Never Walk Away From Integrity with Admiral Michael Mullen
Episode Summary
Admiral Mullen reached the number one job in the United States Military – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His passion for leadership started with college sports, his passion for communication came from his father, who was a Hollywood PR executive, and his interest in human relations was enhanced while he was an Admiral in the US Navy.
Today he continues to teach Advanced Ethics and Leadership at the US Naval Academy. Mullen believes that reflecting on and establishing your values and principles are the foundation for leadership. He advises that no matter what happens, we should never walk away from integrity. We as leaders should rely on our values, understand accountability, never give up after failure, and communicate effectively.
Join us and learn how to make tough decisions, take tough assignments, be sensitive to culture and history, prepare ourselves for challenges and make the world a better place.
Episode Notes
Admiral Mullen is a retired United States Navy Admiral, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was appointed by President Bush and reappointed by President Obama. He advanced rapidly in the field of innovative technologies, championed emerging and enduring global partnerships, and promoted new methods for countering terrorism. Additionally, he taught at the Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs at Princeton University. Today he continues to teach Advanced Ethics and Leadership at the US Naval Academy.
Admiral Mullen’s passion for leadership started with college sports. His passion to communicate came from his father, a Hollywood PR executive, and his interest in human relations was enhanced by the Navy, where he was provided the opportunity to travel internationally and get to understand different cultures.
Mullen believes that creating a framework for yourself by establishing your values and principles is a foundation for discovering your true north and leadership style. Mullen advises that no matter what happens, we should never walk away from integrity.
When faced with failure, we need to take the time to reflect on who we are and how we can improve in the future. When difficult and challenging situations approach, we as leaders should rely on our values, have the courage to ask for help, and understand accountability. Leadership encompasses taking responsibility in good times and bad. When a mistake is made, a leader is tested by how they persevere, and they must keep going instead of giving up. It is not about the failure itself, but how the person handled it and what they learned the lessons. Another important skill is effective communication and managing relationships, particularly in such tense times. Having good relationships and strong mentors will continue to provide the support needed during all types of situations.
Show Contributors
Joe Hart, President/CEO, Dale Carnegie & Associates
Admiral Michael Mullen, US Navy Retired, Retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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