8 questions with Lee James III

After graduating magna cum laude from Langston University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Lee James III received job offers from the Army Chief Information Officer (CIO)/G-6, Federal Aviation Administration and JCPenney.

“I appreciated the opportunity to support Soldiers and serve a purpose greater than myself,” James said about his decision to work for the Army. “Being part of a team and doing my part to help a team succeed also appealed to me. Bringing people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests together to grow into a unit — I don't think there's anything that matches that.”

A native of Kansas City, Kansas, James was raised with Midwestern values. “My grandfather always said, ‘I don't know too many strangers,’” James said. “Where I come from, you always acknowledge people — whether it’s with a nod, a smile or a hello — when you go to the grocery store or mall.”

James, the assistant program executive officer for the Business Mission Area, joined PEO EIS in 2004 as a staff officer for the Chief Technology Office. Today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, James answered eight questions about his career and life.

Describe your leadership style.
I am team focused. At this stage of my career, I am honored to be in a leadership position, but I think every member of a team leads in their own ways. Everybody has a job to do. Let’s do our jobs and sacrifice some of our personal aspirations to achieve the team’s goals.

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with many great teams under several extraordinary leaders. I learned a great deal about communication, teamwork and discipline. I’ve also learned a lot about the human aspect of this profession. A program can be fully funded and employ the most advanced technologies; however, when it comes down to it, it’s the people who make it successful.

How has IT procurement evolved?
We leverage tools — like Part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Other Transaction Authorities — to acquire commercial IT faster. We are also shifting from buying IT hardware to buying IT services, which can reduce costs and move responsibility for maintenance and technical refresh cycles to industry.

Why is PEO EIS a great place to work?
The Army runs on PEO EIS-acquired solutions. PEO EIS has a customer in every sector in the Army. Our business systems support communication, financial, human resource, intelligence, IT, logistics and training operations.

We take pride in what we do, are passionate about what we do and are committed to delivering the best possible solutions to Soldiers. Despite a constant barrage of challenges — including technology’s rapid rate of change, shifting priorities and unpredictable IT budgets — we are poised to deliver.

What advice do you have for PEO EIS employees?
Put in the work. Treat your profession like a craft: learn it, master it and continuously improve it. Be yourself. Most importantly, don’t forget why we are here: to support the men and women who don the uniform every day. That’s what this is all about.

Name one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
I love music. I listen to all types of genres: classical, country, hip-hop, jazz, pop, reggae, rhythm and blues, rock, salsa and soul. I also play the saxophone and bass guitar.

Who inspires you?
My parents inspire me. When I grew up, I wanted to be just like them. They made all the necessary sacrifices to support their family and raise us the right way.

What do you consider the most valuable virtue?
Compassion. Nobody's perfect. We all make mistakes and need to be compassionate towards one another despite all of our flaws and shortcomings.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a great teammate who left it better than he found it.