Leadership Pathways sees first finisher

  • Published
  • By Joanne Perkins
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
Kalee Dickey of the 377th Dental Squadron recently became the first person at Kirtland to complete Leadership Pathways, a program that provides opportunities for military and civilian employees to take classes to collect points and earn rewards while improving personal and professional skills.

Although Leadership Pathways offers a wide variety of classes and activities, Dickey focused on classes that would improve her skills at a professional level.

"I was interested in professional development opportunities that would benefit my career," she said. "My main goal was to take what I learned back to the office and teach others these skills." 

One of the class topics Dickey was especially interested in was on effectively managing meetings.

"I'm using the skills learned in that class to stay on task, and now our meetings don't get side-tracked," she said.

Another area of interest was courses focusing on improving computer skills. During the classes she, "took lots of notes and later taught all kinds of short-cuts and new tricks to senior officers in PowerPoint, Publisher and other programs."

Her most rewarding class was called "Working with Different Generations."

"Because I work with different age groups, ranging from 18-year old airmen to colonels, it gave me better skills in communicating with members of other generations," she said.

Her increased effectiveness in her unit led to recognition in the form of a quarterly award. It was announced last week that she was selected as the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Category 1 Civilian of the Quarter.

Dickey credits Leadership Pathways with giving her the edge in her recent quarterly award win.

"Because I had been so involved in self-and professional improvement, I am certain that is what set me apart," she said.

Of course, Dickey, who has been working at the dental squadron for the last 12 years, gave Leadership Pathways a strong recommendation. She said she can't remember a time when so many classes were offered, adding that she intended to continue taking classes.

"The number and variety of programs is so exciting," she said. "Even though I have earned my coin, I intend to continue taking the courses and improving my skills."

Supportive leadership was key to the success of the program, according to Dickey.

"My boss sent an email that had a link to the course catalog and offered to let me have the necessary time to take classes," she said. "I really hope that others will take advantage of this opportunity for improving their professional and personal skills."

The Leadership Pathways course catalog is on Kirtland networked computers under the Wingman+ icon and at the Kirtland website.