As Admiral Allen reported yesterday, we all enjoyed the keynote presentation on leadership by CAPT Mike Abrashoff at the opening of our Innovation Expo in Virginia Beach. CAPT Abrashoff talked about the positive effect on crew motivation, morale and performance when leaders took advantage of the opportunity to get to know their people on an individual basis in order to obtain their input on what was going on at the unit and to help them with their individual and professional development.
Our Individual Development Plans (IDP's) provide one very good opportunity to do that in the Coast Guard. I can tell you from personal experience that it works. As an Area Commander, I sit down with each member of my personal staff, members of the overall Area staff and members of Area units on a regular basis. These are men and women of all pay grades and from all components. I learn a lot that helps me to do my job. Even better, I hope I have been able to provide some perspective that helps them make more informed personal and career choices. It makes a big difference in individual performance that results in better unit performance and a higher performing Coast Guard.
Flag Officers complete IDP's, too. The Commandant strongly promotes continuous learning. Working on my IDP and getting feedback from the Commandant and Vice Commandant has really helped me. We walk the talk.
I encourage you to keep working on your IDP and keep it current as your development progresses. Seek out the advice of leaders in your chain of command and leaders that you know and respect. And as a leader, don't miss the opportunity to get to know the outstanding men and women who work with you. Show a personal interest in their development. Have that discussion with them on their IDP. It's rewarding and it produces results!
VADM Dave Pekoske
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