FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Navy Capt. Brian Anderson, who took command on June 29, introduced himself and shared his leadership philosophy with the workforce July 20.
During the 30-minute Commander’s Call from the DLA McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium, he talked about his approach to the demanding and fast-paced DLA Energy mission and encouraged employees to find a healthy work-life balance.
“DLA Energy is a marathon, not a sprint,” Anderson said. “Marathons are about setting a nice pace that you can continue. If you try to run a marathon at full speed, you’ll burn out.”
More than 150 employees attended in person and nearly 450 joined online to learn more about their new senior leader whose recurring theme was family.
“This is a family. There is no place for I, me, or mine. It’s we, you, us, them,” Anderson said. “I believe in families because families look out for each other. Families don’t let bad things happen in the workforce. Families make sure there’s equal opportunity and that sexual harassment, bullying and hazing doesn’t happen. Why? Because you’d never allow it inside your own home with your own family. Why would you ever allow it in your workplace? This is your family. Treat each other as family with respect, care and dignity.”
Anderson said his family is everything to him. His wife of 24 years, Emily, his teenage son, Bennett, and “fur children” keep him on his toes. Born and raised in the New England area, Anderson is an avid Patriots fan. His college team is the Spartans having attended Michigan State.
His Navy career was inspired by watching the movie, “In Harm’s Way,” with his dad when he was 8 years old. Enlisting in 1992, he’s traveled the world and jokes about being Peter Pan on an incredible journey.
“All he ever wanted to do was be in the Navy,” he said. “I love coming to work every day. I love putting this uniform on.”
He told the audience that it’s important to have fun and love what you do. A job should be more than just a paycheck, he said.
As for his leadership style, he believes leadership is advocacy.
“It’s about understanding the needs and the concerns of the workforce and harnessing that into actionable plans,” Anderson said. “Then working to get the help we need from up the chain to be successful.”
In closing, Anderson thanked the team for the warm welcome and said he is looking forward to getting out in the workspaces and meeting people face to face.
“When you see me, please say hi,” he told the audience.
DLA Energy leadership meets quarterly with the workforce during an All Hands to provide important updates, review past events and recognize employee accomplishments. The next All Hands is being planned for October.