[May 22, 2014] The most forgotten speeches ever heard are from college commencement speakers. Whether it is from the alcohol hangover from the night before, the cell phone texting, or just the fun of being with your friends and doing something important, those speeches never seem to do us any good. Many are, however, full of very useful… Read More »
[May 22, 2014] During the 1980s, the nuclear arms race between the United States and the USSR was frightening, complex, and potentially deadly for millions of people. The stakes were high, the issues multifaceted, and solutions were hard to come by. Ultimately, the U.S. President and USSR leaders agreed to put some controls on nuclear weapon development. U.S.… Read More »
[May 21, 2014] I spoke today to a group of military veterans and college staff about why so many military members fail at making a successful transition from active duty to the college environment. I’ve also written about this transition (see link here). In the past I proposed three key ingredients for a successful transition. Passion – the… Read More »
[May 21, 2014] If you are a fan of music, last night was one of those that kept you glued to the television set. I’m not much of a TV watcher but I enjoyed the Academy of Country Music’s tribute to the troops. Adding to the night was the season finale of “The Voice” where they announced this… Read More »
[May 20, 2014] Why a New York Times Executive Editor was suddenly fired last week is something we may never know. But there are indications that it may have been her leadership approach and ultimately a conflict with the publisher over her style. There has been a lot of speculation on her dismissal that allows us a glimpse… Read More »
[May 20, 2014] The country of India, the world’s largest democracy, just had a major election that resulted in a major victory for Narendra Modi and his party. What is so special about this turn of events? Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party want to make progress in breaking through India’s law and culture to create greater economic… Read More »
[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 »
[May 19, 2014] Growing up Caucasian in a small north Louisiana town with only one blinking light was not very noteworthy but I do remember the “colored” and “white” signs on the bathroom doors of the corner gas station. Grade school in the segregated South is a distant memory for me, but only later was I to realize… Read More »
[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 »
[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 »