AIRMAN LEADERSHIP QUALITIES (ALQs)
Airman Leadership Qualities (ALQs) Proficiency Levels. The ALQs are the most important subelements of performance, derived from those same validated behaviors identified in the foundational competencies. ALQs are designed to guide the rater and facilitate discussion when providing constructive feedback. A rater should use their best judgment when determining the proficiency level of a ratee bearing in mind that each definition should be applied using a whole-person concept relative to the rank, AFSC, and assigned duties. There are four levels, which are Developing, Proficient, Highly Proficient and Outstanding. Proficiency levels should be described and evidenced in feedback utilizing examples of behavior rooted in the foundational competencies.
EXECUTING THE MISSION
Job Proficiency
Demonstrates knowledge and professional skill in assigned duties, achieving positive results and impact in support of the mission.
Initiative
Assesses and takes independent or directed action to complete a task or mission that influences the mission or organization.
Adaptability
Adjusts to changing conditions, to include plans, information, processes, requirements and obstacles in accomplishing the mission.
LEADING PEOPLE
Inclusion & Teamwork
Collaborates effectively with others to achieve an inclusive climate in pursuit of a common goal or to complete a task or mission.
Emotional Intelligence
Exercises self-awareness, manages their own emotions effectively; demonstrates an understanding of others’ emotions, and appropriately manages relationships.
Communication
Articulates information in a clear and timely manner, both verbally and non-verbally, through active listening and messaging tailored to the appropriate audience.
MANAGING RESOURCES
Stewardship
Demonstrates responsible management of assigned resources, which may include time, equipment, people, funds and/or facilities.
Accountability
Takes responsibility for the actions and behaviors of self and/or team; demonstrates reliability and transparency.
IMPROVING THE UNIT
Decision Making
Makes well-informed, effective and timely decisions under one’s control that weigh constraints, risks, and benefits.
Innovation
Thinks creatively about different ways to solve problems, implements improvements and demonstrates calculated risk-taking.
The ALQs are the most important behavior measures of specific enlisted performance. The ALQs are derived from how Airmen perform using the foundational competencies. The ALQs are the cornerstone to a more transparent and collaborative feedback system and the deliberate development of Airmen. The ALQs solidify how we perform. They are grouped under major performance areas that are aligned to the major graded areas critical to unit effectiveness. Through competency-based performance management founded on the ALQs, Airmen can be better informed about their performance to reach their full potential. Furthermore, they provide the foundation of how the Air Force develops leaders of character and competence by defining and rewarding the behaviors we value.