ONE-ON-ONE
MEL FULTON ON LEADING CHANGE IN THE 21st CENTURY
Being a leader in the 21st century is more organization. The bottom line is to keep
challenging than it was several decades the employee challenged with interesting
ago. With changes in technology and the work. I would rather have them stay at
culture of the corporate world, it takes Booz Allen in another organization, versus
more than just a degree and a positive quit the company.”
attitude to get things done.
As an innovate thinker, Mel is constantly
Mel Fulton, however, has the positive at- looking for the best creative solution to
titude, and everything else that it takes to every problem. “My primary approach to
become an effective leader and manager. solving a problem is to get it on the table
“I understand the changing work envi- and discuss it. I believe in having open
ronment we are in today versus yester- and honest communications with every-
day,” said Fulton, a Booz Allen Hamilton one. I also encourage the same from the
principal based in McLean, Virginia. people I work with. Doing this enables
Mel Fulton, Booz Allen Hamilton Principal
everyone to get a true understanding of
Fulton has been with Booz Allen Hamil- which is collaborative and consensus the problem, and it provides a mechanism
ton for four years. Mel’s primary respon- building. We are rated annually on our for collaboration and consensus building
sibility is to grow the systems delivery core values of integrity, respect for the to develop creative solutions.”
business in the areas of data integration, individual, trustworthiness, entrepre-
enterprise messaging, biometrics, IT neurialism, and diversity. The other thing He never hesitates to bring in the best
infrastructure management, and security. I like about my job is the diversity and minds when seeking creative solutions.
mentor programs we have. Booz Allen’s “For technical solutions to our clients’
As a forward-thinking, innovative, diversity program is far better than any difficult and complex problems I bring
focused, and versatile leader, Fulton uses I’ve seen at my previous companies. It is forth the appropriate talent from across
his past work experience to help him in core value and competency that every the firm. One of the things I like most
his present position. “I have worked in employee is rated on. The mentor about Booz Allen is the very talented
commercial, government and interna- program encourages networking and people who are always willing to jump in
tional aerospace, information technology, relationship building to help guide your and help when asked. We have leadership
software engineering, network design and career including your work life balance.” who are truly engaged - e.g., many times
management, and the data/telecommu- the VPs have come in nights and week-
nications industries,” said Fulton. “And I The 21st century can also be challenging ends and worked with junior-level staff to
have achieved a history of success in build- to a manager, because most organizations help our clients solve problems.”
ing and leading successful organizations, are constantly reacting to a changing
P&L management, strategic planning, world. Despite his best efforts, there are occasio-
business operations, sales management, nal problems that need special attention.
business development, project manage- “My management style is to be open and “Over my career, lack of communication
ment, engineering, and consulting.” honest with everyone. I set expectations has been one of the biggest obstacles I’ve
for performance and core values and, had to overcome in solving problems.
Because he leads a team of 130 architects, above all, I treat every employee with However, at Booz Allen this hasn’t been
developers, systems engineers, systems respect. For example, ten years ago most a major problem for me because of its
integrators and project/program manag- people joined a company and generally collaborative, consensus building, and
ers, Fulton has to be on top of his game stayed in the same job at the company supportive culture. Once an issue is
at all times. “I love my job. I work for several years - some for their entire known and discussed, it’s generally very
with very smart people who are creative, career. Today many employees are much easy to get to a solution.”
innovative, and dedicated to getting the more transient and only stay at a given
job done. They also do interesting and company for two to three years, max. My He also knows that companies and
important work that has a positive impact management style for this situation is to employees must embrace change to make
on our nation’s security.” As a dedicated prepare for a higher attrition rate on the things work better. “In this ever chang-
professional, Fulton recognizes the impor- programs I am responsible for. However, ing environment, it is the only way to
tance the corporate culture has in today’s I also encourage employee rotational survive.”
society. “I like the culture at Booz Allen, assignments within and outside of my —By John Riddle
16 USBE & Information Technology I January/February 2007
http:www.blackengineer.com
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