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502d ABW civilian forums aim to achieve deliberate development

  • Published
  • By Erinn Burgess
  • 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Culture, People, Modernization and Partnerships are the four pillars of the 502d Air Base Wing’s strategic lines of effort at Joint Base San Antonio.

To this end, the 502d ABW is hosting forums aimed at the deliberate development of the roughly 5,000-member civilian workforce, the next of which is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. June 9 at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy Training Center Auditorium, 2432 Carswell Avenue at JBSA-Lackland.

“While ‘Deliberate Development’ is not a new term to the Air Force, many in the workforce may relate this effort to similar programs, such as Leadership Development or Talent Development,” said Brian Hoffman, 502d ABW vice director. “The bottom line is, deliberate development takes frequent engagement and effort.”

That’s why Hoffman and other senior civilian leaders plan to host civilian “all-call” forums on a quarterly basis, with a focus on development topics ranging from feedback, performance appraisals, hiring processes, and education and training opportunities.

Part of the initiative’s intent is to promote a culture that values development and provides a skeleton for leaders at all levels to contribute and receive knowledge and skills from the wing level down.

The forums will provide employees with direct access to leaders from across the 502d ABW and its mission partners.

“A leader and an organization that value developing the workforce will put time and resources into that effort,” Hoffman explained. “Instilling a culture of improving one’s self and others is a priority at JBSA. We can educate and elevate our 502nd workforce through these development efforts.”

The first civilian forum for 2021 took place March 19 at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The event had roughly 100 participants via Zoom and 20 others in person. Topics focused on the civilian appraisal process and documentation of civilian employees. Attendees included civilian employees at all levels as well as military supervisors of civilians.

“Many military personnel have equity and influence in this area and can affect civilian careers directly,” Hoffman said.

The forums aim to provide knowledge and experience on civilian processes in order to help military supervisors better lead the civilians they manage in their organizations.

Wing personnel will receive more details regarding the upcoming forum via email and/or through their supervisors.

Personnel are encouraged to participate in the open discussion/Q&A portion of each forum with questions or concerns they would like 502d ABW leadership to address.

“I welcome our 502d ABW team members at all levels to attend these forums,” Hoffman said. “Civilian employees are a critical component of our workforce, and leadership is invested in your development and success. We look forward to seeing you there!”