[March 11, 2015] One of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted characteristic of a senior leader is forgiveness. Rarely talked about and while practiced by many, unevenly applied. Leaders who practice forgiveness will benefit everyone in their organization and simultaneously retain the best worker talent and improve performance. People make mistakes – some unintentional and some by choice –… Read More »
[March 10, 2015] Senior leaders rarely need a warning about people giving them gifts. They know that actual or perceived favoritism, bias, or corruption can result. Yet, regardless of how well we understand this and agree there could be problems, invariably senior leaders still get into trouble accepting gifts. During my time as a military flag officer, several… Read More »
[March 08, 2015] During my three years in Iraq as a U.S. Army engineer, I was exposed almost daily to KBR personnel who provided engineering and logistical support to the U.S. military. Without the capability provided by this firm, the military could not have operated at the level that U.S. and Coalition did to attack insurgent and terrorist… Read More »
[March 07, 2015] There is no doubt that teaching and mentoring young leaders to develop their skills is critical to their future success. However, there comes a time where it is often better to allow them to experience failure. Sometimes, helping leaders by not helping them is the better alternative. A fine line exists between allowing a leader… Read More »
[March 06, 2015] Ask any college student whether they have ever heard of the Dred Scott decision by the U.S. Supreme Court and you will likely only get a blank stare. Ignorance of American history is common but the affect of this decision goes far beyond Dred Scott as a slave. On March 06, 1857 the court made… Read More »
[March 04, 2015] Ever witness your boss yell at people in a fit of anger? I have … and anyone with a boss likely has a story to tell about it. I believe it can be argued that leaders, if taken as a whole, are less likely to show anger in the workplace today than ever before. That… Read More »
[March 03, 2015] Over the past few weeks, there has been a surge in anti-Jewish movements in the United States; many originating on college campuses. With the attacks by terrorist group the Islamic State, it surprised many that a parallel movement of anti-Semitism has gained strength in Europe and America. Yet, this movement is not just opposition to… Read More »
[March 01, 2015] A necessary talent of leaders is their ability to motivate others. Earlier I wrote that other people can’t give you adversity to make you a better person. Likewise, others can’t give you motivation – passion or heart to do things – at least they cannot give you lasting motivation because, for it to truly work, it… Read More »
[February 28, 2015] The value of struggle on an individual leader is well known. It helps make us who we are; more resilient, confident, and adaptable. Our family, mentors, coaches, and teachers can give you plenty advice and encouragement but there is one thing none can do for you. They can’t give you adversity. People cannot create those real circumstances, those things… Read More »
[February 26, 2015] As I was driving today in New York City listening to the car radio, I heard a joke about Radio Shack’s bankruptcy. It went this way, “I hate hearing about Radio Shack’s woes … where else can I get a radio-controlled toy car and new flip phone?” There are many who predicted their downfall, including myself, and the reasons… Read More »