WORKFORCE
insulted by this tactic. I quickly appreci- ated the importance of this approach as many initial drafts contained information written in a way that only an insider of a particular product or process could under- stand. From my perspective, the most effective people in the acquisition commu- nity are the ones who can take the highly technical aspects of their work and make it digestible to anyone.”
And simplifying details—like explaining what she does for a living—is something that Tisch, a mother of five, has grown accustomed to. “For my young kids, my message is simple—I help our brave Soldiers. I give them the equipment they need.” Plain and simple. If they have any questions each is answered accordingly. And she handles things the same way at work.
Her best advice is, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask a senior leader you respect to be your mentor. Ask for a developmen- tal assignment. Ask to take a course,” she said. “I asked these types of questions and have often received a ‘yes.’ Mentorships, developmental assignments and multi- ple courses have all directly shaped me to be the employee that I am.” Tisch had mentors from the beginning and plans to until the end of her career. “What’s fun now is I’m beginning to pay it forward by mentoring others.”
Recalling the challenges her grandfather had faced and overcame while serving, Tisch said, “Throughout your career, remember there will be hard times.” Tose may include your own personal challenges that make the workday feel harder or the professional ones you’ll need to tackle head-on during the workday. “I’ve had them,” she said. “Link up with the people who are there to help and support you. In every organization, seek those people out. Tey aren’t hard to find. Build that
support team for yourself. Acquisition is a team sport for products, and you should be building your own personal support team for your career.”
Tisch graduated fromArmy Senior Service College (SSCF) in May, remarking that it was a wonderful experience—to reflect, learn, reflect more and grow. “I learned through readings, classes, other senior leaders and my peers. It re-motivated me to do better and be better for myself, both personally and professionally, for my teams and the Army at large. I will always be a strong advocate of the SSCF program, as it built me a bigger network and gave me a stronger leadership foundation.”
It has also been of benefit for dealing with different personalities in the workplace. “I
have five children, all very different with different needs. It’s kind of like working with the acquisition community. I need to seek to understand where each player, or child, is coming from. Tey have their own perspective on topics, and I need to learn it, understand it and see how it applies. After learning about Stephen Covey’s ‘Te 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ in SSCF, I realized how important it is to seek to understand others first, and then be understood. It’s a tenant I apply every day, with every meeting and conver- sation. Te acquisition community is a small place and I want to make products, people and processes better.”
— CHERYL MARINO
REWARDING EXPERIENCE
Tisch, left, and her brothers Bobby, center, and Mike, right, with their late grandfather Joseph Mandese on Feb. 6, 1998. All were able to watch Mandese, an Army POW, receive his Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Tisch)
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