PHILADELPHIA –
The commander of the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support discussed performance management, the ongoing DLA Culture and Climate Survey and the Voluntary Protection Program during a town hall April 5.
Since his last town hall in November, Army Brig. Gen. Mark Simerly has travelled all over the globe, witnessing the impact of DLA Troop Support’s mission of supporting the warfighter.
When he travels, Simerly said he likes to brag about his employees by explaining what they have in common with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
“You’re skilled, you’re fast, you’re experienced, you’re smart, you’re tough and you come through in the clutch,” he said.
Simerly said the organization can continue to improve in its efforts to provide top-notch warfighter support, but he needs more employee feedback to best steer the organization’s future.
To help collect that feedback, he encouraged maximum participation in the DLA Culture and Climate Survey.
“The result we’re trying to achieve is capturing your voice so we know where to improve,” Simerly said.
The general also discussed the DOD Performance Management and Appraisal Program.. He said the goal of DPMAP was to optimize leader-to-led dialogue, foster two-way communication and facilitate effective feedback.
Simerly said optimal execution of DPMAP processes will lead to better coaching, teaching and mentoring while helping improve performance evaluation.
He acknowledged that DPMAP takes time, but said that it’s important for all employees to take time as part of their regular scope of duties to attend to performance management.
“So I want to make sure every supervisor knows and every member of our team knows that we’re allocating time for you to do this,” he said.
Another town hall topic was the Voluntary Protection Program, an Occupational Safety and Health program that recognizes employers who implement effective safety and health management systems.
Navy Capt. Gerald Raia, Procurement Process Support director, is leading DLA Troop Support’s VPP efforts, which focus on five key topics: knowledge, employee involvement, housekeeping, hazard prevention and employee well-being.
“We encourage everybody to get involved and ask a lot of questions,” Raia said. “I think we have a good strategy where we can get everybody on board with getting a nice, safe working environment and showing OSHA we’ve got a solid plan.”
The next town hall is scheduled for June.