[November 20, 2019] The defining of character, which colors our deeds and speech, is what separates this blog from traditional leadership websites. With the study of character we can see those primordial emotions that pull us into an abyss of conceit, vanity, and arrogance. Pride is overindulgence. Pride is an excess that pushes us upward to elation but… Read More »
[November 19, 2019] While watching the classic anti-war movie Paths of Glory (1957) this past Veterans Day got me to thinking about leaders who are in the trenches. I’m not thinking about those literally in the trenches of World War I, per se, but symbolically of leaders who do the day-to-day hard work with people at the level… Read More »
[November 18, 2019] The day I met Hal Moore was more thrilling than speaking with all the Hollywood stars in California. There sometimes comes a time in your life when you get to meet someone who is truly uncommon. Hal Moore, who distinguished himself at the Battle of Ia Drang Vietnam, was that person. “In the American Civil… Read More »
By guest blogger Sadako Red [see disclaimer] [November 17, 2019] Just when I was beginning to think I understood people … Last month, I gave a guest lecture on “The motivations of America’s Founding Father Samuel Adams;” not that it matters much, but I’m considered an expert in early-American politics. I gave my speech at Georgetown University here… Read More »
[November 16, 2019] When you’re asked to describe what’s needed to be an effective leader, you tend to cite skills like strong communication, efficiency at delegation, the ability to recognize achievements, and the like. What you normally wouldn’t include on the list is “skilled at social media”. However, social media is an undeniably integral part of our lives.… Read More »
[November 15, 2019] Let’s be direct about this idea from the beginning. The phrase pursuit of happiness is probably the most widely known in the U.S. Constitution and a popular catchphrase with American citizens. But it is not what leaders do. Leaders don’t pursue happiness, and they don’t pursue it on behalf of others. The closest idea I… Read More »
[November 14, 2019] Since the beginning of human existence, people have been trying to figure out what makes us mentally tough and prepared to meet the toughest challenges. The world sends us the unexpected and she will test our good judgment, wisdom and readiness. A warrior mindset is essential to maximize performance and ensure victory, especially when the… Read More »
[November 13, 2019] We all know a good idea when we hear it, but stupid ideas seem to linger much longer than they should. Stupid ideas are those that are silly or illogical or unworkable. Stupid ideas can get you killed. For those who study the history of World War II, one of Hitler’s ideas to attack the… Read More »
[November 12, 2019] Lost but overlooking the inner German border wall, my platoon of Military Policemen was trying to reconnoiter a new laager site. Our mission had been to find an alternate location to put troops in case of a Soviet invasion from East Germany. Our Platoon Leader had good common sense, but in this case, he had… Read More »
[November 11, 2019] Today is the 101st anniversary of the end of World War I, also known as the Great War. Since that time, military veterans are thanked for their service to the nation and help keep us free from tyranny. Veterans also owe the American people a great sense of gratitude for their opportunity to be part… Read More »