I just finished a weekend leadership conference for Prospective Commanding Officers in Atlanta. The conference started out as one just for those recently selected fro command but then turned into one for those already in command as well. I fall into the later category.

The workshop was a great idea and most of those who are in command now said they wished they had something like it when they assumed command. We all learned the hard way and it is great that the new commanders can benefit from that. Admittedly I was a bit reluctant to attend. The last thing I needed was another weekend filled with work but I went anyway and am glad I did.

Part of the reasons I am glad I went was that I got to spend some time with the best people this nation has to offer. I was in a room with about 100 others who had been selected by a national board to lead our Sailors. We had Captains leading much of the discussion but we were participating. We even had a video teleconference with Vice Admiral John Cotton. It was some pretty heady stuff.

Talking about leadership always gets you fired up, which, I suppose, was another reason for the workshop. Leadership development is truly a life-long process and I know I get better with every book I read and every workshop I attend. The workshop was not inexpensive in terms of travel costs and pay for all of us in attendance but I think it was well worth the price and hope the workshop continues next year for the new COs.