A year of leadership training culminated April 14 as 24 Huntsville Center employees graduated the Leadership Development Program Level II.
Huntsville Center Commander Col. Robert Ruch presented graduate certificates to Nancy Book, Kerri Daniels, Mark Fisher, Daniel Gaston, Carrie Gilmore, Rhett Graves, Carolyn Harris, Paula Henderson, Robert Jackson, Eldric Jefferson, Melissa Kelly, James Kiesling, Patrick Lane, Robert Mackey, Michelle Maxson, Stephanie McCaul, Carla McNeal, Zalerie Moore, Alfonso Santa, Kelly Stell, Wesley Trammell, Phyllis Watson, Amy Webb and Paul Wiggins.
Margaret Simmons, chief of the Office of Counsel at Huntsville Center, and Dr. Michelle Crull, Engineering Directorate, are role models and mentors who guide Huntsville Center's LDP Level II participants through the various leadership classes and activities.
Crull said participants come from all areas of Huntsville Center so they get to know people they might not have met otherwise and learn what some of the other programs do.
"LDP Level II is predominantly about knowing yourself and your preferred leadership styles and how to change those styles as necessary. Good leaders must know themselves well and be honest about both their strengths and weaknesses," Crull said.
In her welcome and opening remarks, Simmons told the graduates they reached this point through their hard work, determination and individual commitment.
“The tenets to becoming a great leader include facing challenges, pursuing goals with passion, self-improvement and a positive attitude. The training you have received not only helps to develop the skills necessary to lead effectively, understanding the leadership roles also helps you become a better team member. Every great leader has learned to be an avid follower at some point in their career. You can make a difference at Huntsville Center. Remember, we expect great things from each of you as leaders – and as followers," Simmons said.
Sharon Howard, workforce development specialist, Business Management Office has served as the LDP coordinator since November. Howard also completed LDP Level II at Huntsville Center in 2009.
Dorothy Tiller, chief of Huntsville Center's Business Management Office, said although participating in LDP Level II is not mandatory for Center employees, everyone should consider utilizing this valuable leadership tool. She added the program is not sequential and employees should sign up for the leadership program more appropriate for their responsibilities, regardless of their grade level or having completing any lower levels.
Dan Heinzelman, director of Huntsville Center's Business Management Office, said he agreed. The program helps grow new leaders and brings qualified individuals into leadership roles.
"You've seen the culmination of lots of hard work here. One of the biggest things you can take away from this LDP Level II is that you've learned how to become a better follower and team member. This information is applicable whether you're in charge or not," Heinzelman said. "In retrospect, the program has brought us some great people who have now become very knowledgeable on leadership. And through their training they have become more successful here at HNC. I would recommend the program to anyone at the Center that is interested in improving their leadership skills.”
Paula Henderson, Ordnance and Explosives Directorate project manager said the program was good.
“It was a different experience,” Henderson said. “This was my first time ever taking this type leadership course so I had a lot to learn. I really don't do a lot of public speaking either. I had good mentors who took the time to make sure I had the information I needed to succeed. I'm fortunate to have been a part of this.”
Robert Jackson, Engineering Directorate mechanical engineer said the program helped him develop a foundation of leadership skills he can use to build on future development as a great leader.
“It was very challenging to learn how to get to where we want to be in our careers. The skills I learned in LDP Level II are invaluable because it gave me insight on some things I didn't know about myself and reaffirmed some characteristics I was already aware of," Jackson said. "I've worked as a lead mechanical engineer on my team and as a personal fitness trainer. So I've applied some of the leadership techniques and they worked. Also, the discussions on purpose and vision were invaluable to me. I'll carry this information forward with me in my professional and personal life."
The Huntsville Center Leadership Development Program II program includes on-the-job assignments and cross-training which encompasses classroom study, outside reading assignments, local field trips and brown bag seminars. The program is open to anyone at the Center who is interested in developing their leadership skills.
In his closing remarks, Ruch said, "First of all, I'd like to thank the LDP Level II facilitators, our Business Management team and others who were busy at work behind the scenes, and the supervisors who are here to support their staff. This shows their employees how they see value in all they do at the Center--great job everyone," Ruch said. "I'd like to leave you (graduates) with a few words of advice. I encourage you to be a "whole" leader and work on the management piece that involves developing future leaders on your teams. The days you will be remembered for are the days you are challenged as a leader and you manage to react in a positive way, find good solutions and work your way through them. Truly great leaders also know-how to utilize everyone on the team. This is what makes us Army Strong and Corps Strong."