Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- John Gallo, a University of Wisconsin-Platteville industrial technology alumnus, executive vice president of business operations for Rolls-Royce Corp. and instrument rated private pilot, flew into Platteville on April 3. His presentation, Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World, was part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the UWP Department of Industrial Studies.

"His presentation takes on a greater meaning with what has occurred in the economy," said Frank Steck, UWP professor of technology education.

Gallo began his presentation by dissolving the myth that Rolls-Royce makes cars. "We don't make cars. BMW makes the cars and Rolls-Royce gets a royalty check each month. I own an old Ford," said Gallo.

He went on to explain his secrets on leadership principles and examples of how those principles have worked in his career.

Gallo graduated from UWP in 1986 with a degree in industrial technology management. He liked the small class sizes at UWP and felt it was the right school for him. He was also involved in Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

"Living in the Delta Sig house with people of all different backgrounds made me understand the importance of diversity. It was one of the best experiences I had at UWP. Go Greek," said Gallo.

After graduation, he wanted to go to Alaska, but didn't have enough money, so he took a job with Hormel Foods in Nebraska. After a year, he married his ninth grade sweetheart and shortly after secured a job with GE, manufacturing medical diagnostic imaging equipment. His office was right next to the Waukesha Airport.

"As I saw the planes coming in and taking off everyday, I always thought to myself, it would be cool to fly," said Gallo.

His interest in aviation led him to a job at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Fla. There, he used his leadership principles to make significant changes in the company, which resulted in higher quality products and productivity.

Gallo said there are two types of leaders, impressers and influencers. Impressers use their power to make people do things they don't want to do. They become a dictator and their success is short lived. They are usually self-centered and talk about themselves. Impressers pound their fists and bark orders. Gallo said that often the leader who impresses looks for a scapegoat.

Influencers inspire people to do things that are difficult but good for them and the organization. Their success is lasting. Influencers know how to debate constructively, focus on priorities and delegate duties. They share accountability and rally their team when in crisis.

"Influencers have the patience to allow people to develop ideas under their influence," said Gallo. When it comes to leadership, it's all about the people."

He then described how he was an influencer at Piper Aircraft. When his ideas for change were challenged, Gallo persevered and got his pilots license to become more familiar with the aviation industry. Doing so also earned him the respect of his co-workers.

"It's like becoming part of a family. You have to understand what's going on before you can try to be understood. Managers show how to get things done. Leaders show the way to get things done," said Gallo.

After Piper Aircraft made changes and facility renovations under Gallo's direction, two hurricanes caused significant damage to the facilities. One of the principles that helped Gallo get through these challenging times was "doing what his mother taught him." Gallo said that meant upholding the values of respect, honesty, fairness, helping the weak, resisting the wicked, courtesy and forgiveness.

He went on to say how communication was needed for change. Teams have to understand the threat, plot a course to reach their vision and make the process personal or tell the team how the change benefits them. Then, reward the team with praise.

"All the things that your mom taught you apply in the business world," said Gallo.

After Piper, Gallo took the opportunity to move back to the Midwest by taking a job at Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis, where he moved up to his current position. Rolls-Royce is a global manufacturer of integrated power systems for use on land, sea and air. The company produces engines for jets and marine vehicles for civilian and defense use, as well as power turbines. He said that while the challenges were completely different, the leadership principles still applied.

He concluded his presentation with another principle, the 4 Es and R. He explained that the type of people he brings to his team have energy, they energize, execute, have an edge and form working relationships.

"Leaders need energy. They have to be passionate about what they're doing. That energy is contagious and that's what you want in you're organization. They also have to energize others. You have to get others to join you in making the change," said Gallo. "They have an edge. You can't be a pushover. Leaders know how to push back in a constructive way. Last of all, relationships. It's all about the people. You have to get things done with people and through people," said Gallo.

Gallo pulled in a standing room only audience, who later shared their thoughts on Gallo's presentation.

"I thought it was an excellent presentation on leadership. If people demonstrate the four Es and R when they're finding a job, they'll generally find the right position. His other messages were right on. I like the notion of the influencer and impresser and of course, everyone should listen to what their mother says," said Duane Ford, dean of the UWP College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture.

Dick Klawiter, retired chair of the UWP Department of Industrial Studies, commented, "Gallo's message was outstanding. He put it in a way where people could say, yeah, that makes sense."

Jason Cliff is a senior in industrial studies who came to Gallo's presentation. "It was nice to see someone from UWP who is such a success come back to speak. It was interesting to see where he's been. He has our major and went out to be successful. He had some good techniques," Cliff said.

Contact: Frank Steck, professor, technology education, (608) 342-1532, steck@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu