[March 15, 2019] I’ve known Billy Ray for close to 30 years, and he has been a feature in one of the many rural towns where I lived. Billy Ray is not the smartest guy around, and neither is he rich or famous. But he leads a small group of amateur clowns that bring smiles to be needy… Read More »
[March 14, 2019] Yesterday, I spoke with several senior officials from a local college near my home. They wanted to understand how to attract more military veterans, and a discussion ensued about what it meant to succeed at college. Then I spoke about how important it was in defining failure to the veteran; specifically, its ramifications when hidden… Read More »
[March 13, 2018] Showing moral courage in the face of great adversity is a much more difficult act than showing physical courage in combat. Many combat leaders are known for their bravery in the face of a deadly enemy but wilt when their nerves fail under the spotlight that threatens what they believe. Today, I’m highlighting Nick Sandmann… Read More »
[March 12, 2019] I love dogs. Most folks do, and that explains why people in the United States spend more on dog care than their government spends on poverty programs.1 The phrase, pick of the litter is an idiom meaning to pick the best from a group. Usually referring to a dog litter, its meaning can apply to… Read More »
[March 11, 2018] Leadership is about solving problems. A common reason for leadership failure to solve problems can be traced back to unprepared leaders who are either too overconfident or they don’t care. Hal Moore addressed this in his latest book, Winning When Outgunned and Outmanned. He called it his Rule of Doubt. “The troops can smell BS… Read More »
[March 10, 2019] As my driver and I approached the main gate of an Iraqi combat base, something didn’t seem quite right. Our vehicle was fully armored, but that can’t protect you that against 30 armed soldiers (or were they, insurgents?). Luckily, we were able to turn around and beat a hasty retreat. Later we found out that… Read More »
[March 9, 2019] All great leaders in human history have lived by a set of principles that focused their efforts and pushed them beyond what any normal person would go. Their principles will use different words but what they mean is the same thing; leadership in action. It should then come as no surprise that the famous U.S.… Read More »
[March 8, 2019] Leaders generally do not understand the Golden Rule we see expressed in nearly all religions, especially in Christianity and Judaism. It often read as treating others with kindness and compassion. However, that interpretation is both shallow and misleading. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to… Read More »
[March 7, 2019] Respected leaders are those who are seen as fair and willing to share the hardships of others. Eat with your teammates is good, practical advice for all leaders who want to be judged as authentic, respected leaders. We’ve all seen it happen. A retail company undergoes downsizing, or a family experiences a death, or a… Read More »
[March 6, 2019] Along with 23 fellow citizens from my country in Southern New Jersey, we just completed two months of Grand Jury duty. The most memorable anecdote to come out of it was the story of the red Mustang sports car. This was my first time on Grand Jury duty, and we learned about how appearances can… Read More »