Vision, Culture, Climate, and the Leadership that Binds Them

In the summer of 2008, Jimmy traveled to Afghanistan to visit the company that his organization would be replacing six months later. While there the Battle of Wanat took place. Of the forty-eight American soldiers at Wanat, twenty-seven were wounded and nine were tragically killed. A Medal of Honor was earned. As a leader observing the battle, Jimmy felt the weight of responsibility like never before. He was the new leader of a new team and Eastern Afghanistan would be his problem in a few short months. He kept asking himself over and over, “Are my soldiers prepared for this? Have I done everything I can to prepare them well enough for this?”

Over the next few days, Jimmy realized that what he must do was shape the culture within his organization. He was the leader and he was responsible, but he did not have all the answers; however, he knew that he was surrounded by incredibly talented men and women with great ideas for how to make them better.

Over the next few months, Jimmy went about creating an environment where all ideas were welcomed regardless of the rank or experience of the person suggesting them. He set about empowering his people and trusting them. The results were remarkable. Jimmy’s air cavalry task force swept almost every Army award that year, but not because Jimmy Blackmon did anything extraordinary. He simply shaped an environment in which his soldiers could maximize their own personal potential. Jimmy realized that no matter how technologically advanced we become, life is and always will be about people and relationships.

Through the colorful, engaging storytelling ability that Jimmy is known for, he shares practical, pragmatic methods for casting an organizational vision, shaping culture, and setting a climate that is conducive to success. Vision alone isn’t enough. Jimmy explains how leaders must employ a systematic approach to gain the trust and buy-in of their employees in order to reach their goals and fulfill their mission.