DVIDS – News – NNSY Command University Introduces Self-Paced Leadership Course

A new year brings resolutions and for many that may be developing their leadership skills. Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Command University (CU) has created a program that allows shipyard employees to achieve this goal at their own pace from the comfort of their desks. This class, titled Leadership Skills for Emerging Leaders, is a 14-hour, self-paced, on-demand computer-based training available on LinkedIn Learning. Although the course was designed primarily for employees in non-supervisory or job leadership positions, Emerging Leaders program manager Dave Randall says the class is a good refresher for all employees at any leadership level.

The training program was developed out of necessity. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the popular two-day in-person Leadership Fundamentals training for non-supervisory leaders was suspended. Some organizations require training for your job qualifications. When the class was suspended, there were more than 500 employees on the waiting list. In an effort to meet this demand and keep NNSY employees safe, Command University created Emerging Leaders. The course started in August 2020 and, following the successful completion of the pilot, it was opened to all shipyard employees in October.

The course is based on the Civil Leadership Development Program (CLDP) of the Naval Marine Systems Command (NAVSEA), which identified 37 competencies that leaders of different levels should have some level of knowledge, skills and abilities. The CLDP is divided into five categories: self-leadership, team and project leadership, personal leadership, organization and program leaders, and institution leadership. The first 13 competencies fall under the category of "leading self." According to Randall, "any leader must be familiar with these core competencies."

Any NNSY employee can participate in the course. The only prerequisites are having a valid @ navy.mil account and the support of an employee's immediate supervisor. Employees without regular access to a computer can use the Command University classroom at Bldg. 1575 when face-to-face classes are not in session to complete training.

When an employee contacts Command University, they will receive a Student Guide (either electronic or printed) and sign up for LinkedIn Learning. The participant will then follow LinkedIn Learning and complete the questions in the Student Guide. Since the course is self-paced, students can work at their own pace to complete the course in a maximum of 14 weeks. Command University staff recommends that students take the time, perhaps an hour a week, to learn the material and practice before continuing.

Upon completion of the course, students will receive credit in ATMS and a certificate of completion of the course. Employees who are members of organizations that require Leadership Foundations can use this training as part of their qualification process.

For more information on the program, employees can contact Dave Randall. Their contact information and more details about the class are available on the Command University SharePoint page on WebCentral. Supervisors may also recommend that a student take this course as part of their personal development.

"This course is a great start for any NNSY employee to begin their leadership journey," said Randall. “Any individual who guides or influences others is a leader. You can find these influencers, guides, trainers, and mentors in every store or office – on the boardwalk, at home, or in the community. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. "