Created for the US Army Officers at the Command and General Staff School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; their spouses, Alumni, and Department of the Army Civilians. The purpose is to Share Their Experiences in the US Army with America. The views expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Tell us about someone who has influenced your life.
It is not important if this is a civilian or another member of the military. It could even be a historical figure. The most important part, tell us why or how this individual influenced you so much, and a bit about how he/she changed your life.
One of my earliest mentors was Dr. Howard (Howie) A. Robbins. He was a music education teacher with a focus in percussion. He was a teacher at West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington and went on to teach percussion at the University of Idaho at Moscow. Howie was a talented educator as evidenced by the musical skills of his students. But even more important, Howie set high standards for himself, his students, and the organizations he led, and had the personal willpower to achieve the most demanding goals.
We met in 1970 when he was recruiting area musicians for his drum & bugle corps, the Percussion-Naut Patriots. Howie formed the organization in 1961 as an exhibition unit, and they toured extensively across the United States and Europe. I considered it quite a stretch to join and belong to this organization as he had recruited many of the most talented and most promising musicians in the greater Spokane area.
What I learned from Howie is the power of personal determination and how it translates into achieving goals. He set high goals that were quite ambitious and caused all of us to stretch to achieve. I'd like to share just one story that has stuck with me over the years.
Howie understood the effect of achieving something bold and audacious that should not be dared. He had a saying that we would hear repeatedly in rehearsal that roughly stated, "When you produce your opening notes, when you begin the opening movements you are communicating a clear, unmistakable message to everyone present: We Are Here." While that may not seem particularly noteworthy, over time it took on great meaning. He was telling us that we had the right to compete with the best. That a perfect opening served notice to other competitors, spectators and judges that we were a formidable force to be reckoned with.
The opening musical number for our exhibition showcased five of our soprano players (trumpet equivalent). Their first note was as I recall a triple-hi C, something not easily done, and exceptionally difficult for five musicians to do in perfect unison. Get it wrong, a cracked note, a lower or higher note and the result is disastrous. Get it right, a priceless effect! Howie was a relentless taskmaster. I can't recall the number of times the sopranos failed to achieve that standard in rehearsal, nor the number of times they became angry when required to try again, again, and again. Eventually though they got it right consistently. And that was something I needed to learn in my young life that I continue to apply today. Set high goals, set the conditions necessary to achieve them, and then get on with it, be persistent over time and you will achieve all. Thanks Howie!
Colonel A was the best – a gentleman, consummate professional, and leader. He inspired me and taught me some important lessons. He is the person I try to emulate everyday. Here are my thoughts:
In the twenty-six years since graduating from college, I have worked for a variety of leaders who supervised me in many different settings: blue-collar, corporate, small business, and military. I have known leaders who always produced results and those who were well-liked; however, that did not mean they were effective leaders.
What specific qualities make a person an effective leader? It depends. Each of us has his or her own definition of an effective leader. Many factors including our upbringing, education, and personal and professional experiences influence the way we define it.
To me, an effective leader is a person who directs and inspires the people of an organization and produces a desired result. But it is more than that. That person must possess certain core qualities. COL A’s core qualities in his leadership style – honesty, reflective, sincere, and supportive – inspired and motivated those he supervised.
Honesty was the foundation supporting COL A’s leadership style. He was a man of integrity and I never doubted his word. The feedback he offered, be it positive or negative, was always helpful. COL A’s approach was tactful and on point. His honesty created trust within our organization.
His reflective nature also positively affected our organization. As the office crumbled around us from the “hot” issue of the day, COL A would stroll in and put the issue in perspective for us. His thoughtful and methodical analysis of the situation produced calm in the office. This calm relieved our stress and allowed us to become productive employees. He never over-reacted to stressful situations and always took the appropriate amount of time to resolve issues.
COL A’s sincerity was refreshing. When he said something to you, he meant it. Unfortunately, I have worked for leaders who would say one thing and then act contrary to their words. These same leaders looked out only for themselves. In contrast, COL A would look you in the eye and give you the straight story.
COL A’s support was unwavering. If I had a question or concern, COL A listened attentively and unselfishly gave as much time as it took to guide me through the issue. When I made a mistake, he would counsel, console, and mentor me. He would never criticize nor belittle. He cared about his subordinates. In many instances, he took the heat from an upset client and shielded his employees from the potential wrath.
COL A’s impact on me is immeasurable. I strive to emulate this fine leader everyday.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U. S. Government.
Contributors to this blog agree to use language that is not disrespectful of others viewpoints, does not advocate violence, does not advocate a political position, does not disclose classified or secure information, and does not contain foul or disagreeable language.
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3 comments:
One of my earliest mentors was Dr. Howard (Howie) A. Robbins. He was a music education teacher with a focus in percussion. He was a teacher at West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington and went on to teach percussion at the University of Idaho at Moscow. Howie was a talented educator as evidenced by the musical skills of his students. But even more important, Howie set high standards for himself, his students, and the organizations he led, and had the personal willpower to achieve the most demanding goals.
We met in 1970 when he was recruiting area musicians for his drum & bugle corps, the Percussion-Naut Patriots. Howie formed the organization in 1961 as an exhibition unit, and they toured extensively across the United States and Europe. I considered it quite a stretch to join and belong to this organization as he had recruited many of the most talented and most promising musicians in the greater Spokane area.
What I learned from Howie is the power of personal determination and how it translates into achieving goals. He set high goals that were quite ambitious and caused all of us to stretch to achieve. I'd like to share just one story that has stuck with me over the years.
Howie understood the effect of achieving something bold and audacious that should not be dared. He had a saying that we would hear repeatedly in rehearsal that roughly stated, "When you produce your opening notes, when you begin the opening movements you are communicating a clear, unmistakable message to everyone present: We Are Here." While that may not seem particularly noteworthy, over time it took on great meaning. He was telling us that we had the right to compete with the best. That a perfect opening served notice to other competitors, spectators and judges that we were a formidable force to be reckoned with.
The opening musical number for our exhibition showcased five of our soprano players (trumpet equivalent). Their first note was as I recall a triple-hi C, something not easily done, and exceptionally difficult for five musicians to do in perfect unison. Get it wrong, a cracked note, a lower or higher note and the result is disastrous. Get it right, a priceless effect! Howie was a relentless taskmaster. I can't recall the number of times the sopranos failed to achieve that standard in rehearsal, nor the number of times they became angry when required to try again, again, and again. Eventually though they got it right consistently. And that was something I needed to learn in my young life that I continue to apply today. Set high goals, set the conditions necessary to achieve them, and then get on with it, be persistent over time and you will achieve all. Thanks Howie!
"Ecce Homo" Without a doubt - Ted Westhusing. Ted was my best friend. http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/westhusingtheodores.html
Post by LTC Brad Vanderau, Staff Group 29A.
Colonel A was the best – a gentleman, consummate professional, and leader. He inspired me and taught me some important lessons. He is the person I try to emulate everyday. Here are my thoughts:
In the twenty-six years since graduating from college, I have worked for a variety of leaders who supervised me in many different settings: blue-collar, corporate, small business, and military. I have known leaders who always produced results and those who were well-liked; however, that did not mean they were effective leaders.
What specific qualities make a person an effective leader? It depends. Each of us has his or her own definition of an effective leader. Many factors including our upbringing, education, and personal and professional experiences influence the way we define it.
To me, an effective leader is a person who directs and inspires the people of an organization and produces a desired result. But it is more than that. That person must possess certain core qualities. COL A’s core qualities in his leadership style – honesty, reflective, sincere, and supportive – inspired and motivated those he supervised.
Honesty was the foundation supporting COL A’s leadership style. He was a man of integrity and I never doubted his word. The feedback he offered, be it positive or negative, was always helpful. COL A’s approach was tactful and on point. His honesty created trust within our organization.
His reflective nature also positively affected our organization. As the office crumbled around us from the “hot” issue of the day, COL A would stroll in and put the issue in perspective for us. His thoughtful and methodical analysis of the situation produced calm in the office. This calm relieved our stress and allowed us to become productive employees. He never over-reacted to stressful situations and always took the appropriate amount of time to resolve issues.
COL A’s sincerity was refreshing. When he said something to you, he meant it. Unfortunately, I have worked for leaders who would say one thing and then act contrary to their words. These same leaders looked out only for themselves. In contrast, COL A would look you in the eye and give you the straight story.
COL A’s support was unwavering. If I had a question or concern, COL A listened attentively and unselfishly gave as much time as it took to guide me through the issue. When I made a mistake, he would counsel, console, and mentor me. He would never criticize nor belittle. He cared about his subordinates. In many instances, he took the heat from an upset client and shielded his employees from the potential wrath.
COL A’s impact on me is immeasurable. I strive to emulate this fine leader everyday.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U. S. Government.
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