Air Cadet Leadership Foundation Basic Intermediate Slide 1

Air Cadet Leadership Foundation Basic Intermediate Slide 1 Advanced

Aims of this Lesson • By the end of this lesson you will be able to: – State what each of the letters in the Acronym “SMEAC” represent – Give a simple explanation of what each part means in real terms. Slide 2

Hey, this could be the leader… Slide 3

Leaders The world is divided as to WHAT makes a good leader. In the Air Cadet Organisation we are looking for people who can oversee and/or supervise tasks, make things happen, get things done. Which requires you to brief your team before you start. . . Slide 4

Aid to Briefing - SMEAC is an Acronym – each letter represents a word or phrase to help you remember something. Acronyms are widely used in the Air Cadets (and in the military generally) to help you. Slide 5

SMEAC SITUATION Give your team a lead-in to the current position and the task that lies ahead Keep it brief Make it relevant It needs to give everyone the big picture Slide 6

SMEAC MISSION Explain exactly and carefully what is required - The TASK Keep this very brief and very simple Slide 7

SMEAC EXECUTION If you have a good plan then go through it at this stage If you don’t know how to complete the task your team - but KEEP control If you have everyone’s ideas then YOU state the plan and ensure everyone knows what they are doing Slide 8

SMEAC ANY QUESTIONS? This Gives everyone a positive opportunity to ask questions in a supportive and non-threatening environment Don’t make fun of questions asked Keep order Slide 9

SMEAC CHECK UNDERSTANDING (Theirs!!) It is your responsibility to make sure that the team know what they are doing Think of the key questions to ask that highlight the important aspects of the task Finish with a positive message Off you go! Slide 10

So for example. . . • We had Canteen break earlier, and the building now has litter on the floors. • We are to sweep the litter from this room so that the building is tidy before final parade. • Final parade is in ten minutes time. Cadet One can you bring a broom and gather all the rubbish in the middle of the room, cadet Two can you find a dustpan so we can pick it up and put it in the bin outside. • Does anyone have any questions? • Who is going to fetch the broom? Where do we need to put the rubbish? How long have we got? Slide 11

If the task is simple - keep the briefing simple. Slide 12

An Initial Plan • You need an initial plan. • As you explain your plan it may become obvious it will not work. You might find that out as you get started. • Do NOT be afraid to go back and start again with another method. Slide 13

• A little bit of planning can make a big difference. • Allow everyone to have their input, so everyone is happy with the teams plan. Slide 14 Are you coming hunting with us or are you gonna sit here all day inventing?

• As your plan evolves try to think ahead to what might go wrong, or not as well as you first thought. • Some problems will become glaringly obvious while others may only become apparent as your method moves forwards. Slide 15

Check that everyone has understood Slide 16

Check that everyone has understood Slide 17

If you are not getting what you wanted, explain again. “Oh! So now you want the moat OUTSIDE” Slide 18

Scoring & Passing • We will be looking at TEN aspects of how you perform as the leader in an exercise. • If you score “ 1” on anything you will need to try again and be re-assessed. • You need to score 30 or more on your lead. • Pass TWO exercise leads to qualify for the Blue Leadership Badge. Slide 19

Ten Elements • Did the team leader follow “SMEAC” as a briefing tool? • Were ALL the limitations mentioned? • Was the time limitation mentioned then monitored? • Was there an initial plan? • Did the team leader re-evaluate if/when things went wrong Slide 20

Ten Elements • Did all of the team know what was meant to be happening? • Were limitations monitored? • Was the leader confident? • If you had just entered the room, would you be able to tell who was in charge? • Was praise/encouragement given when necessary? Slide 21

Team Work ALSO noted on your record: “Did the cadet provide useful help? , or Hindrance? , to other cadets’ leads” At Bronze, Silver or Gold, being a hindrance will make you fail. Slide 22

Team Work • Team Work is essential. • You may be the team leader at some times, at others you will be in the team. • Everyone in the team is needed. Everyone needs to be able to play their role. Slide 23

Team Roles Give people roles to fill – Jobs. Someone to help keep an eye on the time. A deputy in case you “die” during the exercise. Someone to monitor the limitations which are mentioned – bits you can touch, or avoid etc. Slide 24

Do You have Any Questions? Slide 25

Aims of this Lesson • By the end of this lesson you will be able to: – State what each of the letters in the Acronym “SMEAC” represent – Give a simple explanation of what each part means in real terms. Slide 26

Humour with kind permission of • Gary LARSON’s “Far Side” • Jim UNGER’s “Herman” • and Mike BALDWIN’s “Cornered” Slide 27