An Executive's Education
Airport VP shares his thoughts on lifelong learning
By J.B. Shelton

Darryl G. Thornton, vice president of the Department of Human Resources at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, is an alumnus of The Business of Human Resources Program, offered by Kenan-Flagler's Executive Education Program and the Society for Human Resource Management. We spoke with him about his passion for lifelong learning.

Q: Lifelong learning is an intimidating phrase. Are we talking about a perpetual commitment to self-improvement?
A: Learning is a process that takes place as long as we live. It's up to us to chart the course in determining what type of learning (positive or negative) we experience. Since learning is not optional, it is critical to personal and professional success. Until recently, we learned in classrooms or during the first few years on the job. The nature of the job market, technology and our personal lives have all changed dramatically, and learning methods have proliferated in amazing ways - such as earning a college degree via the Internet.

Q: What makes someone a successful lifelong learner?
A: Successful people are filled with passion for what they do. They know themselves, their talents and their goals. Determination and hard work aren't enough: A sense of humor is vital. The Lord blessed me with a love of people and interpersonal skills. Even as a professional communicator, I know that men are not the more communicative gender. The Lord also blessed me with a lifelong teacher, my beautiful wife, who encourages me to talk.

Q: What skills and abilities are essential for success?
A: The basics are job-specific knowledge, training and experience. Beyond those, consider the qualities of a leader who communicates clearly and compassionately, motivates others, applies critical thinking to setting goals and places interpersonal relationships above everything else. You become an expert at managing time and relieving stress. Whether your lifelong learning comes from continuing education classes, seminars, books or executive coaching, you enthusiastically share what you know. Lifelong learning means everyone can be a leader.

Q: What are the differing advantages of informal and formal lifelong learning methods?
A: We need both. We learn from all situations, the people we interact with, even other people's experiences. We must cultivate and pass on to adults and children the habits of continuous curiosity and love of learning. Encouraging other people - employees or family members - is part of our own learning process. My wife was a corporate training manager whose lifelong dream was to return to school, become a teacher and spend more time with our three sons. As a family, we worked together to make her dream come true.

Q: What are your most recent personal lifelong learning experiences?
A: My car is my rolling university. I continually learn by listening to instructional and motivational tapes. In Kenan-Flagler's Business of Human Resources Program, I learned about linking HR functions to other business areas and developed a lifelong network. Whether in my car or in Chapel Hill, it's investing time that energizes and focuses me and arms me with useful information. Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline," a remarkable book about management practices, inspires self-improvement and development.

Q: How would you describe lifelong learning in the stress-filled environment of a major airport?
A: The travel industry changed completely after Sept. 11. We have to give the traveling public a sense of efficiency, security and safety. The human resources department creates a learning environment for all employees to accomplish that mission. We need a well-educated, well-trained, well-equipped labor force. My staff has an annual retreat focused on setting goals, team-building and communicating.