Updated: September 17th, 2021
Happy Friday!
I sent this out about a year ago, and some people have come and gone; but it felt like a great time to reflect on this one. I wanted to share some thoughts on Sheepdog Leadership.
I attached one of my favorite quotes for your reading pleasure. From one of our Greatest Presidents, Teddy Roosevelt; titled “The Man in the Arena”.
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on what you think. I am sure each one of us has been criticized before for doing something. I'll tell you what though; as long as you did something; that is what counts.
Who is willing to be in the arena? Who is willing to fight for what is right? The answer is easy for me now.
If you need to speak up, do it. If you wanted to try something, but were afraid to try because you worried about criticism, who cares? Just do it.
The arena is your place of duty. Guard it and always stand up for what is right.
The Sheepdog will stand ready to protect the flock when the wolf comes growling at the doorstep!
I am honored to be surrounded by others that are willing to fight in the arena with me. I have fought alongside heroes on the battlefield. You can count on me to have your six!
"The Sheepdog in the Arena" was sent to me last year by one of my mentors and longtime friend and former supervisor, MSgt Herman “Yogi” Ybarra (retired). A true Warrior that was always HONEST, and Never afraid to "Call the baby Ugly!" He Always gave me HONEST feedback! That is what built that TRUST and unit cohesion. He didn’t worry about hurting my feelings because as a leader, he knew I would understand…eventually.
This weekend, reflect on your toughest moments as a leader. Reflect on the times when you were criticized…but in the end; you did the RIGHT thing. That’s what Leaders do; that’s what SHEEPDOGS do!
Honored to SERVE with all of you!
Have a GREAT weekend!
HooYah!
Chief JC
"There are wolves, there are sheep, I am the SHEEPDOG!"
Written by YFFR Military Advisor CMSgt John “JC” Chacon
CMSgt John “JC” Chacon believes in the vision and mission of Yoga For First Responders, as it helps modern day “Warriors” and “Guardians” get through the darkest of times. Chief Chacon has served in the military for 25+ years and has deployed all around the globe, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2010-2011; that is when he lost comrades that were killed in action. In 2014/2015, he battled with depression because of trying to cope with survivor’s remorse, and ever since then he has lived by the motto, “There are wolves, there are sheep, I am the SHEEPDOG!" JC lives to confront the wolf and protect the flock. The wolf comes in many forms, such as the enemy; however, the wolf is also disguised through depression and anxiety. JC is honored to serve with other Sheepdogs that have the courage to share their skills in mindfulness techniques through Yoga skills and meditation.
CMSgt Chacon is currently the Operations Chief for the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron at Kadena Air Base; Okinawa, Japan. Chief Chacon holds a Master of Science Degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and 3 Associate in Applied Science Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.