Category: Leading Change

Do You Have a Passion for Leadership?

Well, I've ruffled a few feathers at all the institutions I've led. But I think that's part of leadership. - Robert M. Gates

I am a graduate of Texas A&M University—fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1994!  The Aggie Code says that Aggies don’t lie, cheat, or steal…or tolerate those who do.  It’s fitting that we consider the Aggie code following a review of the Ten Commandments over the last ten months.

Fifteen years ago, Robert M. Gates became the 22nd President of Texas A&M.  As President, he made progress toward the university’s goal to become one of the top 10 public universities by 2020.  “Vision 2020” focused on improving student diversity, increasing the size of the faculty, building new academic facilities, and enriching the undergraduate and graduate education experience.

During his tenure, Gates saw increases in minority enrollment, encouraged the addition of 440 new faculty positions, and initiated a $300 million campus construction program.

Gates detailed his experience leading Texas A&M—as well as his experiences leading the CIA and serving as Secretary of Defense—in his 2016 autobiography entitled A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform from Fifty Years of Public Service.  Gates’ track record at Texas A&M was impressive, but I was particularly impressed when after being named Secretary of Defense by President George W. Bush, he remained in the role under President Obama.  Certainly, he has some leadership lessons worth learning!

Click here to read more about Robert Gates and his passion for leadership.

The Bible’s Advice for Change Leaders

Humans are allergic to change. They love to say, 'We've always done it this way.' I try to fight that. That's why I have a clock on my wall that runs counter-clockwise. - Grace Hopper
“Why do you cut off the ends of a roast before cooking it?” a husband asked his wife. “Because my mother did it that way,” she responded with a smile.

Curious, the husband called the wife’s mother and asked her the same question. When she gave an identical answer, he called his wife’s grandmother. The moment the elderly grandmother heard the question, she laughed and said, “I don’t know why they cut off the ends of the roast, but I did it that way because a full roast wouldn’t fit into my pan.”

Most organization practices start with good reason. But some continue because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” What does the Bible say about change and innovation?

Let’s see what we can learn from Week 33 of the NIV Leadership Bible. Click here to continue.