Effective leadership involves improving focus on tasks at hand by setting boundaries despite job challenges and distractions. It is crucial for leaders to prioritize what they should focus on and what tasks to stop doing to ensure success and peace of mind. Adapting to a new role requires initial adjustment, but leaders must quickly tighten up, be disciplined, and emulate good practices to set an example for subordinates. Deciding on priorities, setting boundaries, and focusing on critical tasks are essential traits for leaders to nurture for optimal performance and success.
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The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy A. George makes his first appearance on the podcast for a great discussion about leadership, his vision, and the lessons he's learned over the course of his four-decade career. General George and Joe cover a lot of ground in this episode, discussing topics including:
- Encouraging professional discourse
- Why leaders need to ask questions
- The training management program that's in the Chief's crosshairs
- Why great leaders are great editors
- What transforming in contact looks like
- How General George recharges his batteries after a long day
- The importance of professional boundaries
- What topics General George wants leaders to write about
- ....and more!
General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.
George commissioned from the U.S. Military Academy in 1988 as an infantry officer. He served as a lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division and deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
George received his Master of Science in Economics in 1999 from Colorado School of Mines and then served at the National Simulation Center in Fort Leavenworth before attending the Command and General Staff College.
In 2001 George went to Italy and served as the executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was later executive officer and then deputy commander of the brigade, during which time he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning to the 101st Airborne Division in 2004, George commanded 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment and deployed a second time to Iraq. He then went to United States Naval War College as an instructor and then student. He deployed again as part of the initiatives group for the commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq in 2007.
In 2008 George returned to the 4th Infantry Division, where he commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following command, he was a fellow on the Council of Foreign Relations, chief of the strategic policy division for the Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell on the Joint Staff, executive officer to the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He later returned to Fort Carson as the deputy commanding general (maneuver) of 4th Infantry Division.
George took command of the 4th Infantry Division in June 2017. In this role he deployed again to Afghanistan. His most recent command was of I Corps at Joint Base Lewis McChord, after which he served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense.
He is married to his West Point classmate, Patty. They have two children, Grant and Andrea.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
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