2000 DoN Performance Appraisal Supervisor Comments
Period covered: 1JUL99 to 30JUN00
Prof. Barnett's array of talents includes a voracious appetite for information and the ability to process it in original and illuminating ways; a unique ability to conceptualize complex, multi-dimensional issues and design research programs for dealing with them insightfully; the ability to facilitate discussion among experts from many fields, incorporating computer-based collaborative tools; and a talent for identifying and presenting key insights from projects in a way that is both engaging and enlightening. During the first half of the reporting period, he was engaged primarily in briefing the results of the project he had directed throughout the preceding nine months on the Year 2000 International Security Dimension. In over 30 briefs, he presented his findings to some of the most senior officials of the US Government, including the President's principal advisor on Y2K; the Deputy Secretary of Defense; the Commander of SOCOM; the DON CIO; and the entire senior leadership of USAID. He also provided the brief, selectively, to senior executives of the U.S. financial community and responded to numerous requests for interviews by the media, including all major networks. In addition to briefings, he led two management workshops on Y2K planning for USAID; participated in the DON CIO's Y2K workshop along with Under Secretary Hultin and RADM Cohen; and maintained a website on Y2K that registered some 10,000 hits. The feedback on the project was exceptional, including assurances by knowledgeable individuals that it had aided contingency planning throughout the U.S. government and been incorporated into official and private planning overseas as well. Prof. Barnett is now working on a successor project that will use a series of decision events with communities of experts over the next two years to examine the new rule sets evolving in key areas of the information age economy. The first event, dealing with Asian energy futures, prompted very positive comment by participants and is generating a growing number of requests for briefings. Prof. Barnett is again using a website as a tool in building the project, eliciting input, and disseminating results. His other activities during this period included ad hoc exchanges of ideas with the President of the War College on an occasional basis; development of a concept paper to be used in seeking corporate support for three new technology-oriented academic chairs; consultations on a project for the Secretary of the Navy on transformation strategies; and serving as a moderator for the Current Strategy Forum. Prof. Barnett also served as a mentor for the Mahan Scholars and as a grader and advisor for the Advanced Research Program. As in the previous reporting period, he had an article accepted for publication in Proceedings. In sum, he is a uniquely gifted individual who continues to bring distinction to this institution.