# Leadership Reflection: Marc Wilson 

/ Published June 15, 2022

**Describe your job in a sentence or two?**

Providing the best possible support and top‐cover for our WGs, DSRs, and AMs in the field. I only exist because they do.

**How long have you worked for the federal government including military service?**

I have only worked for the federal government since July of 2013. I worked primarily in Marina and Resort Management before then.

**What is your favorite thing about your line of work?**

This mission. I’m proud to show up every day and support our folks on the ground getting the job done. At the strategic level you get to see how it all fits on down to the operational.

**What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?**

Never compromise your values. The worst possible disservice you can provide is standing idly by when something/someone violates yours, or someone else’s, values.

**What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?**

The ability to leverage the strengths of your team while effectively managing their weaknesses.

**What is your leadership philosophy and how does that****􀆟e into your line of work?**

Always be looking for what’s next and always be thinking of ways to arm your leadership with knowledge. Be cognizant of providing opportunities for growth for your staff and ensure you’ve prepped them to be be􀆩er than you’ll ever be.

**How would you describe your leadership style and why has it worked so well for you?**

Collective consensus. I try to bring conflicting points of view and gain concessions from each side to achieve unity of effort. I really can commiserate and be considerate of conflicting points of view.

**Can you share a story when you realized your efforts were making a difference?**

In a not‐too‐distant past I was pulled aside by a senior leader after a site visit to one of my sites. I was so worried about their input and thoughts about our operational footing, but he pulled me aside and told me “I’ve never, not once, been approached by so many of our personnel repeatedly telling me how much better their work lives are now than I have today. You’re doing something right”.

**Tell us how you approach change?**

With open arms. Change is the only constant in life and the sooner you embrace it the sooner it begins to lift you up. Be a part of change, be the change you want to see. If you aren’t changing, you’re stagnant.

**What keeps you motivated?**

Family, mission, faith, and dynamic leaders who keep my fire lit.

**What do you look for when evaluating top talent?**

Honesty, Integrity, Work Ethics, technical competence, ingenuity, and wit.

**What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment and why?**

Personally, my family. Professionally, my work family. I’ve fleeted up my personnel at every turn and conducted myself according to my values. Proud of that.

**What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks?**

Write them down. Constantly. Use technology, like Outlook reminders, to keep you on track. Set schedules to follow up and set electronic reminders. Synch a lot with your stakeholders or personnel and encourage personal accountability/ownership to achieve best results.

**What do you see as your biggest challenge right now?**Figuring out my growth opportunities. Being brutally honest with myself on what I need to improve. Leaving my ego at the door.

**Why is networking to build professional relationships so important in achieving success?**

A lot of times it’s not about the path you take, but the hands you shake. When people can put a face to the name, you’re much more likely to get a tailored and timely response.

**What mistakes have you seen individuals make that prevent them from being successful?**

Hubris. Dogma. Bad “bedside” manner. Not knowing when to be quiet (I suffer from this one). Being tactful yet not having a spine when it’s not beneficial personally.

**Tell us something that most people might not know about you or your directorate?**

I play quite a few instruments and gigged extensively for years. My directorate has the fewest amount of Hubs, but some of the biggest workload in our MSC.

**What was your first job?**

Telemarketing selling landline phone service on competitive local exchange carriers after the Bell deregulation.

**What did you want to be when you grew up?**

Tough question... Doctor or financier maybe?

**What are your hobbies?**

Music, reading, golf, playing with my son, video games, and yard work.