In The Spotlight
Robert Gates retired as U. S. Defense Secretary at the end of June.He served in the position for four and a half years, initially appointed by President George W. Bush, then asked to continue to serve by President Barack Obama.He held this role during a period of continuing wars and turmoil in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other Middle East countries.
The Wall Street Journal (click here to read) reports that when he assumed the role, Gates said he had never read a management book, but he developed an effective management style over time based on showing respect to the generals who reported to him, and holding them accountable for their performance.He wasn’t afraid to tackle issues head on. For example, when Army leaders criticized the media for their reports of substandard treatment of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he fired the Army secretary. When the Air Force failed to properly oversee the U.S. nuclear arsenal, he forced the resignation of the Air Force secretary and chief of staff.He reportedly encouraged discussion and input from his team but wasn’t afraid to make decisions at the end of the meetings and expect everyone to follow them.Gates also learned the importance of symbols and symbolic gestures through his early days studying the Kremlin as an analyst with the CIA.This perspective of understanding organizations shaped his management approach in his later years when he assumed a leadership role.
Gates wise behavior as the military leader of a powerful nation in the midst of overwhelming challenges and under two political parties reminds me of David, a military leader who served under King Saul of Israel.
Too Much Drama
Such was David’s life when he skyrocketed to popularity after killing Goliath, a giant who had taunted the Israelites for the past 40 days. With this bold act of leadership and bravery, David quickly went from shepherd over his father’s flock, to soldier. He achieved sudden recognition with the king and the people, and everyone was talking about him. The media of that day, women celebrating in the streets, sang his praises.
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Saul then brought David onto his staff and placed him in charge of the army. David became a statesman going wherever Saul sent him, faithfully doing his bidding.All the people, along with Saul’s leadership team highly respected David, and thought he was a better leader than Saul himself.It was obvious to them that David had the favor of God, while Saul had lost it.Even Saul’s son Jonathan became David’s best friend, willing to give up his right to succeed his father on the throne because he knew that God’s will was that David become king.
David was also a skillful musician, and in the past his music soothed and relaxed Saul when he became tense and agitated. But eventually Saul’s jealousy of David’s increasing fame grew to the point that he plotted to take David’s life.Saul unsuccessfully attempted to kill him by throwing his spear at him. Then he invited David to become his son-in-law in exchange for fighting the enemy army, but David and his men were strong and valiant, winning the battle.
David was between the proverbial rock and a hard place. In spite of his high position and favor with the people, the king hated him and continually tried to kill him. But throughout all of this drama, David behaved wisely in all his ways.He was wiser than all of Saul’s staff members.
…He presided over the business of the country and the army.
…He was obedient and respectful to Saul, even though he knew that Saul wanted to take his life.
…He didn’t try to undermine his leader, or take unfair advantage of his position.
…He led with integrity.
What About You?
Imagine yourself suddenly catapulted to recognition among your peers because you performed an act of bravery, exhibited exemplary leadership, or your unique gifts and talents were discovered by those who valued them.Such fame doesn’t come without its problems and challenges, and your ability to sustain your role will be impacted by how you handle these pressures.
….The spotlight of leadership makes you a target for personal and professional attacks.
….The spotlight of leadership exposes your underlying motivations.
….The spotlight of leadership tests your accountability to the God who positioned you there.
….The spotlight of leadership checks your responsibility to the people whom you serve.
It seems that every day, the news media reports on some leader who failed the scrutiny of the spotlight: a leader who failed to act with integrity, credibility, accountability, and appropriate responsibility. What about you? No matter its size or scope, are you prepared to behave wisely in your leadership role?Are you prepared to lead in a way that pleases God instead of trying to please men? What will the spotlight uncover about you?
Copyright Priscilla Archangel 2011
