[November 15, 2019] Let’s be direct about this idea from the beginning. The phrase pursuit of happiness is probably the most widely known in the U.S. Constitution and a popular catchphrase with American citizens. But it is not what leaders do. Leaders don’t pursue happiness, and they don’t pursue it on behalf of others. The closest idea I… Read More »
[November 13, 2019] We all know a good idea when we hear it, but stupid ideas seem to linger much longer than they should. Stupid ideas are those that are silly or illogical or unworkable. Stupid ideas can get you killed. For those who study the history of World War II, one of Hitler’s ideas to attack the… Read More »
[November 12, 2019] Lost but overlooking the inner German border wall, my platoon of Military Policemen was trying to reconnoiter a new laager site. Our mission had been to find an alternate location to put troops in case of a Soviet invasion from East Germany. Our Platoon Leader had good common sense, but in this case, he had… Read More »
[November 9, 2019] Today, for the first time, I have three (yep, a big 3) guest bloggers on my website. I consider a special treat because these young folks are writing about “leadership” … something that I didn’t put pen to paper on until I was a Colonel. Here they are with links: 10 Valuable Tips for Introverted… Read More »
[November 8, 2019] Earlier this week, I was invited to a local High School in an open forum. The idea was to give young students a chance to ask questions about military veterans. I’ve done this before and given speeches on veteran issues. To my surprise, a young teenager asked me a question that I’d never encountered; she… Read More »
[November 5, 2019] It is a military axiom as old as armies have been in existence that the best defense is an offense. The meaning should be clear; in military circles, the emphasis is always on how to gain the advantage, and that is accomplished by taking the fight to the enemy. Today, I’ll discuss the significance of… Read More »
[November 4, 2019] If there is one thing I learned as a leader, it was that it’s not about what I did that I regret, it’s what I didn’t do. During my travels and meeting folks all over the world, I had the opportunity to discuss what leaders like and dislike. Often the conversation turns to leader regrets.… Read More »
[November 3, 2019] British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said that “History is written by the victors.” He was talking about how future generations would view World War II and the bloodbath that constituted its essential elements. Likewise, we rarely hear about the Polar Bear Expedition of Allied Forces that attacked Russia in the midst of their Revolution. … Read More »
[November 1, 2019] A recent article in LiveScience tells us of a recently discovered Viking grave near Scotland’s Swordle Bay long ago. In the 10th century, the Vikings dug an elaborate grave and buried a “warrior of high status” in a boat containing items representing the man’s stature.1 While archeologists remain focused on this warrior’s artifacts found, I… Read More »
[October 30, 2019] The idea that leaders are made and not born is one I’ve advanced in the pages of my leadership blog since its inception. It has been one of my core principles; based on overwhelming evidence across time and cultures. While new light emerges on the influence of our genetic makeup on leadership, nothing specific has… Read More »