Twenty-six developing NAVAIR leaders traveled to the NAVAIR Washington Liaison Office in Arlington, Va., March 10-14 for a Washington Arena Seminar, part of their participation in NAVAIR’s Leadership Development Program.
“I’m a huge believer in serving the greater good,” NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. David Dunaway told the participants. “You are serving a great purpose, and our mission [at NAVAIR] is extremely relevant to the Navy.” He mentioned three foundations to be a good leader:
Competence: “Always continue to develop yourself, be innovative and think outside the box.”
Confidence: “Come in the room with full knowledge that you can lead.”
Moral Vision: Have a strong moral vision of where you are going.”
“You have to learn how to inspire people,” Dunaway said.
This five-day course provided a practical introduction to the interaction, political influences and communication challenges between NAVAIR, the Department of the Navy and Department of Defense (DoD) organizations. NAVAIR members of the Senior Executive Service also attended to provide leadership perspectives, tie the daily Navywide lessons back to NAVAIR and offer mentoring to the developing leaders.
The seminar included a “fireside chat” in a virtual world to discuss inclusive leadership, a viewing of the “OUCH! That Stereotype Hurts” training video and participation in a book club with Dr. Charles Cushman, author of “An Introduction to the U.S. Congress.” Participants also completed a survey for NAVAIR Deputy Commander Garry Newton to identify ways to smash bureaucracy, part of a Commandwide effort to increase efficiency.
The week concluded with a senior leadership panel where Newton addressed organizational challenges, the importance of being forward-leaning and improving the business of NAVAIR’s business.
“Pleas
