In December 2011, one of my co-workers came to my desk and asked, “Why are you
smiling?” I told her that I was categorizing some of the information and leadership
styles that I learned during the 10 month long, fun, and stressful Darlene Young
Leadership Academy (DYLA). I explained to her that I started the training in
December 2010 and graduated in August 2011. She said at your grade level, you
don’t need to take any leadership training. I replied
“Leaders cannot ever stop learning.”
I then looked at my computer and noticed that I had received a new
message. I clicked on the message and it read, “Hello Mr. Duggans, I hope this message finds you well. I would be
honored if you would consider being the MC for the 5 Year Anniversary Celebration of the DYLA.” After I read the
message about five times to ensure that I was not blind, I felt honored that Ms. Young remembered me and happily
accepted the challenge as MC for the 5 Year Anniversary Celebration of the DYLA. Then, I informed my Chapter
President, Mr. Calvin Stevens, and he expressed how happy he was and gave me a vote of
confidence.
I asked myself two questions. First, what makes Ms. Young such a dynamic
leader? I thought about the first time I met her. I met Ms. Young when I reported for training
during my orientation for the DYLA Class of 2011. I watched Ms. Young and the DYLA
coordinators make their final checks to ensure that everything was in order. I noticed how
everyone responded to her. She never imposed authority, her influence was felt by her
example and the confidence she instilled in the DYLA staff. Then a quote made by General Omar Bradley came to mind.
It is a quote that I kept on my desk when I commanded the 5th Replacement Company at Fort Polk, LA in December 1991.
“The test of a leader lies in the reaction and response of his/her followers. He/she should not
have to impose authority. Bossiness in itself never made a leader. He/she must make his/her
influence felt by example and the instilling of confidence in his/her followers. The greatness
of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his/her
effectiveness.”
I witnessed these and many other leadership traits while I watched and took notes of this outstanding Public
Servant. I began to think about the Center for Leadership and Management, Graduate School, Executive Core
Qualifications: Leading Change; Leading People; Results Driven; Business Acumen; and Building Coalitions. It is the
understanding and professional growth in these traits that will prepare DYLA graduates for future leadership roles.
I then asked myself “How can I, from a student’s perspective, explain to Ms. Young the benefits of her vision –
The DYLA Program. While I was preparing for my role as the MC – these words and thoughts entered my heart.
Ms. Young, the past and future graduates of the DYLA cannot in words express our sincere appreciation to you
and your Vision.
Because of your vision – graduates of your Leadership Academy have had the opportunity to develop and
improve their leadership knowledge, skills and abilities.
Because of your vision – graduates of your Leadership Academy have had the opportunity to shadow present
leaders, pick their brains and get a clear understanding of the skills needed to lead, manage and be successful.
We did not only learn what made them successful but we learned about their failures, shortcomings, and mistakes
that they made. But most of all - we learned how to be accountable for our actions and stay focused on the challenges at
hand.
Because of your vision – graduates of your Leadership Academy have created a networking community where we
share information, knowledge and support each other. I would like for you to know that some of the information that we
received from fellow graduates is not the response that we want to hear, but you can be proud – because it’s the
information that we need to know in order to move forward in our careers.
Written By: Johnnie Duggans