[December 26, 2014] Kick the tires – idiom – meaning “to inspect something to ensure it meets expected standards or has favored characteristics, typically before committing to purchasing or otherwise selecting it.” It no longer means to literally inspect a vehicle’s tires for defects. Effective leaders kick the tires to ensure their organization remains in good working order.… Read More »
[December 23, 2014] When leaders speak and take action, it is imperative that it is done so in a clear, concise, and vigorous manner. On important issues, where there is room to be misunderstood or for distorting what is said, this is even more vital. Leaders must have unequivocal clarity in communication. Failure to do so will produce… Read More »
[December 22, 2014] As we approach the end of the year, we would be doing the right thing by honoring those in our military who currently serve and have served our country. To these men and women serving away from home, protecting us, we can freely acknowledge they are doing us proud. While this is a common sentiment,… Read More »
[December 21, 2014] In my many travels throughout the country of Iraq, I talked to many Iraqis from all levels of their society. Most importantly, I listened sympathetically to what they had to say. In their culture they were often very loyal to their tribe, regardless of religious origin. I also understood how much the culture of our… Read More »
[December 20, 2014] Historically, the most important factor of senior leadership is getting results. This is why, today at least, it is vital to have a senior leader who has a good moral foundation and can thus be trusted to do the right thing. Furthermore, the best senior leaders will never believe the end justifies the means to… Read More »
[December 19, 2014] While it has been a couple of months since my last comment on North Korea, it doesn’t mean I’m short of topics that relate their senior leadership. In fact, we have been informed that Sony Pictures Entertainment pulled the new movie The Interview due to terror threats through the internet, ostensibly by hackers backed by… Read More »
[December 18, 2014] Americans like their leaders and their heroes to be bold, tough, and brave. We all loved John Wayne in those action war movies, especially when he led a desperate group of men to attack the enemy bad guys. My personal favorite is The Green Berets starring John Wayne, David Janssen, and Jim Hutton. But playing… Read More »
[December 17, 2014] Many years ago as a military unit commander, I was involved in a training exercise that went poorly. My company was to participate in an attack on a simulated enemy position. We failed miserably. We failed so badly that the enemy hardly knew we were there. I felt lower than a snake’s belly. When I… Read More »
[December 15, 2014] A major concern in the military and business world is the decline in the professionalism of their leaders. While this depends on how we define the concept of professionalism, there is no doubt that professionalism and leadership are inextricably linked. The concern is so great that many organizations search for professionalism in the most unlikely… Read More »
[December 14, 2014] The world’s greatest senior leaders have one thing in common. Each has been able to rally people to a great cause and lead them to achieve something that no one else was able to do. In one word, these leaders were inspirational. Due to the recognition of the high value of inspirational leadership, it has… Read More »