BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
The Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services’ Southeast region kicked off the new calendar year with a leadership summit in which all front-line supervisors were invited to Anniston, Alabama, to gain insight on a variety of topics. Attendees toured the Anniston demilitarization facility, reviewed region metrics and had open discussions about operations, human resources issues, and best practices.
“I always stress the importance of teambuilding,” said Southeast Region Director Becky Watson. “Understand that you’re not alone out there at your site and we have people that are probably doing the same thing and having the same struggles you’re having – so share what your best practices are.”
The summit was about more than simply setting operational goals, as the emphasis was on helping everyone improve not only their ability to maintain operations but also how to become more effective leaders.
“The whole goal was to educate and train our front-line supervisors,” said Watson. “We want them to understand the importance of their position. Especially when it comes to hiring actions, evaluations, appraisals, and new employee hiring and training. The purpose is getting them hands on training – especially with HR.”
And for those new to a DLA supervisory role such as Al Dean, a warehouse supervisor at the Eglin field site in Florida, the human resources portion was especially enlightening.
“My favorite part was the human resources section and dealing with the hiring process and managing employees,” said Dean. “As a supervisor, my job is to be able to communicate well back and forth with my team and give them what they need to be successful, and this helps me do that.”
While many gained insights on how to better supervise, the operational aspect wasn’t forgotten. While touring the Anniston site, those in attendance were able to witness exactly what happens when they send in property for DEMIL and, for some, this was their first time observing the process.
“Coming here and actually being able to see where the property is going and the DEMIL process has definitely been eye opening,” said Patrick Stanley, warehouse supervisor at the Jacksonville site who is attending his first leadership summit. “When I get back, there’s some processes that I want to put into place to possibly better support the DEMIL mission with what we’re sending.”
Even for those who have attended this leadership summit in the past, there are still valuable lessons to be gained.
“The summit was really useful and networking with everyone was really good,” said Camp Lejeune field site warehouse supervisor Scott Wheeler. “I feel more equipped to go back to my site and take this information back with me, especially regarding the writing of awards. This is my third leadership summit and I still take something away from every single one.”
The region hosts its leadership summit on a yearly basis and will continually look for more ways to educate and empower the team. Watson said she considered the 2025 iteration a success and looks forward to how those who attended implement their ideas going forward.
“I am very impressed with the level of engagement between the attendees,” said Watson. “Everyone has been open to ideas and asking questions – I really like the way they’re sharing with each other.”