Identify and Support Our Future Leaders

Identify and Support Our Future Leaders
By Peggie Bednar
President of Myrtle Beach, SC, Branch 695 and Retired Postmaster of Rock Hill

What a wild, past couple of months it has been! After intense discussions and advocacy, we diligently fought to retain our Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits that were a crucial component of the recent legislation, H.R. 1.

I am thrilled to announce that our efforts at NAPS Headquarters were not only tireless, but ultimately successful in protecting these essential benefits. This victory reflects the commitment and hard work of everyone involved, ensuring current and future federal and postal employees can depend on their retirement security. Visit the www. naps.org website and click on the “Legislative Center” to read about how this came about and what was needed to get it done.

As postmasters, we advocate with USPS upper management to secure the resources necessary for our success. Legislative issues also require our active advocacy; we must fight for them. I firmly support our SPAC initiatives and contribute to the funds because I believe in their potential to drive significant growth and innovation.

We are dedicated to the mission of identifying and nurturing the next generation of talented leaders who will shape the future of the Postal Service. This journey presents challenges, especially when encountering individuals who struggle to see themselves as leaders.

However, as we gain a deeper understanding of our influence in the office, we can engage in meaningful conversations with those who show untapped potential. Together, we can explore their strengths and aspirations, shedding light on the leadership paths they have yet to envision for themselves.

When you identify a potential future leader, it is essential to invest in their growth and provide them the tools needed to enhance their skills. When the time comes for them to take a significant leap, prioritize being present and offer your unwavering support.

Your guidance will empower them to succeed. By empowering someone, you allow them to walk, run and occasionally stumble, ultimately rising even stronger.

Sometimes, this can be a challenging task. You might feel confined in the walls of your office, but that does not define your true influence. You may attempt to convince someone only once they are needed or valued, but don’t stop there.

Do not let anyone hinder your path to success. If someone tells you “no,” it doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Keep working to gather your future leaders; those you lead today may one day lead you.

Remember, you, too, once were a new employee—wide-eyed and unsure—and someone took an interest in you. Now, here you are today—an EAS leader!