Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[December 27, 2015] The habit of treating all people like you would like to be treated is an adage that goes back before recorded history. It is the basis for all religions and for successful customer service in any business enterprise. Good habits for leaders also means taking the Golden Rule further and treating people like they would… Read More »
[December 26, 2015] It is said that sometimes it only takes a small victory to have great benefits. Such is the case at the Battle of Trenton when General George Washington crossed the Delaware River north of Trenton, New Jersey and led the his men against Hessian soldiers garrisoned there. A very small battle, this tactical win was… Read More »
[December 25, 2015] Merry Christmas to everyone from me and all my family. One of the most popular holy days on the Christian calendar, Christmas honors the birth of Jesus. Rarely does even the most difficult days of our lives prevent the dedicated from setting aside time to honor Him. My uncle was part of the Battle of… Read More »
[December 24, 2015] Today is Christmas Eve and a very special time for Christians around the world as one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Christendom. My wife has made sure that we are fully prepared by starting her baking days beforehand. Like her, leaders are prepared. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” –… Read More »
[December 23, 2015] Appearing on the cover of LIFE Magazine on December 19, 1969, Charles Manson is the infamous cult leader of the “Family”.1 Cult leadership is frequently associated with megalomaniacs, crazies, and psychotic and narcissistic personalities. The danger may be evident in the case of Charles Manson but I will argue that it is for more insidious… Read More »
[December 22, 2015] I worked for a commander in the recent past who could talk with absolute clarity about any complex subject. His orders were clear to avoid any confusion to avoid mistakes that could be costly. Of the many well-known senior U.S. Army officers, he was the best person that I’d ever known that could do this… Read More »
[December 21, 2015] In high school all my friends and I took every science course we could. We did this because we’d made up our minds that we were going to college and wanted to see what we liked most as a potential major. The chemistry teacher was the schools most likeable and that helped explain why many… Read More »
[December 20, 2015] The Republican debates have resulted in a number of unexpected consequences for the candidates and the party itself. For those interested in the study of senior leadership, the debates have given us food for thought on who possesses the traits necessary to hold the presidency and has provided some entertainment value along the way. Unlike… Read More »
[December 19, 2015] … to be a great leader. A commander of mine a few years ago often developed new ideas, many of which were rarely acted upon. Innovative, creative, and intelligent leaders are rare and they play an important role, but it takes more than good ideas for a person to demonstrate great leadership that must be… Read More »
[December 18, 2015] As of this writing, there are several hot socio-political challenges – both nationally and internationally – that are worth a few words because they’ve put leaders under pressure to act correctly. Many leaders are being opposed by a swell of public opinion and with a hint of constituents’ anger.1 Of those, the great leaders will… Read More »