Robert Gates – a leader for our times

In today’s WSJ (6/20/2011) the Managing & Careers section features a story about the defense secretary and his tenure leading the department.

What is most striking is Gate’s adaptability, humility and his realistic expectations of others. When he first took office he decided to meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in their conference room as opposed to summoning them to his office.  Showing respect to the professional who staff and help lead an institution is critical Mr. Gates said.  The article also states that Gates has an open leadership style and doesn’t dominate meetings, but relishes making decisions at their conclusion.  A former deputy defense secretary states, “He encourages participation, so people have a lot of say,until the decision is made and then, like all good leaders, he expects people to toe the line.” He also worked to ensure that his ideas were embraced not just by the top generals but also mid-ranking and junior military officers To do that he teaches classes at the service academies and gives speeches to the various war colleges. The standard opinion is  that the military is an exclusive command and control culture. Maybe it was but it seems that Gates, at least now, has made a change creating a more empowered, engaged and motivated workforce.

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