FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
With the challenges of the novel coronavirus, the Defense Logistics Agency Joint Reserve Force has had to adapt, overcome and be creative in the way it conducts business. One example is the virtual format of the Annual Leadership Review, Aug. 14-16, 2020.
More than 90 leaders from around the JRF gathered together over video conferencing software to learn and discuss this year’s theme, “Leading Change.”
DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic and DLA Senior Enlisted Leader Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka O’Neal kicked off the conference by providing remarks praising the JRF .
“I applaud all of you for learning the most you can about leading a diverse team and being there, adapting and listening,” Skubic said.
Skubic reiterated that almost nothing that happens in the joint forces that DLA does not contribute to. She added that all of DLA “runs on hard work, respect, and integrity.” Before turning it over to O’Neal, Skubic said that there has never been a more critical time to check in on coworkers and to take care of everyone, including self-care.
O’Neal highlighted the importance of personal connection during this time and reminded the JRF that relationships and words matter, especially in this joint environment.
DLA JRF Director Navy Rear Adm. Grafton Chase echoed Skubic’s comments and reminded his force that communication is very important and serving in a joint environment ensures different cultures.
“What’s great about the joint environment is we bring those cultures together — you don’t lose your culture, but we learn from each other’s culture,” Chase said.
Each day had a different focus for enabling the senior leaders of the major subordinate commands to lead effectively. Each MSC also provided information and updates to showcase what they do as part of the JRF. The topics for each day were strategic learning, operational key leader training, and team effort, respectively.
“Our mission as the JRF is to provide DLA with a trained, ready and deployable force to augment the mission and providing the surge capability when and where it’s needed,” Chase said.
As with every year, networking with other leaders from different MSCs was a priority and time was given to connect with each other.
As the world looks different from what it did a year ago, change has been on a lot of people’s minds and learning to lead amid change is something the JRF focused on during this ALR.