Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[September 1, 2018] All serious leaders are relentlessly looking for ways to improve their ability in bringing people together for a common goal. One technique I’ve found valuable is the use of documented best practices. “Companies that model best practices, that model the most upstanding principles, end up as the most profitable. It’s not a trade of profits… Read More »
[August 30, 2018] There’s an old saying that “It’s never too late to make things right.” And while that is true (and good advice too), there will be times when a leader cannot make things right. However, what they are obligated to do is to focus on what they can do and be on the lookout for the… Read More »
[August 29, 2018] I noted this before but it is worth saying again; I don’t highlight the deeds of heroes as much as I should. When we compare ourselves to their lives, we often come out lacking in some way. Today, I’ll be drawing attention to U.S. Airman Tech Sergeant John Chapman whose deeds in Afghanistan posthumously won… Read More »
[August 28, 2018] There’s a recent book published by Random House LLC., called The Gatekeepers (2017) by Chris Whipple. The author focuses on the role of the U.S. White House Chiefs of Staffs’ position and documents how those who have occupied this staff title have exercised great power in deciding the agenda for America. Having been in the… Read More »
[August 27, 2018] If there is one fear a good leader has it’s that deceit must be recognized for what it is and confronted. Unsurprisingly, there are leaders who would use deceit to further their own selfish ends. For example, in 1956 China the travesty of deceit was used in their Hundred Flowers Campaign to root out intellectuals… Read More »
[August 26, 2018] This was a piece of good advice I received the day I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. “Don’t burn your bridges” was probably created to mentally illustrate what happens when you end a relationship that you never plan to go back to. “People burn their bridges until they realize they’re stranded.… Read More »
[August 25, 2018] Many years ago I was accused of ‘babysitting’ my troops because my priority as a Flag officer was taking care of soldiers. There is merit to the argument that modern leader trends now emphasize better treatment of employees and staff. But does that mean we are babysitting them? The Commanding General at my Division headquarters… Read More »
[August 24, 2018] If you never heard this said by your boss, then you’re new to the workplace. “I want it done yesterday” is a common dictum designed to both task a specific work effort and give emphasis to its importance. It’s bad advice anyway and here is why. When a leader gives a directive, it needs to… Read More »
[August 23, 2018] It’s been a long summer and I’ve not been to the Jersey shore as I originally planned. My wife tells me that I must take responsibility for the failure and “man up” in those things I say I will do. Any person who is serious about a good life should understand their core values, prioritize… Read More »
[August 22, 2018] Academic studies show that the majority of employees in the American workforce are afraid to speak up because of the fear of retribution. The cause is directly related to poor leadership and this fear is always present. “The forces of retribution are always listening. They never sleep.” – Meg Greenfield, American editorial writer We all… Read More »