But she added how someone shouldn’t let a bad situation continue in order to avoid confrontation; Airmen and civilians should tactfully speak up when something offends or bothers them.
"I think as you get older, it's easier. It was hard for me to have basic feedback sessions when I was lieutenant," Miller said. "I don't have any trouble doing that now."
The discussion moved to the relationship leaders have with their subordinates, with all agreeing a positive relationship is built on trust, and trust is a two-way street.
Miller finished the discussion by seeking guidance from the attendees.
"If you were in our seat, Chief and I, what would you change? What would you do? What do you recommend?"
Attendees provided insight for the command team about challenges many members currently face in their day-to-day activities: clinic processes, gate traffic, directional signage, security forces manning, high job turnover rates, mandatory leadership training for leaders, and middle management accountability.
The "Tough Conversations" roundtable is a monthly series focused on meaningful, challenging, and impactful topics that affect the Air Force and Department of Defense. This series fosters an open and candid dialogue between 502nd ABW senior leaders, service members, and civilians.