Professional development charter develops Airmen

Story and graphic by Airman Edgar Grimaldo
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman Edgar Grimaldo

The 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron recently launched a Professional Development Charter program to give their Airmen additional skills to succeed on a personal, team and organizational level.
The PDC is a bi-monthly program that gives Airmen from the 86 LRS insight on what it means to be a leader.
“The Professional Develop­ment Charter is designed to allow our Airmen the ability to learn from each other within our organization,” said Chief Master Sgt. Sandra Scott, 86th LRS superintendent. “From not just a technical, but from a leadership perspective as well.”
The PDC covers various topics like speaking and writing, ethical leadership, warrior ethos on a personal level, resource stewardship, strategic communication, enterprise structure and relationships on an organizational level.
“Our charter selects classes based on the Air Force institutional competencies,” said Scott. “We find classes that will help build our Airmen from tactical to operational to strategic leaders.”
The most recent class used the GiANT personality test, an 80 question survey designed to help individuals discover their leadership voice. With five different leadership voices to choose from, the survey identifies the two strongest based on the answers provided. The results of the survey provides the Airmen insight into each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“I am a nurturer and connector by trade, which means I tend to gravitate toward helping people, and I easily make connections,” said Senior Airman Jorge Diehl, vehicle maintainer at the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron. “The GiANT program is a wonderful way to get to know your Airmen and understand them on a deeper level.”
Being able to work better as a team is only the beginning for the 86th LRG. Diehl encourages other units to invest in their Airmen as well.
“I highly recommend other units try out the PDC or other variants,” said Diehl. “It not only gives Airmen the ability to think in a leadership position, but it also helps Airmen understand the importance of understanding one another and working together effectively.”