Lessons from the front lines

General Rick Hillier has always wanted to be a soldier. There are stories that he started his efforts to join the Canadian military at the age of eight, by writing letters to recruiters. Of course he had to wait, and enlisted in 1973 through the Regular Officer Training Program.

Two years later he graduated from Newfoundland's Memorial University with a Bachelor of Science degree. After completing officer training he was posted to his first regiment in Petawawa, Ontario.

Since then Hillier has commanded Canadian and international troops around the world. He led the military's intervention in peacetime relief efforts like the Red River floods in Manitoba in 1997, and the Quebec ice storm in 1998. Hillier commanded multi-national forces during the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the war in Afghanistan.

In a career that spanned more than 30 years, Hillier worked his way to General and was appointed to the highest ranking position in Canada's military - Chief of Defence Staff - in February 2005. He held the job for three and a half years until his retirement from the Forces on July 1, 2008.

Along the way General Hillier earned a reputation for passion and urgency. Known for his outspoken support of his soldiers, he remains a strong advocate of increased personnel, equipment and money for Canada's military. Many credit the amiable and gregarious Hillier with putting the Forces back on the political agenda in Canada and boosting the country's military stature around the world.

Perhaps, though, the greatest testament to General Hillier's determination is that he remains a staunch fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

General Hillier is currently the Chancellor of his alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland although he bases himself in Ottawa where he has a position with TD Bank.

Report on Business had a chance to meet with General Hillier during a recent stop in Toronto and we asked for his insights about leadership, management and getting the job done.