# Leadership Spotlight: David Flietstra

/ Published Sept. 1, 2023
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
**Can you tell us about yourself?**

I served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps after which I began my career with DLA Disposition Services. I have spent most of my time with DLA in some way supporting our efforts in the middle east region.

**Describe your job in a sentence or two.**

The Director of a joint force of about 115 personnel comprised of military reservist, military active duty, PCS Civilians, deployed civilians, and contractors. We provide unparalleled world class support to our forward military forces in the Middle East.

**How long have you worked for the federal government including military service?**

I am now in my 36th year of continuous federal service.

**How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services?**

14 years with DLA Disposition Service.

**What is your favorite thing about your line of work?**

Interaction on a daily basis with warfighters.

**What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?**

Anytime someone tells me I am not capable of accomplishing a task. It is a rewarding experience to prove doubters wrong.

**What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?**

Of the 14 critical leadership traits, I believe integrity is the most important. You just can’t lead others if you can’t be trusted.  Integrity is the baseline trait for me.

**What is your leadership philosophy and how does that tie into your line of work?**

My leadership philosophy is Mission Accomplishment followed very closely by Troop Welfare. I have been fortunate to have been a part of some amazing teams and they have always been focused mission first. Morale is always high on the winning team which is a good starting point for troop welfare.

**How would you describe your leadership style and why has it worked so well for you?**

I readily admit there are experts all around at all levels that have more knowledge or experience in particular areas than I do. This is not a threat, but rather a vital asset that should be allowed to contribute to the team and the decision-making process. The leader has to recognize the limits of their own ability and trust the team to fill in any gaps. This is why a functioning staff is critical to large organization success.

**Can you share a story when you realized your efforts were making a difference?**

I realized we (current leadership team) were making a difference in the region when (1) we started having numerous employees from around the enterprise contacting our leadership asking about vacancies and how to be a part of the team (2) Our military and civilians as a majority began voluntarily extending and returning to serve on multiple tours.

**Tell us how you approach change.**

Change is inevitable and necessary for success. We cannot have an effective and efficient organization unless we recognize change, adapt to change, and use change management as a positive tool.

**What keeps you motivated?**

My peers, friends, and family keep me motivated because I can’t let them down. Doing the right thing every day to support the warfighter and my region is why I go to work.

**What do you look for when evaluating top talent?**

We focus on (1) previous experience that is relatable to the position (2) willingness or desire to take on challenge (3) potential of growth to be better than they are today.

**What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment and why?**

My biggest accomplishment in my life is that I have been married for 33 years and have two incredible sons.

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

You must have a clear and concise understanding of the goal or task. The desired end state must be understood prior to the development of the plan to get there is created. After the plan is set, execute and adjust!

**What do you see as your biggest challenge right now?**

Our biggest challenge in the region is letting potential future employees know the truth about what is like to work in the region today vice five to ten years ago. It’s very different and a great place to work and live today!

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

Despite the constant automation and mechanized work methods being developed, the relationships we develop with real people is key to developing both short- and long-term success in our personal and professional lives.  You never know who you may need to support your efforts tomorrow, so don’t exclude people today.

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

In our career field you have to be willing to follow the rules and make every effort to familiarize yourself with the current policies, directives, and orders. It is rare that an employee that is making a conscious and honest effort to do the right thing will find themselves in trouble.

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

There is very little I would change or do differently. I would have completed my education earlier which may not have directly impacted my career, but it did make me a better more well-rounded person. My wife and I would have traveled OCONUS more and may have taken advantage of some OCONUS PCS opportunities.

**Name your favorite/recent book(s) you have read.**

One of the best books I have ever read was “Armies of Sand” by Kenneth Pollack. It is truly amazing how this comparative analysis is presented and the results are shocking.

**Tell us something that most people might not know about you or your directorate?**

We have the full spectrum of the joint force. You can deploy, volunteer, PCS, or simply ask to work in this region. It’s really a unique experience to have a mix of employees from all the directorates together as a cohesive team.

**What was your first job?**

United States Marine

**What is your best memory of working here?**

Being on the cover of the March 11, 1991 edition of TIME magazine.

**What did you want to be when you grew up?**

A United States Marine

**Who is your hero?**

All of those who have gone before on the fields of battle that made today’s freedom possible through their own hardship and sacrifice.

**If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?**

Sit next to a runway and watch military airplanes takeoff and land with my wife, sons, and a large picnic.

**What are your hobbies?**

I am a very active member in my local radio control club.  I build and fly large radio control jets and airplanes as much as possible.

**What is your favorite quote?**

A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing more to care about than his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless kept so by the exertions of men far better than himself – John Stuart Mill.

**What would you like to accomplish as director/deputy/CoS?**

For the upcoming year we will continue our amazing safety record, activate WMS, and continue our effort of striving for compliance in the most effective and efficient manner.  Continue evolving from contingency type operations into the permanent future state.

**What is your message to the DLA Disposition Services workforce?**

Consider DSD Central as a waypoint in your DLA career. It’s not what you think, it’s much better!

**Anything you’d like to add?**

I appreciate all the leaders and employees in DLA that contributed to me being allowed to have this incredible opportunity. No one person can accomplish everything alone and I had several incredible employees and supervisors that all assisted me in some way at some time. I am grateful for my wife, sons, and the DLA family.