Great leadership comes in many forms, says Hillier
COLLINGWOOD: Even in civvies, retired general still commands respect
Posted By MORGAN IAN ADAMS
Posted 2 months ago
There are many facets to leadership.
Vision, optimism, communication, action.
And a leader must visibly demonstrate each of those qualities in order to get the best out of employees -- or in Rick Hillier's case, the men and women who put their lives on the line for this country.
The retired Chief of Defense Staff was in Collingwood on Tuesday to talk about 'Leadership in Tough Times'. Hillier, who retired from the military in July, 2008, now works with TD Canada Trust on leadership development and training activities and recently released A Soldier First,chronicling his time in the top post, as well as his experiences in a 35-year career with the military that also a posting as commander of the multi-national division in Bosnia- Herzegovina in the 1990s.
"I've been proud to wear the Canadian flag on my shoulder for 35 years," he told the crowd at the Royal Canadian Legion as he took them through a 60- minute presentation -- complete with photos from his many visits to Afghanistan -- that was at times hilarious, and at other times gut-wrenching. Even in his civvies Hillier commanded attention from the full house, often using his self-decrepating humour to draw lessons on leadership.
The event was sponsored by the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce.
"We have the most affluent standard of living in the world, and it's just a dream for most of the world's population," said Hillier. "We have as a mini-mum standard the rule of law, and most country's and most people don't have that privilege.
"Sometimes it's something we take for granted, and we forget we are living in the best country in the world."
While he acknowledged the men and women in Canadian uniform drew strength from him because of his demonstrated leadership, he in turn drew strength from the families of soldiers-- especially families of those who were killed in action.
"As a leader, you face some dark days," he said. "When the men and women under you are losing their lives... you can't carry that kind of stress load by yourself.
"I have found inspiration from the families of soldiers who have been lost... I'm inspired by their strength and dignity."
He related an encounter with one soldier's mother, Maureen Eykelenboom, who's son Andrew was killed by a suicide bomber in August, 2006. Accompanying Andrew Eykelenboom's body back to Trenton, Hillier found himself face-to-face with Maureen -- who at "five-foot-nothing" made an immediate effect on the general.
Maureen Eykelenboom wanted to make sure her son's death wasn't in vain, and wanted to make sure Hillier was on her side. Andrew, a medic with the nickname Boomer, had made an effort -- among other things -- to pass on basic first aid knowledge to villagers.
Maureen set up Boomer's Legacy to raise money so that soldiers serving in Afghanistan could continue Eykelenboom's example of selflessness by distributing educational supplies, clothing and other small necessities. Upon hearing of Afghanistan's high infant mortality rate, Maureen Eykelenboom has also organized the knitting of more than 75,000 Boomer Caps for infants that are distributed by soldiers.
"One person can make a difference, even an informal leader," said Hillier. "Andrew continues to make a difference in the lives of others... and I think about the impact that (Maureen Eykelenboom) has had."
As a leader, one must also have some kind of vision.
"If you're not thinking long-term as a leader, you cannot even make coherent short-term decisions -- and in fact you make incoherent short-term decisions," he said.
He highlighted the military budget cuts implemented in the mid-1990s; one of the cuts was the Chinook helicopter, a versatile piece of equipment that could easily transport troops and equipment.
Hillier said the army and the air force couldn't agree as to who was responsible for the Chinook, and as a result, the Canadian fleet was sold to the Royal Dutch Air Force.
He said of the Dutch Chinooks now in Afghanistan, the Canadian logo is sometimes still visible under the Dutch markings.
"We didn't have a vision to save one of the most versatile vehicles we had," he said. "If you're not thinking long-term as a leader, you're not going to get people to buy in.
Communication is also key, and Hillier noted he spent about 40 per cent of the time in his role 'communicating': with families, soldiers, and politicians.
"It was the most valuable thing I did," he said.
He highlighted the need to communicate the military's fitness requirements, noting infantry can carry as much as 110 lbs. of equipment and armour in temperatures as high as 50 C.
"If you're not fit, you can't do the job," said Hillier. "If you're not fit, it increases the chances that you will be wounded or killed, which increases the chances of the people around you being wounded or killed."
