The Internet informs us about policy and process...I spent ten plus years in the Navy (medicine) and have some understanding and experience with 'military thinking'. Most leadership translates well if not perfectly across disciplines (sport, military, business)
Here are excerpts for those with less time.
- Attended West Point starting in 1972 (during the Vietnam War)
- "West Point challenges you personally on a mental and physical level"
- "incredibly diverse environment"
- recognized the sacrifices of his wife and family
- considered unconventional thinker
- "tried to evolve my thinking"
- served 18 months as military advisor to the Secretary of State
- son injured in Iraq
- "wanted to get it right"
- "trust" an issue (on many levels with allies and between us and others)
- we need to be prepared
- "what are we trying to achieve?"
- talking always good
- consider secondary effects of any policy shift
- aware of economic impact of policy
- increase relationships among external peers
- be aware of divides (we can't just ignore others' opinions)
- "it's all interrelated"
- "adaptive leadership" during complexity and history
- interservice/interagency/intergovt cooperation (or not)
- not only your interests matter
- develop down the line leaders...more than warriors
- critical thinking courses now part of USMA curriculum
- broaden experiences via assignment-academia/overseas
- continuous growth
- mentoring and interchange
- After Action Reviews are not designed to make you comfortable; make you better.
- feedback
- culture of expansion of personal growth
- reading lists
- problems repeat - George Washington and the press
- anticipate but realize can't predict the future
- recurrent themes
- integration of women evolving
- change the culture to unify values
- need to use everyone's talent
- creative ideas are needed, but consider the repercussions and impact on soldiers
- "What was the most important lesson you've learned? You need competence in the fundamentals, commitment (selfless sacrifice), and character. Character defines who you are as an individual and as an organization."
- We must constantly learn, including from those with differing opinions from ours.
Thes last points blend well with the book from Mike Smith and Jon Gordon...a.bove
