Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[August 18, 2020] One of the most iconic battles of the U.S. Civil War occurred in August of 1864 at the Battle of Mobile Bay. It may have been the most dramatic moment of the naval war, comparable to Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg. It was during the battle that Union Admiral David Farragut commanded his ships to attack… Read More »
[August 17, 2020] Well, it’s been a few months since my last spindle post. Still, so many issues have developed regarding leadership (the lack of it, mostly) that several readers asked for my comments on several current issues facing our society. Regular readers will recognize my interests in showing how good leadership is often the solution to real… Read More »
[August 16, 2020] This article is the second in a new mini-series on leadership lessons from famous Revolutionary War heroes. Today, I’m focusing on Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). Franklin was one of a small group of American leaders who united the Thirteen Colonies, leading the war for independence from Great Britain and building a new form of government. We… Read More »
[August 15, 2020] There is much to be said about the evils of racial discrimination. It helps very few and hurts many, it generates animosity, and it fosters hate. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Justice notified Yale University of results from a two-year-long investigation. The DOJ findings were that Yale illegally discriminates against Asian American and… Read More »
[August 14, 2020] In 1987, Maj. Gen. Aubrey “Red” Newman published his best leadership book. It is called “What Are Generals Made Of?” It is, of course, highly recommended. In it, Gen. Newman discusses several good points about senior leadership. One, in particular, I took a liking to his book and what he would do differently to be… Read More »
[August 13, 2020] I’m old enough to remember seeing – with my own eyes – the terrible treatment of our Vietnam War vets when returning from war. When I joined the U.S. Army in late 1974, I made myself a promise that I would not tolerate such egregious behavior by anyone. The treatment these veterans received was unacceptable… Read More »
[August 12, 2020] I’m starting a new mini-series about leadership lessons taken from the writings of famous Revolutionary War heroes. To begin the series, I will start with Samuel Adams (1722-1803) as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and political philosopher. After Sam Adams passed away, his legacy was shrouded in controversy. In the early… Read More »
[August 11, 2020] Leaders with authority should be aware of the image they project by what they do and say. Even the most beautiful women look into mirrors to see how they appear to others and take action to improve what they see in the glass. Similarly, leaders should be looking into the mirror of their minds to… Read More »
[August 10, 2020] Each year in the United States and nearly every country on Earth, there is a time set aside to honor those who died in their service to the Nation. Memorial Day 2020 was on May 25th, and I wrote about this topic to note the sacredness of the holiday.1 But rarely do we ask the… Read More »
[August 9, 2020] A former Army Sgt Major sent this to me on Facebook and thought I would share it. All of it is true. Great leader advice! No. 1. Yelling doesn’t make you skinny. Daily Physical Training (PT) does. If you’re not out there saluting the flag every morning at 6:30, you can automatically assume your Soldiers… Read More »