Reform is hard. We all recognize problems, but it’s not easy to go from identifying issues to real change. Robert Gates has done it. He’s done it in the military, Central Intelligence Agency, higher education, and the highest levels of the federal bureaucracy. In this book, he shares some of the wisdom he’s gained from those efforts. It’s practical. It’s clear. It’s even pretty funny in some parts. I guarantee that you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement as he describes the trouble with big bureaucracies, and noting concrete ways you’ll want to follow his example in your work.
Robert Gates is one of the longest-serving military and government leaders of our time. He helmed the Department of Defense under President Bush and President Obama, and earned respect from all types of people he worked with: military and civilian, politicians and career officials, Republicans and Democrats. His career spans more than 50 years. He’s also led businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions. In this book, he talks about the lessons he’s learned through that service — specifically on driving positive change in government, which is what we’re all here to do.
One of my favorite things about Gates as a writer: everyone can understand his lessons. You’re not going to need to Google jargon and buzzwords that only insiders to his world can comprehend. He takes tough concepts, critical issues, and expertise, and he communicates clearly in a direct and entertaining way. It is practical wisdom, based on decades of priceless experience, and it is accessible to all of us.
Gates shares his experience as the leader of the CIA, the Department of Defense, and Texas A&M (he is now chancellor of the College of William & Mary). One of his biggest takeaways from heading those unique organizations, each of them with critical missions, was that every organization can be improved. There are always opportunities to reduce waste, modernize, become more effective for the people you serve, and “get rid of paralyzing procedural and organizational barnacles that have accumulated over decades.” I think you’d agree: there are big opportunities to do just that in Missouri. As you get into this book, think about the ways that you can apply its lessons to our work and transform our organization for good.
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