# Leadership Spotlight:  Capt. David M. Lockney

/ Published April 11, 2019
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
Each edition of the Level II Mentoring Newsletter features a leader from a different part of the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime. Each leader is asked the same five questions in order to demonstrate the differences in their leadership styles. 

The April issue of the “Mentoris Times” features an interview with Navy Capt. David M. Lockney.

Lockney is the director of Maritime Customer Operations and has over 27 years of Naval Service and seven months experience in the federal government with the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime.

**Q&A with Lockney**

1. What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks?

My best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks are to be transparent and an effective communicator.

I try to empower people at the appropriate levels to allow them the flexibility to grow. The challenge about empowering is allowing the individuals to “own” the decision and figure it out.

I read as time allows and enjoy Christian leadership. "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff gave a perspective on how to take advantage of the opportunity of the journey. This is why I choose to empower others.

2. Why is networking to build professional relationships so important in achieving success?

Networking for me is not just about peer-to-peer, it’s more on a global level which shows everyone is important.

Building these relationships are important because it allows individuals to get answers from a much broader group or level.

Networking also allows one to reach their goals and accomplish their tasks.

Networking is about gathering information and building long, meaningful relationships that help others now and in the future.

3. What mistakes have you seen individuals make that prevent them from being successful?

In my travels, the most common theme I see is that people don't ask the right questions and they don't always make the right decisions. There’s always room for positive communications. Take that deep breath and then reply or respond.

During a conversation early on in my Naval career, I had an officer tell me to remember that in our busy days, "you need to remember to take time to pee."

Additionally, our calendars are so full that sometimes we lose sight of asking questions and just respond.

4. What is the greatest career advice that you have ever received?

Ensure that you lead with quality. Offer a safe environment where others can openly come to you. Leave an impression of positivity and trust.

By doing this you’ll create an environment of trust and creditability for not only yourself but for those who work vertically or horizontally around you.

5. What would you have done differently in your career if given the opportunity?

I’m truly satisfied with my career path in the Navy. If I had to do anything over, I would’ve taken advantage of getting my Master Training Specialist NEC (MTS). This would’ve provided a greater understanding of communications in how to design, develop and teach a curriculum to shipmates. This certification would’ve provided additional opportunities that might’ve presented additional lanes in my career path.