A Conversation with Colonel Rob Campbell
By Anthony T. Eaton
The following article is based on an interview I did with Colonel Cambell. When I stumbled upon IT’S PERSONAL (NOT) PERSONNEL, I was immediately drawn to its intriguing title. Yet, what truly piqued my interest was that a career military leader penned it. With a basic understanding of military operations, I couldn’t help but wonder if the title was a playful jab at civilian human resources or if Colonel Campbell offered a unique perspective as a high-ranking officer. Upon delving into the synopsis, I quickly realized it was the latter.
It took some time to gather my questions for an interview with Rob. Surprisingly, Rob reached out to me, which was unusual in my experience. However, weeks passed before I finalized the questions and sent them off. Yet, everything unfolds in its own time. And so, it did. Interestingly, Rob suggested we drop formal titles, aiming for more human interaction. Thus, I addressed him simply as Rob, respecting his established military rank.
True to his military background, Rob promptly responded within 24 hours of receiving the questions. Our conversation unearthed insightful perspectives on leadership, personal development, and the evolving dynamics between individuals and organizations.
In our exchange, Rob shed light on the catalyst behind IT’S PERSONAL (NOT) PERSONNEL. Initially intending to offer leadership insights for various organizations, Rob soon realized that the endeavor served as a personal outlet. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, he recognized a latent creativity yearning for expression. Feedback from those Rob led and served with affirmed the book’s resonance. Many wished for its guidance earlier in their leadership journey, echoing Rob’s sentiments on the depth of introspection in crafting the book.
Delving into organizational dynamics, particularly the shift from personnel to human capital, Rob emphasized the importance of people-centric approaches. Drawing parallels from military terminology, he cautioned against dehumanizing language, highlighting its adverse impact on behavior and morale. Regarding Human Resources (HR), Rob acknowledged the pervasive stigma but underscored the role of individual effort in fostering a people-centric culture within HR departments.
Throughout our conversation, Rob emphasized the significance of genuine, people-focused leadership. He advocated continual feedback and mentorship, steering away from conventional, impersonal processes like annual reviews. For Rob, leadership isn’t about titles or conformity but nurturing individual potential and fostering genuine human connections. Reflecting on his military career, Rob acknowledged personal growth from an assertive, directive approach to a more compassionate, mentorship-driven style. He emphasized the importance of adapting leadership styles to suit evolving contexts, whether in military or civilian settings.
Looking to the future, Rob envisioned leadership evolving amidst changing societal norms and technological advancements. He stressed the enduring relevance of people-centric practices and emphasized the critical role of investing in individuals for organizational success.
Rob advocated for cross-learning between the military and business realms. While acknowledging business innovation, he highlighted the military’s focus on leader development as a valuable lesson for businesses seeking to enhance organizational performance.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life, Rob’s journey underscored the importance of mentorship and personal authenticity. He emphasized the need for guidance in navigating new endeavors, echoing the sentiment of continuous growth and learning.
Closing our conversation, Rob shared Plato’s quote, “In caring about the happiness of others, we find our own,” encapsulating the essence of his leadership philosophy. Reflecting on our interaction, I realized Rob’s passion for exceptional leadership reignited my enthusiasm, a testament to the profound impact of genuine leadership.
In conclusion, IT’S PERSONAL (NOT) PERSONNEL offers insights into effective leadership and a glimpse into Rob Campbell’s transformative journey from military service to civilian life. As he continues to inspire and guide others, Rob’s commitment to investing in people serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders in any domain.
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