FORT HOOD, Texas — Sunlight peeked through a cloud covered sky, illuminating brightly on dozens of senior leaders in attendance at the “Leading at the Speed of Trust” professional development training, April 20 at the National Mounted Warrior Museum here.
The III Armored Corps Chaplain’s office spearheaded the event and worked with organization FranklinCovey to help highlight how III Armored Corps can most effectively build high-trust organizational cultures.
“The ‘Speed of Trust’ is about effectively conveying that ‘I am trustworthy,’ but also learning to be trusting,” said Doug Faber, the course’s instructor and global practice leader with FranklinCovey. “(It’s) to create confidence in all our relationships by improving our character, our competence, and how to show up in our daily interactions and behaviors.”
The forty leaders in attendance included government contracted civilians and Soldiers in the ranks of lieutenant colonel, colonel, and sergeant major. The course provided an opportunity for leaders at the highest levels to reflect on trust in their own leadership styles and allow that change to trickle down to Soldiers at the lowest level.
“If you want lasting change in the Army, I think it has to start from the top,” said Sgt. Maj. Dawayne Smith, the analysis control element sergeant major with the III Armored Corps G2 and one of the leaders in attendance.
Over the span of two days, the course discussed the balance of individual character and competence, as well as the importance of leaders trusting those under their command.
“I am definitely taking this back to my team,” said Donna Rogers, chief finance manager with Fort Hood Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation. “That’s the great thing about this course…they give you the tools to take back and teach your team.”
Faber utilized a multitude of teaching methodologies throughout the course. These varied from utilizing slideshows, lectures, videos of real life application, interactive activities, several small group discussions, and a plethora of materials which attendees could use beyond the course.
“I know that if they actually take it back, it’s going to improve their leadership,” Faber said. “It’s going to teach people how to best show up and create confidence with each other, and I know that they’re ready to do that.”
Faber’s hope should soon become a reality, as leaders in attendance seemed to unanimously agree they would be sharing what they learned within their own units.
“I really want to take this to my section,” Smith, the G2 ACE sergeant major, said. “I think leveraging some of these skills, as well as (Master Resiliency Training), could be a healthy reminder of how we develop a new culture of leadership.”
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