Leadership Pathways revamped for new year

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  • By 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  A series of new classes that answer the requests of Vance Airmen have been added to the course list for the 2015 Leadership Pathways program.

"This year we are focusing on the three main stressors that affect Vance Airmen," said Maggie Laws, the Leadership Pathways program coordinator. "Relationship stress, transitional stress and workplace stress will be the focus for many classes in 2015."

Laws, in coordination with Vance leadership, discovered the three main causes of stress for personnel here through surveys, including the 2014 climate assessment and interviews.

Wing, group and squadron commanders will be teaching a series of classes about leadership in response to these results. Team Vance has also partnered with local civilian organizations who will visit the base to teach classes.

"I am very excited about the leaders teaching leadership classes this year," said Laws. "Some of the courses that will be available to Airmen here include "Toxic Leadership," which will be taught by Colonel Quinn and Chief Speen." 

Col. Clark Quinn is the 71st Flying Training Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Peter Speen is the 71st FTW command chief.

Students will discuss types of toxic leadership, and ways to avoid becoming a toxic leader. "Toxic Leadership" is scheduled for March 24 from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Professional Development Center.

Another class, "Effective Meetings," will be taught by Col. John Menozzi, the 71st FTW vice commander, and Terri Schaefer, an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century black belt. Scheduled for April 2 from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the PDC, students will learn that the ability to facilitate a meeting is crucial to mission success. Few things are as powerful as a group of dedicated people with a common cause.

Another commander-taught course is called "Line of DUTY" and will be facilitated by Maj. John Klohr, the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. The course is scheduled for Jan. 27 from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the PDC. It will showcase five true stories of espionage, spies and war all narrated by a retired O-6 who will describe the definition of duty.

Commanders are not the only members getting involved in this year's Leadership Pathways classes. Three administrative assistants for senior leadership will teach "Organize Your Desk Space Like a Pro," March 26 from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the PDC.

Janelle McAlear, 71st Flying Training Wing, Melva Glaser, 71st Mission Support Group and Rhonda Patton, 71st Medical Group, will present calendar management techniques, email inbox organization, sending clear emails and creating a functional workspace.

"This year is about increasing Airmen's awareness of options available on base to increase personal and professional skills," said Laws. "I want each person who attends to tell two other people what they learned."

For more information on Leadership Pathways, call Maggie Laws at 213-7709.