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Robert Gates Presents 2018 McLane Lecture

April 18, 2018

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Belton, Texas – On Wednesday, April 18, Dr. Robert Gates, former secretary of defense under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, delivered the 2018 McLane Lecture inside the arena of the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center. His speech focused on the elements and impact of successful leadership.

“I believe good leaders can transform under-performing or broken organizations,” Gates said. “Leadership is about more than just managing well. A leader is one who acts as a guide and who shows the way.”

Over the course of his address, Gates outlined and explored seven qualities essential to a good leader: vision, integrity, deep conviction, self-confidence, courage, common decency, and a sense of humor.

“These are, I think, the key ingredients to leadership in every aspect of life,” Gates said.

For a real leader, personal virtues like self-reliance, self-control, honor, truthfulness, and morality are absolute, not subject to compromise or dilution depending on the current mood of society or prevalent forces of popular culture, These are the building blocks of character and integrity, and only on that foundation can true leadership be built.

Dr. Robert Gates

former secretary of defense

Gates reflected on one of the greatest tests of his own leadership, the day signed orders deploying the American military to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Every soldier, sailor, marine, and airman who was injured or killed was in harm’s way because I sent him there,” Gates said.

He recalled visiting injured soldiers in hospitals and consoling the widows of fallen soldiers.

“Most of you will never have such painful experiences, but every leader in every organization will face challenges and crises,” Gates said. “How you respond to such challenges will depend on who you are and what your character is.”

At the conclusion of his lecture, Gates took questions from the audience. One student asked him about the unique lessons he learned as he rose through the ranks of the CIA, from entry-level employee to director.

Young people today set a path for themselves. They say, ‘I’m here, and I want to go there. If you are too focused on one thing, you might miss opportunities that will change your whole life. The key is to be able to see opportunities and be willing to take risks.

Dr. Robert Gates

former secretary of defense

The McLane Lecture brings internationally recognized speakers to UMHB each year to share their experiences and insights about leadership, government, business, and faith. The annual lecture is offered through the generosity of Temple residents Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr.

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