Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[May 30, 2018] In a fast-paced society everyone is looking to save time and money. We are all interested when someone comes up with a “hack” or shortcut to save us that little extra effort. But, leaders have learned over the history of humankind, that there are no shortcuts to leadership. Someone once likened leadership to herding cats.1 … Read More »
[May 29, 2018] Last year I changed the direction of my blog to focus more on all around leadership rather just singling out senior leaders. What I did not do was fail to seek wisdom in how leaders become who they are, how they are educated in the fine art of leading others; nor did I give up… Read More »
[May 28, 2018] In America’s cities and towns today, flags will be placed on graves in cemeteries and public officials will speak of the sacrifice and the valor of those whose memory we honor. Like many of my fellow countrymen on this Memorial Day, I will be standing in a cemetery where veterans are buried to honor them… Read More »
[May 27, 2018] I know that it has far too long between book reviews but I couldn’t help it with all the recent activity on my leadership blog that kept me busier than expected. Plus, the real reason is that my wife and I just saw the arrival of our new granddaughter and that took us away from… Read More »
[May 25, 2018] It wasn’t that long ago that opportunities for young adults in employment, education, and service to one’s country were available to all; no longer. Today, that means that when opportunity knocks … get moving through that door and take advantage of it. “When opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle, American comedian and… Read More »
[May 24, 2018] If you are reading this article, then odds are you’re a leader in some capacity and are interested in learning how to improve your skills. You’ve also heard that there is no such thing as a free lunch and while that applies to everyone, it especially applies to leaders. If you expect a free lunch… Read More »
[May 22, 2018] Yesterday I heard celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey talk about indicators of mediocre restaurants. Of course, Mr. Ramsey is famous for screaming into the faces of more subpar be chefs than anyone ever. One of his indicators is a waiter telling you they have a soup of the day.1 When I heard him talk, I immediately… Read More »
[May 21, 2018] Strategy is the commerce of leaders. It is what separates the good from the bad and the eager from the lazy. This is why, in the study of history, strategic blunders are worth a closer look for important lessons that make us better. It has been said that the greatest strategic blunder during World War… Read More »
[May 20, 2018] Prairie dog warfare is an obscure reference to tenacious close-quarter fighting; the type seen in several famous U.S. Civil War battles and with Japanese defenders during World War II. I predict we will see more references to this kind of fighting in Western politics. Confederate Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner coined the term, as much… Read More »
[May 19, 2018] We’ve all witnessed those in leadership positions who were there for all the wrong reasons. It matters not what profession one is in, there will always be someone who is there that should be there. I saw it in my first U.S. Army Company Commander who had already been promoted twice and had one of… Read More »