Wright Brothers Leadership Exam Study Guide

Why does America need leadership?

Leaders propel America forward.

What is a warrior in the context of the "warrior spirit?"

A warrior is someone whose strong charachter enables them to make sacrafices for the team and achieve their long-term goals.

Describe the hallmarks of the "warrior spirit"

tough-mindedness and tireless motivation.

Identify three benefits of having a warrior spirit.

Clear Conscience, Good Reputation, Environment of Trust and Respect.

Describe what "Core Values" are.

Core Values are the values we give priority so that our lives are honorable.

Identify and describe each of CAP's four Core Values.

Integrity First - The willingness to do what is right, even when no one is looking.

Volunteer Service -The needs of the team and of the people we help take priority over our individual wants and desires.

Excellence in All We Do - No matter the challenge facing you, you will give it your best effort.

Respect - Defense of human dignity; treating others as they would like to be treated.

Defend the idea that a cadet's character ought to be held to a high standard.

How a leader acts is infinitely more important than how he thinks or what he says. Because cadets are training to be leaders, they must show strong character.

Describe the concept of self-awareness.

The ability to monitor and judge your own actions.

Describe the concept of self-discipline and explain what you can do to develop it.

The ability to direct your thoughts, emotions, and actions toward a meaningful purpose. Cadets learn Self-discipline on the drill field, wearing their uniform to exacting standards, and strengthening work habits.

Describe the concept of attitude and explain why attitudes are contagious.

The state of mind that lies behind your every action. Your attitude directly affects the attitude of those around you.

Describe what you can do to develop a positive attitude.

Attitude is a choice, and comes from understanding. With understanding comes appreciation, and with appreciation comes a positive attitude.

Explain what an Oath is.

An oath is a solemn promise.

Recite the Cadet Oath from memory.

"I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."

Describe what the Cadet Oath means, in your own words.

[Subjective]

Identify what is the root of all military customs and courtesies.

The root of all customs and courtesies is in basic politeness and respect.

Explain why rendering customs and courtesies is not a mark of inferiority.

Customs and courtesies are a form of pride. They are a display of respect towards one another.

Describe how customs and courtesies affect team spirit.

Customs and courtesies build team spirit.

Describe the origins of the salute.

When two friendly knights should meet, each would raise the visor of their helmet, show their face, and pay proper respect to the other.

Outline basic rules for rendering military customs and courtesies.

Salute military officers, CAP Senior Members, and cadet officers higher in rank then yourself.

Come to attention when addressed by an officer.

The right is the position of honor.

Address others by their proper terms of address.

The junior person is introduced to the senior person.

Describe the usefulness the uniform has as a training tool.

The uniform is a vehicle for learning self-discipline, personal responsibility, and self-respect.

Explain why the concept of image is important when wearing the uniform.

One persons conduct reflects on everyone else in the group.

Defend the idea that wearing the uniform is a privilege.

Because cadets wear an Air Force-style uniform, there is a special obligation to wear it properly and with pride.

Identify cadet grade insignia.

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Explain why drill and ceremonies helps cadets develop leadership skills.

A units performance on the drill field is a measure of their sense of self-discipline.

Demonstrate how to perform basic in-place drill commands.

1. Flight, ATTENTION

2. Parade, REST; AT EASE & REST

3. Left (Right), FACE

4. About, FACE

5. Hand, SALUTE

6. Present, ARMS & Order, ARMS

7. Eyes, RIGHT & Ready, FRONT (at the halt)

8. FALL IN

9. FALL OUT

10. Dress Right, DRESS & Ready, FRONT

Explain what a chain of command is.

The chain of command is the order of authority.

Describe ways in which a chain of command promotes teamwork.

It makes clear who is in charge. It re-enforces

the idea that everyone is accountable to another leader.

Describe what "jumping the chain" means and why it is to be avoided.

This occurs when an individual takes an issue to a high-level leader, without consulting their immediate superiors

Identify the main elements of the CAP chain of command and place them in the proper sequence.

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Define the term self-management.

The process of directing and controlling your actions so that you can achieve your goals in life.

Defend the idea that good leaders need to develop self-management skills.

If you have good self-management skills, you take ownership of the goals you set for yourself, the decisions you make, how you use your time, and how you control stress in your life.

Describe the concept of a "future picture."

A clear and compelling description of what you

want your life to look like at some point in the future.

Outline the steps used in the goal setting process.

1. Dream big

2. Identify a specific goal and write it down.

3. List the steps needed to reach the goal.

4. Get help and support from others.

5. Work toward your goal, one step at a time.

6. Reward yourself along the way and when you complete your goal.

Describe benefits of setting personal goals.

Having goals will help you focus your time, energy, and talents on activities that propel you forward.

Defend the idea that leaders should follow a process as they make decisions.

A decision-making process is useful because it helps

ensure you won't overlook an important aspect of your problem.

Identify and describe the 7 steps used in the ethical decision-making process.

1. Stop, think, and define the problem.

2. Get the facts.

3. Brainstorm and list your options.

4. Weigh your options.

5. Consider your values.

6. Decide and act.

7. Re-evaluate the decision.

Define the term, "ethical trap" and explain why leaders need to avoid it.

The solution to a problem turns out to be unethical, and as a result, a secondary ethical problem pops up.

Defend the idea that good leaders motivate followers to live the Core Values.

If a leader models the Core Values and shows a high degree of moral courage, the team will be inspired to follow the leader's positive example.

Define the term, "time management."

The process of organizing and using your time wisely.

Explain why time management is an important skill for leaders.

Whether you reach your goals depends on how well you manage your time.

Describe what it means to be "efficient" in terms of managing your time.

Making good use of your time.

Describe ways leaders can become more efficient.

Pay Attention, Come Prepared, Focus on Your Goals, Do it Right the First Time, Sequence the Work Efficiently, Maximize Up-time, Limit Downtime, and there is no substitute for determination, hustle, and

hard work.

Define the term, "procrastination."

The practice of putting off for no good reason a task that should be done right now.

Describe reasons why people procrastinate.

• Fear of failure

• Uncertainty about what they are supposed to do

• Not knowing where to start

• The task is unpleasant

• Desire to work tasks that are more "fun"

Describe ways to overcome procrastination.

Consider your peace of mind, Break the job into small pieces, Jump right in, Publicly commit to the work, Use rewards.

Describe tools useful in managing your time.

Keep a Calendar, Wear a Watch, Keep a Notepad, Create "Do Lists," Make a Time Inventory, Allow for Flexibility and Fun.

Define the term "stress."

Stress is the body's response to change.

Describe how stress can be both positive and negative.

Stress can pump you up with adrenaline and help you complete a task, but if left unchecked, it becomes a destructive force that will harm your body, paralyze your efforts, and drive you toward dangerous behaviors.

Explain why leaders need to be able to manage their stress.

As a leader, you need to manage and control the stress in your life. If stress is left unchecked, it becomes a destructive force that will harm your body, paralyze your efforts, and drive you toward dangerous behaviors.

Define the term, "stressor."

Anything that causes stress is called

a stressor.

Describe everyday occurrences that can produce stress.

• Arguing with a friend

• Moving to a new city

• Being picked-on at school

• Breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend

• Being around a drug user

• Being upset with your parents

• Worrying about your personal appearance

• Getting glasses or braces

• Coping with the death of a pet, friend, or relative

Explain why young people are more prone to stress than adults.

First, just growing up and discovering who you are is

stressful. Second, because young people lack the experience adults have amassed, they do not always realize that ups and downs are a normal part of life. Third, a teen's social world is less stable than an adult's.

Define the term, "resilience."

Resilience is the ability to bounce back and

recover from adversity.

Describe each of the 7 steps used in managing stress.

Try to Resolve the Problem, Avoid Things That Bring You Down, Let Some Things Go, Exercise, Relax, Eat Well, and Sleep Well.

Describe the consequences of not being able to cope with stress in a positive way.

People who lack coping skills lose their battles with stress.

Define the term "team."

A team is a collection of individuals who are committed

to working together to achieve a common goal

Defend the idea that diversity makes a team stronger.

Great teams use individuals' special skills to their

advantage.

Explain how team members look to one another for leadership.

They pass information to each other, encourage their fellow teammates, and solve problems together, rather than waiting for the leader's directions.

Describe why team spirit affects the team's ability to perform.

Team spirit is important because it builds trust, making team members eager to cooperate and not afraid of making compromises as they work together.

Define the term "synergy."

The idea that by working together they can achieve more than each individual could on their own.

Identify the 4 characteristics of good team players.

Self-Discipline, Selflessness, Enthusiasm, and Loyalty.

Explain why team members must possess self discipline.

Effective team members possess a self-discipline that makes them dependable.

Defend the idea that teamwork requires sacrifice.

A willingness to put the team's needs ahead of your own is the price of admission onto any great team.

Explain why an team member's enthusiasm can affect the team.

If one member of the team has a positive attitude, that sunny outlook will spread to the other members of the team.

Discuss what the term "loyalty" means in the context of teamwork.

Faithful to the people on the team, supportive of its leader,

and committed to the team's mission.

Define the term "mentor."

A mentor is a close, trusted, experienced adviser.

Defend the idea that cadets can benefit from mentoring.

They help cadets learn something that they would have learned less well, more slowly, or not at all if left alone.

Identify 5 ways that mentors help cadets.

Mentors Are Their Role Models, Mentors Challenge Them, Mentors Are Their Friends, Mentors Are Your Guides to CAP, Mentors Are Your Tutors.

Describe what a person needs to do to become "mentor ready."

First, you need to be eager to learn. Second, mentoring works best if you are humble. Finally, you need to be ambitious.

Define "listening."

It is the process of receiving, deciphering, and responding to spoken and non-verbal messages

Compare listening to hearing.

Listeners do not merely hear sounds, they focus on meaning.

Identify reasons why people might not listen well.

Thinking about what to say next, Hearing what we expect to hear, Not paying attention, and Being prejudiced.

Describe ways you can become an active listener.

Prepare, Adjust to the situation, Focus on key points, Pay attention to verbal & non-verbal cues, Think in context, Take notes, and Confirm the message.

Identify the main goal of communications.

The main goal of communications is not just to receive sounds (as in hearing), or to merely see words (as in reading), but to share meaning.

Describe why feedback is important in the communications process.

It shows that both the speaker and listener understand each other.

Identify and describe 3 levels of questions.

Knowledge questions ask "What?" Understanding questions ask "Why?" Synthesis questions ask "How?"

Defend the idea that leaders should be lifelong readers.

One of the best ways to gain knowledge and develop leadership skill is to read widely.

Define the concept, "critical reading."

critical reading, the process of examining, analyzing and evaluating the writer's message.

Identify and describe the steps in the SQ3R method.

Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review

State the Air Force's definition of leadership.

"the art and science of influencing and directing people to accomplish the assigned mission."

Describe what the three components of the Air Force's definition of leadership mean, in your own words.

Leadership is an art because it requires imagination

and creative skill. Leadership is also a science because it is an academic subject requiring careful study, observation, and experimentation. A leader works with people.

Identify three components most definitions of leadership have in common.

Most experts include in their definition of "leadership"

three components: the leader, the follower(s), and the goal

Identify five assumptions about the American understanding of leadership.

You don't need to be a commander to lead; Leaders are made, not born; Leaders are accountable; Leaders are not bullies; Leadership must be loyal.

Explain why leaders have to fill several roles.

Strong leaders are always in demand precisely because it is difficult to find people who can perform well in so many different capacities.

Identify several roles leaders must play.

The leader must be a visionary, communicator, a teacher, an expert, and a motivator.

Cite examples from history showing each role in action.

Billy Mitchell - Visionary

John F. Kennedy - Motivator

Martin Luther King- Communicator

Jimmy Doolittle- Expert

Anne Sullivan - Teacher

State the definition of the great man theory.

Great man theory professes that to study leadership, focus on the life stories of successful people.

Describe some of the assumptions the theory holds about leadership, in your own words.

Leaders are born, not made.

Describe why the great man theory fails to explain failure.

Even the greatest of the supposedly great men experienced

failure during their lifetimes.

Summarize the military's view about the great man theory.

They believe that by investing in people they will produce leaders.

Describe why the great man theory may be guilty of hero worship.

It only highlights the good in "great men" and not the bad.

Define trait theory.

Trait theory explains leadership in terms of the personality and character of the leader.

Identify five traits a leader should possess and defend your

choices.

[Subjective]

Explain why there is no consensus about which leadership traits are ideal.

No one agrees which traits make a good leader.

Explain why no one set of traits can prepare a leader for every challenge.

Different traits are needed for different challenges, so no one set of traits can prepare a leader for every challenge.

Explain why prejudice makes trait theory a problematic frame work for discussing leadership.

It can make people view other traits as undesirable, not different.

Explain why trait theory runs contrary to the idea that leaders are made, not born.

It requires you to be born with traits that make a successful leader.

Discuss the history of the flag.

June 14, 1777, the U.S. Congress created the flag. We call it "Old Glory," "The Stars and Stripes," "The Star Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key penned "The Star Spangled Banner."

Discuss why the flag is an important national symbol.

It represents the best things about our people, our land, and our commitment to equality.

Identify proper and improper ways to display the flag.

• Display the flag everyday, especially national holidays.

• Public buildings, schools, and polling places are expected to display the flag.

• Fly the flag from sunrise to sunset, or through the night if illuminated.

• Do not fly the flag during bad weather.

• Briskly hoist the flag up the flag pole, and lower it ceremoniously.

• If marching in a group of flags, the U.S. flag belongs front and center of all

other flags, or on the marching right.

• If displaying in a group of flags, place the U.S. flag at the center and the

highest point of the formation.

• If displaying flat against a wall, the Union belongs in the uppermost corner

and to the flag's own right, above and behind the speaker.

• If displaying on a speaker's platform, the flag should be placed in advance

of the audience and to the speaker's right. Any other flag could be placed to

the speaker's left.

• If displaying the flag at crossed staffs, the U.S. flag belongs on its own

right, with its staff in front of the other.

• If hoisting a flag out a window or balcony, send the Union out first.

• If displaying the flag over the middle of a street, point the Union toward the

north or east.

• If the flag is to cover a casket, the Union belongs over the deceased's left

shoulder.

• If the flag is to fly at half-staff, first briskly hoist it to the peak, then lower in

ceremoniously to half-staff. At the end of the day, briskly return the flag to the

peak, before ceremoniously lowering it for the day.