"What is important is to keep learning, to enjoy challenge, and to tolerate ambiguity. In the end there are no certain answers."
~ Martina S. Horner, (b. 1938)
Shipmates, this week I want to discuss one of the key leadership competencies, Self Awareness and Learning. While all the leadership competencies are important, '''Self Awareness '''and '''Learning''' are worth special attention.
As we continue to modernize the Coast Guard, we must remember that we are changing in anticipation of future challenges that result from a rapidly a changing world. We are not reorganizing, transforming, or streamlining. This modernization is about agility, better organizational learning, and systematic management and leadership. The new Operational Command (OPCOM) is a step toward achieving these desired characteristics. By using self awareness throughout our organization, we now realize that we have to change to better serve the American people.
One of the primary tasks for any Coast Guard unit, and of vital importance to OPCOM, is to maintain situational awareness. For OPCOM, this means maintaining a Common Operating Picture that tells us what is going on, and a Common Intelligence Picture which helps us to predict what may happen next. As each day goes on, we learn from our mistakes and successes...that's the desired result of a learning organization.
During the next several days, I will discuss several aspects of Self Awareness and Learning at the individual level (you), unit level (your command), and enterprise level (the entire Coast Guard). This leadership competency can be applied to all three. Let's put it to use!
For tomorrow's blog posting, I want you to think about Self Awareness and Learning and how it has impacted your own personal and professional life. Here is how the Coast Guard defines this important leadership competency:
Coast Guard leaders are self-objective. They continually work to assess self and personal behavior, seek and are open to feedback to confirm strengths and identify areas for improvement, and are sensitive to the impact of their behavior on others. Successful leaders use various evaluation tools and indicators to assist in this process of understanding themselves. Coast Guard leaders understand that leadership and professional development is a life-long journey and always work to improve knowledge, skills, and expertise. To that end, they seek feedback from others and opportunities for self-learning and development, always learning from their experiences. Leaders guide and challenge subordinates and peers, encouraging individuals to ask questions and be involved. Leaders are open to and seek new information and adapt their behavior and work methods in response to changing conditions.
Leadership expert Warren Bennis States: "It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from their followers." Most of the successful leaders I’ve known are learners.
Stand a taut watch Shipmates!
VADM Bob Papp
