Former U.S Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke to University of Colorado Boulder students this past Tuesday as the first speaker of the Leo Hill Distinguished Leadership Speakers series.
Gates is best known for his position as Secretary of Defense from 2006-2011, where he served for eight different presidents including serving under President Obama 's term. He has received many awards including the governments highest civilian award, and The Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Obama himself. Gates history includes the following positions which include: President of Texas A&M, Director of CIA, Assistant Presidents to White House, second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, President of the National Eagle Scout Association,
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And must have "integrity to speak truth to power".
After Gates introduction, he and Chancellor of CU, Philip DiStefano took the stage for a Q and A portion of the event.
Gates answered a series of questions on his biggest lessons learned from being a leader and holding the prominent positions he has held.
One of his replies was that, "It 's not about organization charts it 's about personal relationships, that 's what makes governments work or not work."
In many of his answers towards leadership his main response and theme was about personal relationships with people no matter what job one holds.
He was also asked a series of political questions. Including advice, he recommends for the new president and many national security questions.
"I 'm not sure we have the time for that, but put away the tweets, I believe as the book says, our government institutions do need to be reformed, and the questions is how do you reform these institutions, the answer is by figuring out how you make the people of those institutions your allies" was his reply when asked his advice for the new