State Gazette

For long, the trademark Blackwill style had been the staple of diplomatic-circle gossip, more so among his staff who found his imperious and workaholic ways deeply alienating. But hush-hush tales came into the open when Outlook’s editor-in-chief Vinod Mehta wrote an article, ‘Blackwill’s Round Table’ (March 11).

The article said: "If you differ with him...he will not only merely defend his position vigorously, he will ridicule, dismiss, harangue and reprimand the challenger making that individual feel three-foot tall." This The Washington Post report cited to bolster its argument about Blackwill’s autocratic style.

Mr Blackwill, we think highly of you. But, really, you don’t lose much in being amiable to your guests—and your staff.