McDonnell Shares Leadership Insights
by Brevy Cannon

Gov. McDonnell’s remarks as the Graduate Batten Council Speaker

VIRGINIA GOV. ROBERT F. MCDONNELL spoke as the annual Graduate Batten Council Speaker this April, taking the opportunity to share leadership tips while reflecting on his own legacy and the biggest challenges facing the next governor.

“You all are going to be future leaders,” he said to Batten students, gathered in the Great Hall of Garrett Hall. “No matter what field you go into, leadership is tremendously important. The direction an organization takes is going to be determined by the vision, motivation, resources, and strategy the leaders employ.”

As he thanked the Batten School for hosting his cabinet retreat last September, he explained that he and his cabinet used the retreat to score themselves on more than 300 campaign promises.

“You must have goals, measure yourself, and hold yourself more accountable than anyone else will,” he said.

A leader must also adopt a style that works, McDonnell said. “Even if you have a talented team, working together around a shared goal, the style and character of leadership will determine your effectiveness.”

Asked by a student what he would consider his greatest legacy, McDonnell noted that many will point to his transportation bill, and ultimately his legacy “is up to others to reflect upon and determine.”

He gave his audience one final admonition before departing: “Dream big, be humble, and our country will be better off.” 


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