Robert Gates is one of America’s great public servants, having led not only the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defense Department but also such institutions as Texas A&M University. His book discusses techniques of leadership, which in truth can apply to anyone’s efforts in any organization. One key takeaway is that, you can advance change if you persuade four groups of its importance: your bosses, your subordinates, peers in other stovepipes in your organization, and key constituencies outside your organization. Working all four dimensions of this map of influence is essential. His book demonstrates that a strategy is just words without a concept of operations for implementation.
Quote
A leader's actions must match his words. People must believe he means what he says, that his promises matter and are not just idle rhetoric. Integrity in action becomes moral authority, and it is moral authority that moves people to follow someone even at personal risk or sacrifice - or even when they disagree.
Guiding Questions
- What similarities between different domains of leadership does Gates identify?
- How does Gates's insights as a leader affect our ability to be more effective followers?