BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Members of the Disposition Services South East team came together for their annual leadership summit, during January. Participants from the region’s sites and discussed a variety of topics including best practices, operations and leadership techniques as well as getting a tour of the site in Anniston, Alabama.
Disposition Services Deputy Director Colonel Andre Toussaint took time to address the attendees on the topic of being a good leader. Colonel Toussaint touched on the importance of good leadership and how it benefits our work force.
“Everybody needs to understand where they fit within the organization,” Toussaint said. “My job as a deputy director isn’t any more important than a wage grade position. We all have different roles but we are all doing our part towards helping the agency as we strive to be the Department of Defense’s reverse logistics center of excellence. As leaders, it’s important to teach our people so they understand their role and the roles of the person to their left and right.”
During the two - day summit, participants had group discussions on operational best practices, common site issues, as well as transportation matters. The in-person environment allowed for an interactive experience as was echoed by participant Autray Humphrey who was attending his first leadership summit.
“It was more beneficial being face-to-face [versus virtual], being able to match names with faces and also be able to connect with those who can help us do our jobs better,” said Humphrey, the operations chief at the Warner Robins site.
The summit also included a tour of the Odenville contractor site where attendees were able to witness the demilitarization process with both material handling equipment and torch cutting taking place.
The summit concluded with a Warehouse Management System workshop, a discussion on lessons learned and an awards presentation.
“The purpose of bringing them all out here was to put them in a safe learning environment where we feel comfortable to talk and share the good, bad and the ugly,” said Becky Watson, director of South East Region. “I brought them here to help them realize that you aren’t alone – we share the same issues. Every conversation was productive and that is a testament to those who were in attendance.”
As the South East team plans for a successful 2023, this most recent leadership summit proved beneficial as those in attendance look to implement the lessons learned going forward throughout the region.
“I would say this summit was a success,” mentioned Humphrey. “One thing I have taken away is that a lot of us share the same concerns and issues. We were able to discuss some ways to implement ideas that can help improve each of our individual sites.”