Learning in the Shadows: A Retrospective View

Abstract

How does the Acquisition Workforce train and create experience for the next generation? This research addressed how the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) develops its emerging leaders among its support faculty and staff. Through a retrospective view of the emerging leadership program in particular, the author investigated the value and impact of the program details and the resulting effect it had for the Emerging Leader Program (ELP) graduates. ELP graduates were invited to participate in a survey to quantify their ELP experiences and express any concomitant value for the DAU. Focusing on the various ELP activities coupled with Better Buying Power's emphasis on professional development to reinforce the importance of improving workforce professionalism, this paper assessed the outcomes of the DAU's ELP over the course of six years. Originally, the ELP was intended to create a development pathway. Has it?