RADM Dyer Offers More Sound Bites of Life
Joseph W. Dyer, a retired US Navy rear admiral and former commander of the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, first shared these views and lessons learned in July 1999. He pulled them out in early 2016 to find them to still be true and sound. Or, as RADM Dyer says, “Hindsight is the only true vision.”
This is the second installment to be posted in LexLeader of RADM Dyer’s advice for becoming a stronger Leader. “I have learned there is a strong correlation between many of these traits and the ability to manage and lead large, complex undertakings,” he wrote in his initial 1999 introduction. “Good leaders are not just born that way – they become good leaders because they have learned to listen to the sound bites of life.”
Technical Credibility: There is nothing more important – it establishes your long-term trend and success in our business. Ever notice how you never feel quite the same about an auto-pilot once it lets you down even once? Retired Navy VADM Joe Wilkinson
Expertise: It is not enough just to be a generalist your entire career. To be a highly respected AED/AMD (or just about anything else!), you must have knowledge that establishes your personal “bona fides.” Darrell Maxwell
Money: Money is the hydraulic fluid of our business. If you understand the money, you understand the program, the contract, etc. Pam O’Dell
Ideas: The key is to have a lot of them – you can always throw the bad ones away. Dr. L. Pauling
Continuing Education: Work at acquiring knowledge. Books on tape are a great way to maximize your learning. Jack Latimer
Influence: Extend your influence beyond your station. Build a contact list and keep it warm. Dr. Joe Hoeg
Marbles: Learn to trade ’em as well as how to play ’em. Remember, if you try to get them all, you won’t have anyone to play with! Mary Watts
Empathy: Respect that most folks want to do the right thing. Take time to look at issues from the perspective of others. Melda Dyer
Chill Out a Little: Like crying “Wolf,” you can’t go “high order” about everything. If you stay a little bit reserved, you will never lose your important messages. Margaret Beavan
Coach: Don’t be afraid to help others improve their game. If you had a hitter that could improve her batting average from 200 to 250 by changing her grip a little, you’d tell her, wouldn’t you? Navy VADM John Lockard
Seek Coaching: After the air combat engagement (dog fight), after the flight test, or after the program review, ask those you respect how you could have done it better. Navy CAPT George Hill
Find RADM Dyer’s first installment here.
