NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Joint Force Development Director Edward R. Visker was awarded the DLA Distribution Global Distribution Excellence High Performing Leader of the Year award for 2018.
Visker created the Distribution Talent Development Program (TDP), which brings together high potential employees with Distribution senior leaders as mentors. The goal of the program is to develop the full potential of the leadership and workforce through mutual respect, trust, accountability and cooperation.
His endeavor with the TDP will enable the development of a flexible and responsive distribution system capable of addressing changes in demand and customer requirements, building a learning culture through problem-solving and continuous improvement, reducing cost through the elimination of waste, overburden and unevenness in all aspects of distribution, creating a safe and healthy work environment and providing the highest possible quality and service to the customer.
The TDP pilot combined Human Resources Enterprise High Performance Leadership (EHPL) Level 2 training with distribution-specific training to enhance the capability and potential of mid-level project leads, team leads and work leads.
Visker has been one of the key driving forces behind Distribution using HPL training. He participated in the curriculum development, testing and roll out – and he currently leads the sustainment efforts.
According to Visker, for him, HPL is not just words – but part of his DNA. He recognizes management matters and, as a result, made a concerted effort to improve overall performance and culture through HPL.
Distribution Deputy Commander Twila C. Gonzales, Senior Executive Service explains, “HPL requires our leaders have knowledge of the work, the ability to lead, teach, improve and understand their responsibilities – these values precisely describe Ed.”
Gonzales goes on, “Through his extraordinary composure, Ed fosters an environment where employees feel valued, resilient and can be high performing. During his nearly 20 years with DLA Distribution, he has created a climate of trust and mutual respect among peers, employees and leaders.”
From Visker’s example, his subordinate supervisors volunteered and were accepted for the DLA In-House Coaching Program. Additionally, he was one of the first people certified by DLA as a coach. His protégés include leaders across the spectrum of military, civilian, new and experienced.
Because of Visker’s vision and leadership, more than 800 DLA Distribution supervisors have been trained in HPL’s tools, including job relations, job instruction and quality control. Upon completion of the training, supervisors reported greater ability to problem-solve and improve relationships with peers and subordinates.
“Throughout Ed’s entire career – both in uniform and beyond – he has led robust continuous improvement efforts. His work in HPL cements his philosophy that improvement must be every person, every process, every day,” Gonzales said.
“Ed is a critical lynchpin in Distribution’s leadership team and personifies the tenets of High Performance Leadership training through his daily actions as a leader, mentor and coach. He is most deserving and it is only natural to recognize him with this important honor.”