MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 
Each day we have two primary opportunities for excellence. A chance and a choice.
Each situation or interaction that we encounter starts with a chance and ends with a series of choices that lead to personal and institutional accountability.
The chances that we start with are built on hope, possibility, or design. The choices we make are intentional.
The outcomes or results are a direct reflection of both. No matter how innocuous or important the situation, the same holds true.
Measure Up
How often do we actually contemplate the chances we have to be excellent?
Generally we focus on the end result or outcome.
Was the job done? Did we meet a deadline? Was the mission accomplished? Were organizational goals and needs met?
This is where personal and institutional accountability enters the conversation.
The Accountability Factor
Personal accountability takes shape when the choices we make affect an individual or an interpersonal relationship.
Institutional accountability takes shape when the choices we make affects an organization, individuals, and interpersonal relationships within that organization.
Though these things are true; did we even realize that first we had a chance to have a positive interaction or impact for which we will be held accountable?
Capitalize on Your Chances
We should regularly take a moment to consider our chances.
By doing so we gain insight and forethought into our positive or negative impact on a situation or interaction. We also gain a much stronger attachment to personal and institutional accountability.
I think all too often we examine our choices and measure their effectiveness against the outcomes.
I believe that if we reflect on the chance we have to make an impact and be excellent, we will achieve so much more than we ever thought we could.
Today’s Chances Affect Tomorrow’s Outcomes
Take Jayhawk 2027 – 184th Wing’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 for example.
This plan is broken out into a mission statement, vision, focus areas, and a strategic guide on how to achieve the goals set out by the wing. Each section of this plan is laden with chances.
We all should analyze what chance we have to be excellent within the boundaries of this plan.
This will help guide our choices as we execute the plan from strategic to tactical levels.
If I am analyzing the chance I have to affect Recruiting and Retention, I will be much more intentional about my choices in the community and with my fellow Airmen, because I fully understand and buy into the fact that I can have a positive effect on the outcomes.
Conclusion
My message to all airmen, take time to consider the chance you have make an impact. If we each do this, we will all increase our morale, capacity to perform, motivation, and accountability.