Yoda John

Our most senior instructor is a man named John Gillette.  He is an “original MoDA” and at 70 years old, he is our Yoda with vast experience, insight and clout here in the US and over there.  He is the personal Advisor to the most senior Afghan military ranks. John is an experienced Army officer, now retired.  He looks like your kindly uncle, with a pleasant voice, a good smile and laughs often. 

Yoda John leads discussions on what it means to be a MoDA at times, but mostly sits off to the sides taking notes on our performance.  At night he does the hot wash-ups teasing out what went well that day, and what needs work.    What sets him apart is his keen ability to make friends, collaborate and advise. He wears no body armor when he goes outside the wire.  His likeability and ability to read people are both his armor and weapons. 

John doles out advice every day that I try hard to capture.  Your relationship with your Afghan Ministry partner is everything, he belts out.  Nurture it then do something with it.  You are his executive coach and his peer.  95% of the Afghans want us there and want a good life.  Yoda John has many pearls, and my notebooks are filled with them.

-          In anything, the folks with the most invested win.

-          When in Afghanistan, you will be playing ten dimensional chess.  Its not for the weak. 

-          Do your homework, get the plan straight in your head before you go see your counterpart.

-          They are always sizing you up.  Strategize and act accordingly

-          You must understand your counterpart’s capacity 

-          Your body language must match your words.  

-          Don’t confuse deference with agreement.

-          Keep your head in the game at all times.

-          You have to sell the product, not the staff

-          Bring little gifts, and lots of them.

-          Avoid melons and tomatoes.