General gives leadership advice to base Published Feb. 26, 2007 By Airman Mindy Bloem Staff writer POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- An encouraging word, a kind gesture -- these are a couple of examples of what may inspire a person to give more of himself in performing his job duties. For retired Gen. Hansford T. Johnson, former commander of the U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, finding methods to motivate those under his leadership were a vital part of his job. The General, who visited Pope Feb.16 for the 41st Airlift Squadron's realignment ceremony, is no stranger to leadership. His dossier includes a host of achievements during both his military and civilian career. After graduating from the first class of the Air Force Academy in 1959, General Johnson went on to receive two master's degrees and completed training through several military and civilian colleges. The general was not content to be the type of leader to sit back while others took a more active role. He volunteered for the tasks that nobody else wanted. This mindset helped him advance in rank faster, he said. His life achievements are testaments to his leadership skills. He is a command pilot with more than 7,800 flying hours, 1,000 of which were flown under combat conditions. His qualifications include being a navigator and parachutist, as well as being a registered professional engineer in Colorado. In addition, General Johnson has numerous military awards and decorations. His professional business decisions have led to success in many different situations, and he has been happily married to the same woman for 48 years, one of his proudest achievements, he said. Although General Johnson can be labeled a success in his chosen career, he said helping others to reach their potential is what really matters. "When we look at things in the larger perspective, it makes all the difference in the world," said General Johnson. Moreover, in an organized group environment, such as a classroom or a meeting, it was important to look for the person to draw out of the crowd in an effort to get that individual involved and become more invested in the project at hand, General Johnson stated. If a leader can make his followers believe a solution is theirs, those individuals will accept it much better, said General Johnson. Another important key to being a good leader is a leader knows how to listen, General Johnson stated. "By listening to others, you can learn a lot," said General Johnson. He further explained what inspires people in their careers. People don't want simply money as an incentive, but also to be recognized on a job well done, which is why ribbons are an integral part of the military and are good tools to use, said General Johnson. He also weighed in on his impression of the Air Force Academy today. "I couldn't find a stronger group of leaders," stated the general. He said the staff makes the students look at each other and themselves for responsibility, which is essential. The general is a man with exemplary skills and a stellar service record who, by all accounts, is constantly looking for ways to help his fellow servicemembers.