On Wednesday, Nov. 16, The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement held a Leadership Luncheon featuring Samford ROTC Air Force Director Lit. Col. Josh Payne. Payne gave attendees practical advice on becoming a strong leader with God-given strengths and skills.
Payne graduated from the United States Air Force and Leadership Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Christian leadership Studies from Liberty University in 2012, and a Master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University in 2018.
Payne has logged almost 3,000 flight hours as an Air Force Pilot and is currently the ROTC instructor at Samford.
He started his discussion with a simple question: Are leaders born or made? The answer Payne gave was both.
Payne offered his definition of leadership to students attending the event.
“Leading goes beyond occupying a position,” Payne said. “[It’s] guiding on a way, directing a course, and taking charge.”
Payne introduced the OODA (Observe, Direct, Decide, Act) loop. According to Wall Street Mojo, “OODA Loop refers to a decision-making model where an individual or organization adopts a four-step process. The model is implemented for quick decision-making during critical situations.”
Payne explained a key way to becoming a good leader is playing to one’s strengths. This process involves building God-given strengths and working to fine-tune one’s strengths into the best they can be.
Payne also discussed how being a leader should not depend on status.
“Lead because you’re a leader, not based on the job, rank, or position you have,” Payne said.
Some of the tips Payne suggested for being a good leader are to not push a personal agenda, micromanage, or let feelings rule your decisions, but instead to set the tone, equip your team, and get out of the way.
“Leading goes beyond occupying a position,” Payne said. “Look at things fresh. Figure out what we need to do right now.”
He also communicated that leadership is not freely given, but must be rightfully earned. He quoted a statement on success from motivational leadership speaker Rory Vaden.
“Success is never owned, it is rented, and the rent is due everyday,” Vaden claims.
He concluded by motivating participants to seek and earn opportunities to lead wherever God directs them.
Student Leadership and Involvement holds Leadership Luncheons monthly. For more information on attending and upcoming luncheons, visit @samfordsli on Instagram.
