Airmen from Luke Air Force Base gathered Nov. 19 to learn about leadership techniques in a professional development program here designed to promote leadership through a series of guided discussions.

“Lighting Leadership Gold is about learning and growing together,” said Master Sgt. Ida Bushey, 56th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. “It’s designed to strengthen us as one team, one fight. That’s why it’s available to enlisted members, officers and civilians.”

Lightning Leadership began when the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence members came to Luke in July and presented the course to Lighting Leadership committee members. They took the tools PACE provided and now offer courses quarterly.

“These lessons are not specific to being an Air Force member, but to challenges we all face,” Bushey said. “For example, knowing how to grow from your mistakes, or understanding how to find value in all teammates are always important to know, and we all become better for it.”

The course is divided into two sessions, one morning and one afternoon. It is focused on connecting attendees with one another and helping them become better leaders.

“The course was amazing and very productive,” said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Brown, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron First Term Airman Center team leader. “We had officers as facilitators for the course, and it was nice to see their perspective on the things we talked about. The open discussion format is perfect, and it allowed everyone to share their opinions.”

With the second edition of Lightning Leadership Gold in the books, Bushey hopes that a more diverse group will attend the next course.

“Enlisted members come out full force to our courses,” she said. “It would be nice to see more officers and civilians join us. They will be able to take what they learn back to others in their units. The course is here for all of us, not just enlisted.”