Emile Hawkins

Branch Chief of Systems Services and Operations, State Department

Helping others grow “personally and professionally” is a big part of Hawkins’ leadership approach, and he says it’s crucial to allow employees to fail and make mistakes as part of their development. The net result, he says, is that team members expand their ability “to think independently and creatively,” which in turn supports the mission at State, which has a global IT footprint. Mentoring, Hawkins says, doesn’t just help the individual, it helps the entire group. Beyond traits like honesty, integrity, commitment and passion, he says leadership requires “open and honest discussions, it’s inspiring trust and confidence, being a good communicator, and also being accountable.”