[December 8, 2015] Largely unknown to the American public is that Theodore Roosevelt – once a U.S. president, war hero, and educated man – was also a creative writer. He wrote on a variety of topics but especially on military history, politics, and how personal effort will turn to success. No book he produced was on the topic… Read More »
[December 6, 2015] Today Hanukkah begins at sundown and is celebrated starting on the 25th day of Kislev. Hanukkah means “dedication” and lasts eight successive days celebrating the rededication of the Jewish Temple following a victorious rebellion by the Jews against their oppressors. Leaders show wisdom and respect by recognizing holidays and special occasions that are meaningful and… Read More »
[December 5, 2015] Someone once said that when you see how people handle crises, you get to see what kind of people they are. I agree. I will also add that character is not only developed through hard times but it is done daily, day after day, many times over by knowing what is right and doing what… Read More »
[December 3, 2015] About once a month or so I highlight a “hero” who showed an unusually high degree of physical or moral courage. It’s rare to find those who display both and why I’m pointing out the case of Zofia Kossak (later Kossak-Szczucka). Although there are many who were killed and their names will never be known,… Read More »
[December 2, 2015] As conversation would have it, our young adult children are great fans of the Star Trek series and the (so-called) unemotional character Commander Spock. The fictional character Spock is of a human-Vulcan heritage, but it’s his control over emotions and the logical manner that they liked most. Over the Thanksgiving holiday we discussed whether emotions… Read More »
[December 1, 2015] As we approach the holiday season of Christmas and Hanukkah, it should be a time of reflection on ourselves as leaders and as members of our family. Holidays elicit considerable emotion and whether we like it or not, the strongest of people will be swayed by sentiments and passions that we don’t even realize. Our… Read More »
[November 30, 2015] An essential skill for leaders is a sense of humor. Humor is universal; it keeps everyone at ease, boosts engagement, and allows a leader to be more approachable and more effective. Comedians are like artists who use human psychology as a way to move people to laugh and be happier in the moment. Leaders can… Read More »
[November 29, 2015] In a little over a week, Venezuelans will go to the polls for legislative elections in this (mislabeled) democratic country. A socialist country, Venezuela has only the thin covering of free representation. Politicians say that the socialist revolution continues in Venezuela and that it’s their only path to prosperity, freedom, and equality. The reality is… Read More »
[November 24, 2015] Being a leader means many things but one thing that is required for those who desire to be successful is to have a good set of social skills. It doesn’t mean that a successful leader is required to have table manners, a pretty smile, or fashionable clothes; although it certainly helps. That is why I… Read More »
[November 26, 2015] Incidents over the past few weeks in the Middle East have heightened our awareness of the volatility of the region. What many respected and proven leaders advise is a dose of tolerance and patience among the major powers; especially those that have strong military forces in the area. Senior leaders who consistently produce success understand… Read More »