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Volume 116, Issue 1
Seven Flotillas Receive the Three-Star NACON
Diversity Award
Marilyn F. Hughes, DSO-DV/CR
Congratulations to the following seven Fifth Northern Flotillas for receiving the Three-Star Diversity Award for
2017: 07-09 Lacey Township NJ (third award), 08-01 Ocean City NJ, 12-09 USCG Station Indian River Inlet, 15-
11 Easton PA, 16-10 Metedeconk River NJ, 20-01 Rayston PA, and 21-04 Reading PA. The Coast Guard and
the Auxiliary take diversity seriously and understanding what diversity is and is not is paramount to running our
flotillas.
First of all, diversity is NOT quotas, sensitivity training, Affirmative Action or total assimilation. Diversity is
about the people and their unique talents of our members and the members of our teams. It is how we value one
another and think which translates into how we act.
Diversity is a matter of readiness when we train for mission excellence. It is about how our leaders understand the
value of building these diverse and inclusive teams. It is also about developing the individual differences to help
all members achieve their individual goals while supporting our missions.
If you look at the seven principles of TCT (Mission Analysis, Leadership, Adaptability/Flexibility, Communica-
tion, Assertiveness, Situational Awareness, and Decision Making) you will see that the underlying idea is diversity.
Working together, a team accomplishes more. Mother Theresa once said, “I can do things you cannot do, and
you can do things I cannot do. However, together we can do great things.”
Create
enthusiasm
and a
supportive
atmosphere
Listen to
ethers and
provide
constructive
feedback
Understanding
value of team
contributions
and
disagreement
Present
clear and
logical
objectives
Teamwork
Develop
leaders who
can coordinate
and accept
responsibility
Insure all
members
understand
their duties
and tasking
Use people
with different
skills and
delegate tasks
appropriately
Maintain a
positive
attitude and
learn from
mistakes
Recruiting and retention are priorities for the Coast Guard and the Axillary as well as diversity. If we recruit a di-
verse membership we support our future growth. Promoting inclusion supports member retention and leadership
development which in turn, helps to build effective teams.
When we appreciate diversity, we enrich our organization and the world.