For the North Carolina Air National Guard recruiting and retention team, continuous improvement begins with understanding the people behind the recruiting mission.
The team participated in an in-person performance assessment and team development session with a civilian sales training and development organization that partners with the Air Force Recruiting Service, Feb. 10, at the North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.
During the session, they analyzed individual behavioral assessments, strengthened team dynamics and enhanced their recruiting effectiveness.
"Each team member had an opportunity to complete an individual assessment ... to identify their natural talents and strengths," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chandra Wostenberg, recruiting and retention senior enlisted leader-air assigned to the North Carolina National Guard. "The purpose of us coming together is to review those strengths and determine how we can better work together to strengthen our team."
By understanding behavioral styles and personality dynamics, recruiters are better equipped to connect with applicants across the state. Key topics included the dominance, influence, steadiness and compliance model, behavioral segments and identifying individuals who can fill capability shortfalls.
"When we are able to identify our applicants and their personality types, we know how we can approach them," Wostenberg said. "If we know their personality may be more responsive to a specific personality, we can adjust and help them feel more comfortable throughout the process."
The in-person session also added significant value, as most are conducted virtually. The development organization created a dynamic environment and provided the recruiting and retention team with real-time feedback.
"Being North Carolina-based gives us a deeper appreciation for the [National Guard]'s role in protecting and assisting the residents of our state," said Rondey Bullock, the senior director of sales effectiveness for the development organization. "This isn't just another contract — it's an opportunity to invest in the readiness and effectiveness of the men and women who serve alongside us as neighbors and fellow North Carolinians."
For Wostenberg, the session ultimately reinforced the team's commitment to strengthening readiness by investing in its team and attracting a diverse, capable force.
"We want to best represent North Carolina with our Air National Guard," Wostenberg said. "This type of training helps us engage more effectively with communities across the state and build the next generation of citizen-airmen."