Is SMSgt an "overlooked" rank in our Air Force?

I can't say I ever had a problem operating as a SMSgt and had an excellent relationship with those few enlisted as Chiefs above Me which We worked well together. Had some very good Officers to work for, the enlisted people were also very good troops and there was a mutual respect. Also in some units We didn't have a chief and I was the ranking Senior NCO but had a good working relationship with the Chiefs at higher Group and Wing levels. I stayed busy and was never bored or lonely, get involved, make decisions and don't be hesitant. No matter where You are in the chain of command respect for rank is one thing respect for You as a person is earned.

I’d say it will all depend on how you conduct yourself. If you want the respect of the rank you’ve not only got to work for your people and put the time in but, you’ve also got to conduct yourself like a chief. One small add on to this, you’re not a chief so you’ve got to not piss anyone off. You’ll pay for it later on your next promotion which will be a Mr, not CMSgt.

Each NCO should be evaluated on what they know or don't know regardless of what rank they are.  If there is a bias or a sweeping generalization based on a first impression totally based on rank then it is up to the individual, fair or not fair, to overcome it and the way they do that is by stepping up and showing what they know and what they can do.  1st impressions are often wrong.