Employee Engagement at General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Division
Yesterday, Jason Pankau and I had the honor of conducting a Connection Culture Leadership Training Workshop for General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Division. This group builds nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy. It was evident that the group of leaders we met felt a great deal of pride in their work. They should. Electric Boat builds an extraordinarily complex product that requires a passion for excellence and continuous critical self-evaluation. Once completed Electric Boat’s submarines help guaranty liberty in the world.
It came as no surprise to learn that an inspiring identity is very much a part of their culture. New hires at Electric Boat get to tour a submarine on their first days of employment. We heard that it’s not unusual for new employees when they see a submarine up close to marvel at this remarkable sight. It must be awe inspiring. Because we didn’t have a security clearance, we were unable to see a submarine although its motivated me to want to visit the Nautilus Submarine Museum in Groton , CT just to see what one of these miraculous machines looks like up close.
Michael Lee Stallard is President of
I work for General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp and I attended the workshop that Michael Lee Stallard and Jason Pankau of E Pluribus Partner’s and co-authors of the book “Fired Up or Burned Out” presented to Electric Boat Corp on Oct 9, 08. There were 25 Electric Boat personnel in attendance at the workshop who are part of a leadership development group at Electric Boat Corp known as BLG-4. Many of us had recently read their book “Fired Up or Burned Out” before attending the workshop, so the material was still fresh in our minds. I have personally read their book twice cover to cover and have re-read numerous sections numerous times that I gain inspiration from. I refer to the book and the materials from the workshop often to help guide me in helping improve my skills as a manager of engineering personnel. The workshop was excellent as it reinforced all of the concepts presented in the book. Michael and Jason’s knowledge and passion of the subject matter, Connection Cultures = Vision, Value and Voice made the workshop a complete success at Electric Boat. There was actionable information presented that we have all taken back to our individual departments at Electric Boat to implement. Below are quotes from many of the Electric Boat participants that attended.
“Good subject matter, and the fact that both presenters were passionate about what they were doing kept me engaged the entire day. The examples used throughout the day were meaningful and gave me a lot to think about.”
“I liked the way the training was delivered with examples and a little comedy.”
“I thought that this was one of the best seminars we’ve had so far in BLG. The EB culture is definitely not “soft” so it was nice that we could have a discussion about it. Sometimes being productive really does boil down to asking someone how their day is going or saying thank you. I learned a lot and intend on implementing some of the ideas discussed throughout the day.”
“The session provided insight for getting results from people. While the ideas were common sense-people issues, it was helpful to me to hear someone else say how important they are and provide examples for change.”
“The passion and knowledge the instructors displayed of the subject; the actionable steps we can take to implement; they kept us engaged!”
“What I like best about the session were the examples of people and corporations that typified the connection elements of vision, values, and voice and how those elements lead to success.”
Thanks to Michael and Jason for the excellent workshop you presented to Electric Boat personnel and your inspirational book.