Having led change successfully at three sprawling, monumental organizationsthe CIA, Texas A&M University, and the Department of DefenseRobert M. Gates offers the ultimate insider's look at how leaders can transform large organizations and companies. For many Americans, bureaucracy and corporate structure are code words for inertia. Gates knows that it doesn't have to be that way. With stunning clarity, he shares how simple plans, faithfully executed, can cut through the mire of bureaucracy to reform organizational culture. And he shows that great leaders listen and respond to their teams and embrace the power of compromise. Using the full weight of his wisdom, candor, and devotion to duty, he empowers leaders at any level to effectively implement his leadership strategies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert M. Gates is the author of Duty, and A Passion for Leadership. He served as secretary of defense under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He was an officer in the United States Air Force and worked for the CIA before being appointed director of the agency. A member of the National Security Council staff in four administrations, he served eight presidents of both political parties. He was president of Texas A&M University from 2002 to 2006, is currently chancellor of the College of William & Mary, was national president of the Boy Scouts of America from 2014 to 2016, and has served on several corporate boards of directors. In 2018 he became chairman of Eisenhower Fellowships. He lives in Washington state.

REVIEWS:

Selection, Huffington Post 5 Political Books for Insight This Election Season (2016)
Selection, Publishers Weekly Business & Economics Top 10 for Fall 2015

"Full of strong advice for good leadership. . . . Provides interesting insight into Gates's understanding of the impressive leadership positions he has held."
The Huffington Post

"A guide to leading large institutions through reform and change. . . . [Gates] brings [his suggestions] to life through stories of his own powerful and critical leadership roles."
The Washington Post, Nine Leadership Books to Watch for in 2016

"The book [politicians] should all admit to readingand actually read... Refreshingly nonideological... Mr. Gates preaches the value of civility, internal transparency, and work-life balance."
The Wall Street Journal