Category Archives: Leadership

The Right Degree of Autonomy

By | May 19, 2014

[May 19, 2014] As an Infantry Company Commander many years ago, I received an evaluation that said despite being a successful company, my unit was micromanaged. The criticism I took to heart. Frankly, I was wearing myself out mentally. After meeting with my First Sergeant (the most senior enlisted person), we agreed to give more autonomy to the… Read More »

Core Values: USO

By | May 18, 2014

[May 18, 2014] Before I deployed to combat, I never really gave much thought about the USO. Sure, I saw old newsreels of Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, and many other famous entertainers doing shows for the troops from World War 2 to Vietnam, but I never really understood or appreciated their real value. The United Service Organizations Inc.… Read More »

Characteristic #60: Creating Partnerships

By | May 17, 2014

[May 17, 2014] Senior Executive Leaders cultivate close professional partnerships and often succeed or fail based on their quality and power. Business leaders and other senior leaders in large organizations are more apt to formalize these relationships either contractually or in some agreement in principle. Regardless of formalization, senior leaders who create partnerships are more successful. Partnerships1 serve… Read More »

Political Investigation of Leaders (Update)

By | May 15, 2014

[May 15, 2014] I received a number of comments via email that expressed support for my observation that “investigations” are being used as a political tool to target leaders who are aggressive and controversial. Not that those leaders are conducting themselves unethically, illegally, or immorally (see link here), which is often the opposite of the truth. Apparently these… Read More »

Having a Back-up Plan

By | May 14, 2014

[May 14, 2014] The Boy Scout motto is “be prepared.” The individual scout, as part of their leader training, is taught to be in a constant state of readiness. Combat-proven leaders and the most successful tactical leaders know that the original plan never survives contact with the enemy, so best be ready with an alternative to accomplish the… Read More »