Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[February 24, 2019] A good news story. As most of you know, I volunteer to assist a Boy Scout Troop where I live. While winter camping out a week ago, I witnessed several older scouts help a new scout who was doing poorly at coping with the cold weather.1 The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is… Read More »
[February 22, 2019] Yesterday, while reading some of the comments in my post about Good Habits, several readers commented on a 2017 book by Admiral William McRaven. They liked it. This past weekend I was winter camping with a Boy Scout Troop, and I was able to apply some of McRaven’s thinking to the activities these boys undertook. … Read More »
[February 21, 2019] “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” So began a commencement speech by U.S. Navy Admiral William McRaven to graduates at the University of Texas (see outtake at link here). This is, of course, an analogy; one that helps us to remember the real message which is to get… Read More »
[February 20, 2019] “Get that wax outta your ears!” My mother was fond of giving me advice that my other siblings seemed to never get. She would say, “You hear me but you don’t HEAR me.” She was telling me that to be a good son, I had to listen to understand; not just listen to her words.… Read More »
[February 19, 2019] Soon after the turn of the 20th Century, my paternal grandmother traveled across the U.S. riding in a covered wagon. As a kid, she told me stories that perked my interest in the Conestoga wagon and the hearty folks that used them to begin a new life out West. But it scared the wits out… Read More »
[February 18, 2019] It seemed like only a few years ago, but my first Platoon Sergeant gave me some good words of advice. He said it was important to take on small opportunities that would lead to big opportunities. At the time, I had no idea what he was talking about; it made no sense. When people can… Read More »
[February 15, 2019] I’m no historian, and the subject of history was one I hated in school. Only later in life did I realize that the proper study of our history can teach valuable lessons long after an event occurred. Two years ago I moved to Southern New Jersey. Driving around the rural part of the state, only… Read More »
[February 14, 2019] Criticizing military leaders for their failures is not something I write about lightly. But, as all who have “been there and done that,” know that criticizing can have a meaningful and positive impact. The reason that thoughtful criticism is necessary is that people die when military leadership fails. One good thing about U.S. military leaders… Read More »
[February 13, 2019] The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York has an honor code1 that goes back to its founding in 1802. It reads, “A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.” However today, cheating is not only encouraged, but anyone who doesn’t cheat is considered old-fashioned and obsessive. “I would… Read More »
[February 12, 2019] Dealing with children can be an amazing experience; one filled with new things, high energy, and interesting challenges. Observing children at play with their peers opens new windows into the importance of how children progress to be likable youngsters. Their efforts are not that different from a balanced leader; one who seeks the right attitude… Read More »