I’ve had coaches and mentors before but no one like David.
The retreat process was great. We spent two days locked away in beautiful surroundings just thinking about who I am, what makes me tick, my hopes and fears, the things I’m aware of, the things I’m not aware of.
My approach to business was hands-on micromanagement. David made me understand that if I was to make the transition from field commander to staff officer, I was going to have to let go and have faith in my subordinates.
We worked on organizational issues, and other skills that would prepare me for executive responsibility, rather than general management responsibility.
I invited David into the business lock, stock and smoking barrel. I encouraged him to meet whomever he wanted, to go wherever he wanted. He attended exec meetings, he came to India with me for the staff Christmas party. I was very comfortable for him to be a conduit for feedback from my team, all of whom trusted him.
David’s strengths are my weaknesses. He is self aware, he is far sighted, creative, and full of emotional intelligence. I’m very poor at investing in myself, building networks outside of my working networks, thinking longer term in terms of career planning, keeping abreast of current thinking and David is great about keeping me thinking about things like that.
On the personal side, he asked when I last had a kid-free weekend with my wife. I think my wife looked at David and said, “Where have you been all my life!”
David is one of those guys that I hope will turn up at my funeral.
