Learning Through Leadership by Matthew Weigelt

All business leaders spend time in the trenches of mid-level management before moving up the senior ranks. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be a purgatory for the up-and-coming executive. The middle of an organization is where senior leaders learn the basics of business life.

Jay Kalath, vice president and general manager for national security operations and chief technology officer at Array Information Technology, talked about takeaways for other mid-level managers.

FOSE: What are some lessons you’ve learned in managing as a mid-career-level employee while still being managed by senior executives?

Kalath: In a small or mid-size company, there are really no multi-level management structures. There are no chiefs and Indians. Everyone needs to pitch in at all levels to be successful including the management team.

If management is willing to sit side-by-side with their team to get the tasks done, this will create mutual respect, willingness to follow, and a desire to be a part of the company’s success.

FOSE: What is your role for mentoring in your organization?

Kalath: The best way to mentor is to lead by example, and my approach is to have a positive attitude about anything that comes our way. If your team sees you stress, pass blame or not share workload, then they too will react accordingly. How you handle the situation and how you proceed going forward is what people truly remember.

From a mentoring standpoint, I always have an open-door policy for anyone in the organization to come and discuss whatever is on their mind.

FOSE: For newer employees, how can they establish a career path in today’s workforce?

Kalath: There are several ways and resources that are out there for new and even existing employees to help develop their career paths including:

• Working with their HR and management team to understand what corporate training programs.

• Define a development path, including possible job-rotation opportunities internally and at project sites.

• Leverage non-profit organization, like AFCEA, seminars, networking events and mentor/mentoree matchmaking sessions.

If there are no formalized mentor programs established within your company, ask someone you feel would be a great mentor to be one for you. Most find this an honor, and they will work with you.

Hear more on leading from the middle, mentorship and tactics to help build your career this Wednesday, May 15, in room 146C of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during FOSE’s Future Government Technology Leaders Program (FGTL).