Twenty-four employees from across Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield participated in an Installation Management Command-sponsored Career Program-29 supervisor class on Fort Stewart March 25 through 29 at the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Education Center.
Larry A. Doxtater the primary instructor for the 40-hour course said the class was designed, in part, to help develop trust and positive attitudes in the work place. He said one of the considerations for the course was understanding the personality types Orange, Gold, Green and Blue by adjusting for emotional intelligence and developing crucial conversations.
Orange refers to a generally spontaneous, energetic, action-oriented person. Gold is a rule-driven, family-oriented, planning type. Greens are analytical or intuitive deep-thinkers and research oriented individuals. Blues are empathetic people who are often positive, compassionate and nurturing - the ones who often bring treats to their fellow co-workers.
Doxtater said participants during the class were very receptive and appeared to present a diverse cross section of the Fort Stewart community.
"This is a great class. Everyone seems to be very professional and attentive - ready to learn," Doxtater said. "It is nice to have a wide-spectrum of career fields, race, gender, and experience levels."
Prior to attending the course, Dr. Skytina Felder-Jones, a Fort Stewart victim advocate coordinator, wondered if it would be a cookie-cutter class or if it would involve critical thinking.
"The True Colors section of the class was rather eye-opening," Felder-Jones said. "It was something you (as a supervisor) can apply right away."
She noted sometimes you have to step back from the content of the issue, and identify what the goal is. You have to develop a strategy and work together to reach that goal.
Thomas Hamlin with the Fort Stewart Directorate of Public Works Environmental Branch, working in the Fish and Wildlife department, agreed with Felder-Jones.
"Sometimes you have to step back and realize that everyone has a different perspective on issues," he said. "You just have to find a way to work things out."
Hamlin, a 20-year Army veteran with18 years of civilian experience, said the class was refreshing.
"Everyone here volunteered to come to this class. I think it has been very effective," Hamlin said. "And I'm sure there are a lot people who could get something out of it."
Individuals are encouraged to seek professional development and work directly with their supervisors. They can also reach out to Dr. Robin Ellert, robin.k.ellert.civ@mail.mil, the garrison workforce training and development specialist, who can help them research other opportunities that are line up with their future goals.
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