OHNG Warfighter Culture Fundamentals 

BE Trustworthy

Major General John C. Harris, Jr./ Ohio Adjutant General   ~  WATCH LEADERSHIP VIDEO ON YouTube

• Follow through on your commitments.
• Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and decision you make.
• Serve with honor and integrity.
• Act with courage.

General Colin Powell, a highly respected former U.S. Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and four-star general, emphasized the crucial role of trust in leadership. He recognized that strong leaders foster an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to take risks, even in uncertain situations. By building trust, leaders can inspire curiosity and commitment, enabling teams to navigate challenges together. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also enhances overall organizational resilience. Powell’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust in effective leadership.

In the Ohio National Guard all Soldiers, Airmen and Civilian team members are leaders in their unit. As you think about this week’s fundamental, consider the following principles in your day-to-day roles:

HONESTY
Consistently sharing truthful information fosters transparency. For instance, if there are mission challenges, openly discussing these challenges helps the team understand the situation and contribute to solutions.

RELIABILITY
Following through on commitments makes leaders dependable. If a leader promises to provide resources on a specific date, delivering on that promise builds trust among team members who rely on that support.

COMPETENCY
Leaders instill confidence when they demonstrate knowledge and skills. A competent leader can effectively guide their team through complex tasks, which reassures members of their capabilities.

PROACTIVITY
Anticipating issues and addressing them before they escalate shows leadership.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Owning mistakes and learning from them reinforces trust. If a decision leads to an unintended outcome, acknowledging it openly and discussing corrective actions helps maintain credibility.

NEUTRALITY
Avoiding partisan activities keeps the focus on mission rather than personal agendas. This neutrality ensures everyone is united in their objectives.

CONSCIOUSNESS OF ACTIONS
It is essential to be mindful of how your actions reflect on the military profession. Leaders should model the values they expect from their team, demonstrating integrity in all interactions.

By embodying these principles, Soldiers, Airmen and Civilian team members can cultivate a trustworthy environment that encourages collaboration and effectiveness.