The programs that were executed for FY 2008 were the Leading Edge Forum and the Spirit of Performance series. They were easily the most ambitious and largest undertakings that the OOE has delivered , and a spring board for initiatives to come.

The Leading Edge Forum was a four-day event held in Dallas where the approximately 250 attendees were exposed to the latest thoughts and processes around leadership. Participants were primarily first level field managers. They were given in-depth exposure to NextGEN and future technologies and concepts. Participants also received valuable education in the realm of interpersonal communications and were given opportunities to refine those skills in both small groups and the entire collection of attendees. Finally, participants were given the opportunity to interface with senior leadership within the ATO, including the COO and all of the SVP/VPs. Particular time and attention was given to providing the attendees the opportunity to interact with the Service Area Leadership Council (SALC) in a personal and unscripted way throughout the week.

The Spirit of Performance is a series of three videos and corresponding discussion guides that center on the topics of customer service, future technologies, and the employee’s contribution. The videos are of high quality both in content and production. The series, while naturally embedded with the ability to stand alone, was designed as the catalyst for opening new lines of communication with the workforce. The intent was to create a dialog with our employees so that all levels of the ATO share a common vision and a common understanding of the value of our work. When executed properly, the discussion that occurs after viewing one of the videos serves as a blueprint for how effective communications and future discussions can and should occur.

Next: This year's initiative in more detail