BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
The Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Senior Leadership Summit continued at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, for a third day of discussions and team building Oct. 26 with a primary focus on end-to-end contracting and command culture.
The command’s Contracting division handles multiple mission sets within the agency and Wednesday’s audience received a breakdown of various topics falling under the contracting umbrella. Each office within Contracting was able to explain its role, highlight top accomplishments, discuss challenges and share expectations for the coming year.
Each discussion was led by a section chief, providing the audience with immediate feedback to their inquiries and allowing attendees to get answers to hot button items.
The second primary topic of the day included the command’s culture and its impact on organizational success. Culture Team representatives addressed methods to improve the enterprise-wide culture.
Director Mike Cannon discussed the importance of maintaining a positive culture within the agency and offered his thoughts on how to maintain it.
“I want us to demonstrate our agency values and to be a caring organization,” said Cannon. “There are easy ways to recognize your people routinely and regularly that have a positive impact on culture – and we as an organization and leaders need to make sure we’re recognizing people for their accomplishments.”
The day finished up with multiple breakout sessions covering classified property processing and compliance issues as senior leaders discussed and brainstormed together in the same room rather than virtually.
“The importance of bringing everybody here in person to Battle Creek is the collaboration that takes place,” said Army Col. Andre Toussaint, the command’s deputy director. “Conversations that you get in person are not the same conversations that you get over [Microsoft] Teams or a phone call. Coming here and getting the opportunity to collaborate face to face and build partnerships, relationships, and friendships.”
Day 4 of the summit will include a demonstration of the command’s soon-to-be-adopted Warehouse Management System, among other topics.