In my pantheon of heroes and role models, those who have worked in this Department have great prominence. As Secretary, I will do all I can to see that consistent with the work that needs to be done, your needs and those of your families are addressed. Over the decades, you have established and maintained a standard of excellence. During the next few years, we must work together, not only to continue that standard, but to raise it higher still. This Department as an institution, and each of us as individuals, must constantly learn and upgrade our skills.
Training is a priority.
Extending the boundaries of our knowledge to new areas is a priority. To ensure excellence, we must also manage the resources of this Department as efficiently as possible. Neither is micromanagement. On the other hand, I spent the last four years at the United Nations, arguing for reform through greater accountability, less duplication of effort, and a clear-eyed focus on results. Any institution that doesn't strive constantly to improve will constantly degrade.