October 2019 – Article by AL.com – Are all aerospace and defense companies essentially the same? Given the rote job descriptions, seeming interchangeability of mid-level roles, and constant need for new STEM workers, you might think all 280 defense contractors in Huntsville have it figured out. . . but if they did, would there be so many that come and go? In a world full of military-inspired hierarchy and contract awards driven by many political, economic, and global factors, those who can offer employees stability and a path for personal development will prosper.
One local company has redefined leadership as an attitude of excellence and a promise of self-advancement. Here are the innovative ingredients to a leadership attitude that allowed Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (INTUITIVE) to grow from two employees to 450 in the past 20 years.
Hiring Focus: Swiss Army Knife
There are entire companies created around the hope of winning one defense contract. If budgets change, people are let go, period. INTUITIVE has built its employee numbers behind contract successes, and then hired for an uncertain future. As military focus has shifted toward multi-domain operations, INTUITIVE has been able to offer flexibility in working with software development, cyber security, virtual reality, and expertise in emerging weapons technology.
Employees at INTUITIVE are driven by interest and opportunity to seize new experiences or re-direct their paths. In yearly progress reviews, employees are invited to help chart their course for exciting work. Paul Collins, an Engineering Technical Lead said, “I am in a definite minority amongst my age group because of the fact that I have stuck with the same company for almost 10 years. I know many companies utilize STEM majors for only a few strengths they identify and then place that person in a position where they exercise only that strength.”
An open-door communication policy with company executives has led to shared understanding about what keeps employees motivated and most productive. The result of flexibility and support is that INTUITIVE has never let go of an employee due to lack of work.
Team Chemistry: Promoting from Within
Ever watch a football all-star type game? It should be electrifying, but at every level it is not. Team chemistry has to be built and tested over and over and players have to develop good working relationships. Working on innovative defense projects is no different. That is why INTUITIVE offers flexibility to explore new paths and prefers to promote from within.
“The leadership attitude is not about the hierarchy, it’s about self-mastery and agency. When a task emerges that I have the enthusiasm and the expertise to handle, I take it and lead the work. When opportunities emerge, I mold myself toward them and direct my own course,” said Collins.
Juanita Phillips, former Vice President of Employee Experience, noted, “Employees at INTUITIVE can look all around and see examples of
individuals who have been promoted within the company, whether in leadership roles, management areas, or technical paths. We greatly value employee credentials, and are flexible in supporting education, training, and certifications.”
Every year, ambitious employees apply to the ELITE Emerging Leaders Program. Six to eight exemplary employees who have been with the company at least one year, are guided through 20 coordinated events over 9-10 months to focus on core areas: Know Yourself; Know Your Team; Know Your Company; and Know Your Community. These skill development activities provide training in communication and team building and include mentorship from the executive team.
The outcome of grooming leaders from within is loyalty and deep company knowledge.
Standing Out in the Industry and in the Community
Leadership goes beyond the office to include a broad understanding of how we serve others. INTUITIVE reaches out to the communities that intersect with our business to show appreciation, remain informed, and maintain goodwill.
In the Field
Despite the economic realities, we are all seeking to contribute to a stronger military. Participating with industry leaders and military policy makers allows us to cultivate a sense of leadership as a company unit.
Recently several of our employees participated as subject matter experts in the Missile Defense Symposium, one of the most important yearly events in the space and missile defense community, where policy directions and innovations are discussed. During the symposium, Area Lead Michael Yohe led discussions on the future of artificial intelligence and virtual reality as big data user interface within space and missile defense applications.
Supporting Veterans
Veterans are often uniquely suited for the roles that INTUITIVE depends upon, which interface with military technology and protocol. Veterans from as far back as the Vietnam War work at INTUITIVE. Companies willing to help them make this transition benefit in having insight about the customer and end users.
“We have an ongoing program for Veterans, a sort of inner sanctum: Our Veterans Information Program (VIP) helps our heroes settle into and excel in their new careers,” said Phillips. “They get a chance to network with others, attend Lunch ‘n Learns on Veterans’ services and have opportunities for socializing and community outreach.”
Every year, INTUITIVE participates in a national Warriors to Workforce program to help soldiers transition from military to civilian roles and to leverage their unique experience toward opportunities in defense.
Community
Huntsville’s economy is heavily dependent on military contracts and the companies who fulfill them. It has become an increasingly attractive home for STEM workers from around the country. Good leadership is cultivated by a greater meaning than personal advancement, as in making Huntsville even better. Every year, INTUITIVE employees deliver Thanksgiving meals to CASA of Madison County residents. They gather Christmas Toys for underprivileged children in the local community. Last Fall, INTUITIVE was a Presenting Sponsor for the travelling “Wall That Heals,” a replica of the Vietnam Memorial, and INTUITIVE employees were proud to do both the set-up and take-down of the Wall.
So, is leadership something that is conferred by a rank at any given time? Can it be gained by sheer hours of experience logged at a certain post? At many companies, leadership is a group of people you are pressured by and must answer to. Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, however, cultivates an attitude of leadership that is shared throughout the company. Leadership is not rewarded in blind allegiance, but instead by faith from coworkers and the liberty to pursue the emerging areas in which you are most competent. Companies that can demonstrate an attitude of leadership will adapt and thrive—and ultimately, so will their employees.
For more information about how you can become part of this special team of problem-solving leaders, visit irtc-hq.com/careers/ today.