SC Attitude

The following is an article written not of my successes alone, but also my failures and the observance of other groups that succeeded in my stead. From these experiences I compiled the following outlook:

I suppose it was about three years ago now- I was given a new squadron. Acting on an inner impulse, I chose to adopt the name of a former squadron, one that I'd always had a soft spot for: Nazgul Squadron. Now, when I took that squadron on, only my XO and I were a part of that group; slowly, but surely, recruits came our way as they were equally divided between Nazgul and Kaph. (At the time, Kaph and Nazgul were the only open/active squadrons). Kaph squadron was already nearly filled, so the difference in numbers and activity was stark. In six months time, however, we'd gone from two members to somewhere around nine, and most of them were hard-working, consistent individuals, while Kaph had dropped in both members and overall activity. The main difference between the groups, I felt, was enthusiasm; who wanted to really get their hands dirty and who wanted to sit around and complain?

The only way I can really explain my success at that period in time was my attitude; even when we only had two members, my XO and I would agree to enjoy as much of it as we could. We wrote practically an entire story between us and another new member; we spoke often on IRC and commented constantly back and forth on our squadron topic about ways and places we could improve upon; we were always positive about everything that was thrown our way- complaints were handled optimistically. And, if I might say, we had a heck of a time doing so- we loved learning about our characters through our stories, one another as individuals, and how to make unique persons act as a cohesive unit. I also feel that we were successful just because we were so new; we were asking for things that had never been done before: character biographies were a must, reports had to come in at the times due, we held occasional meetings, and we explored as many roles and capacities we could put our characters in. The best way I can explain it was that there was excitement over what we were doing: we treated every action and detail with a certain sense of pride. It was like building a house for generations to come: "look what we did!" My friend: you must find this avenue as well- and it won't be difficult if you can carry the right attitude.

As an officer, and one that has to organize and somehow maneuver a group of unruly pilots to do their jobs, you must have the right attitude. As I've told so many members: it's easy to complain, to get down on yourself and others- what is not as easy, what is more honorable: sucking it up and enjoying what you have in front of you. Activity is down? Embrace it! Become closer with what members you have to create an even more cohesive group. Bored with your stories? Explore new territory. Tired, weary or not likely to succeed? Succeed anyway. There will come a time when you're not able to perform your duties, but if you're keeping your superiors and squadron mates aware of your situation, they'll not only be understanding, but be more likely to fill in if you need to take a break or leave altogether. Does that always happen? No, but what can I say? We're thinking positively. Get it? Welcome to the new world, friend.

-COM Shazam