Corpus Christi Army Depot Commander, Col. Allan Lanceta addressed the 2017 Upward Leader Investment for Tomorrow program class at their official orientation, March 28.
The twenty employees enrolled in UPLIFT are at the beginning of their six-month journey to expand their professional growth, skills, values and competencies as they become the next class of workforce leaders.
With approximately 75% of last year's UPLIFT graduates excelling professionally, taking on jobs with more responsibility and higher pay, Col. Lanceta stressed that part of being a leader comes from empowerment, which CCAD's Army civilians get from this program.
"Leadership isn't taught in the civilian world but it is taught here at CCAD and we are focused on managing that talent." -- Col. Allan Lanceta
According to Manuel Guzman, a leadership training specialist for the depot's Workforce Development Division, 108 of CCAD's civilians have graduated from the leadership program so far. Designed internally by CCAD's training staff, UPLIFT gives depot employees a chance to engage with colleagues and mentors in a structured leadership model, exploring concepts and principles from the Army and industry.
This year's class includes employees from all over the depot, including engineers, paralegal specialists, machinists, electronic technicians, technical writers, program analysts, maintenance requirements planning specialists, inventory management specialists, sheet metal mechanics, production controllers and quality assurance specialists.
While meeting with their mentor for 90 minutes each month doesn't seem like much time, the fast-paced and high intensity curriculum is where these students earn their stripes.
The curriculum demands extra efforts on the home front too. Extensive reading material and numerous assignments put time management skills to the test.
As part of class requirements, all UPLIFT graduates must complete their first course in the Army-wide Civilian Education System (CES), which gives Army Civilian Corps self-development and institutional training opportunities to develop leadership attributes through distance learning and resident training.
"Supervisors are your work now. Mentors are where you want to go."
-- Craig Tuttle, UPLIFT Program Manager
Mr. Craig Tuttle, the Program Manager for the CCAD UPLIFT Mentorship Program, stressed the importance of networking and choosing a mentor outside of your chain of command to get the full benefit of this course.
The mentorship component stems from traditional apprenticeships, regarded by many as one of the most effective, immersive and in-depth methods of professional development to-date. Mentors will meet for a two day workshop, April 18-19, to fully learn the importance of being a mentor.
Students are also required to shadow a Depot leader, chosen by the program administrators, to observe for one day, to get the feel of what everyday leadership is like.
For one UPLIFT candidate, a lighthearted remark became the opportunity that ultimately steered her to apply for this year's class. Prior to applying for UPLIFT, Lori Garza remarked that she wanted Director of Program Management, Robert Sharp's job but; after shadowing him for a day filled with meetings, hard decisions and intense work, she decided she could wait until Sharp retires from his job before taking over his duties.
Now Garza wants to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to lead with confidence through CCAD's UPLIFT program. This is a natural step for her, both professionally and personally, to set a leadership example for her daughters.
"The greatest benefits you will get are the change in your behavior, building your reputation and, if you can, internalize and open your mind to learning and apply it."
-- Lynn Withers, Chief, Workforce Development Division
Upon graduating, some UPLIFT alum ask to be added as potential mentors for future students so they could pass on what they learned to the next class of colleagues by making a positive impact in their lives and careers, making today's vision tomorrow's reality.
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