Ripple Effect: Leadership Interview Series

The world of work is constantly undergoing rapid change which can make it a challenge to stay inspired, motivated, and engaged with your team. How can organizations ensure their teams feel connected and valued? Instituting an inclusive leadership framework - the crux of our 2024 Leadership Interview Series: Ripple Effect – allows actions, big or small, to reverberate through an entire organization influencing culture and performance, and ultimately transforming the workplace. ?

In this week’s edition of Ripple Effect, we talked to Director of Contracts, Kate Giebler, who provides advice for readers on balancing ownership and collaboration, testing the limits of creativity, and leaning into the formidable challenges presented to those looking to expand their current skillsets. ?

What is your role at HexFed?

Director of Contracts

How does HexFed help you achieve your goals?

HexFed balances autonomy and leadership support very well. Leaders are empowered to take ownership of their functions and trusted with routine decision-making. But when high-risk decisions are required, collaboration and discussion are encouraged.

How do you encourage creative thinking within your team?

The Contracts department has the responsibility to identify and communicate the compliance and regulatory requirements of awarded contracts. While it's true there is a regulatory framework to operate under, I view the role of Contracts to help operate effectively within that framework. When presented with a request, I encourage my team to seek out solutions that can help support our customers and their missions. How can we “get to yes” while staying within the bounds of the contract?

What leadership advice do you have for individuals not in supervisory roles but looking to advance this skillset?

Ask for new projects! Let your supervisor know you are interested in taking on new challenges. The more you are able to learn about not only your role, but how your function fits in the larger picture, the better positioned you will be to grow as opportunities arise.

Thank you @Kate Giebler for participating in the Ripple Effect: Leadership Interview series! Stay tuned for future articles featuring other members of the Hexagon US Federal Senior Leadership Team.