When Destiny Dixon attended a recent Greater South Carolina District career conference, she didn’t expect to be chosen to work alongside her boss — for a day at least.
Dixon, a Columbia, SC, letter carrier, received a ticket during the conference. When its number was called, she learned the prize was a “shadow day” with Postmaster Walter Rowland.
Working closely with Rowland, who manages Columbia’s seven Post Offices and approximately 500 employees, Dixon was able to interact with managers throughout the district.
Shadow programs, part of the Postal Service’s efforts to engage, equip and empower workers, a core strategy, provide employees like Dixon with professional development opportunities.
“Experiencing the shadow day and attending the career conference has opened opportunities to learn something new,” she said.
Rowland said participating in the shadow day was his “turn to give back” and share his experience.
“I’ve learned so much over my 33 years from managers who took the time to help me succeed,” he said. “One of the biggest thrills I get is to see people I’ve helped get promoted.”