Top Gun Management

Lauren Smith: Gene, why did you write this book?  

Gene McVay: The time comes when consummate leaders who take companies or institutions to great heights of achievement are replaced. The new leaders with polished educations tend to be more talented in bean counting and squeezing extra nickels out of consumers. I wanted to expose managers to the wide spectrum of management responsibilities using my own personal experiences and quotes from great people who have been tested in the past.

Lauren Smith: Tell us a little about your background. 

Gene McVay: I literally grew up barefoot in the hills of Arkansas. From a poor but very happy boy with few prospects, I eventually ran for governor against current presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee. Along the way I worked in factories at Western Electric and General Motors. I became an Intelligence Analyst at The National Security Agency before being commissioned in the Air Force and attending pilot training.  I soon became a global qualified aircraft commander on the 325,000 pound C-141 Starlifter after which I flew fighters for 25 years and won many top gun competitions. I was the first Air National Guard Colonel selected to command a three billion dollar multinational provisional wing.  I retired from both the federal government and the Air Force at age 54 completely debt free. I now give back to my state and nation by serving in several nonprofit organizations including national boards of veterans’ organizations. 

Lauren Smith: There are a lot of books on business and leadership out there, what makes your different?   

Gene McVay: Top Gun Management takes the reader into the poignant human world of an old veteran as he relates principles that propelled him upward through the ranks to power and respect. Within the pages dwell not perfection but persistence and compassion. Many will never soar to the very top, but they can enjoy the journey and unashamedly be able to look themselves in the mirror with contentment when the battle is over. There is no world leader who would not garner something from this book that would help him or her achieve greater success. 

Lauren Smith: What are some key lessons you hope the reader will learn from your book?   

Gene McVay: I think readers will learn about real communication. They will learn how to mentor and relate to their employees and colleagues. The will learn how to improve the effectiveness of every single employee. They will learn about motivation. They will learn not to accept mediocrity. They will never conduct a meeting the same way again. They will learn the concept of Noblesse Oblige. Perhaps most of all, they will learn compassion. 

Lauren Smith: What is the biggest mistake leaders make?    

Gene McVay: Leaders make "Custer" decisions that are recognized by their subordinates, yet the subordinates do not feel they have the freedom to communicate with the leader.