Who Else Needs to Know?

By | November 8, 2017

[November 8, 2017]  Written in English and Arabic above the door entering the Tactical Operations Center for Coalition forces occupying Iraq in 2004 and onward, were the words Who Else Needs to Know.1  Our commander, like so many of us, had a number of bad experiences when members of our unit failed to inform him of important events. … Read More »

Great Leaders Don’t Think in Straight Lines

By | November 6, 2017

[November 6, 2017]  One of the privileges (some say advantage) of having worked in a senior leadership position in the upper reaches of the Department of Defense is getting to meet some really intelligent folks.  These were great leaders who led soldiers in combat and created a consistent legacy of outstanding performance and service to the United States.… Read More »

Leadership Toolbox: Investigations

By | November 5, 2017

[November 5, 2017]  Special counsel Robert Mueller is looking into a potential coordination between U.S. President Trump’s campaign and Russia.  The legal counsel’s look into possible wrong-doing is an example of a formal investigation and an item that all leaders should evaluate as part of their leadership toolbox. This formal investigation, largely open-ended and with considerable power to… Read More »

Real Leaders Don’t Blame Their Tools

By | November 3, 2017

[November 3, 2017]  At theLeaderMaker.com I have a short series that identifies “tools” – usually established by other leaders – that help real leaders be better at what they do and work more efficiently and effectively (see a few list in the notes section).  Leaders carry various items in their toolbox that are designed with care and tested… Read More »

Catalonia: Nobody is in Charge Right Now!

By | November 1, 2017

[November 1, 2017]  Leadership often means advancing into new territory; operating when the rules are unclear or confusing, working with organizations that are not ready for change, or advancing an agenda that is highly controversial.  This describes the political situation in the breakaway region of Spain known as Catalonia. Leaders and followers of the Catalonia Independence Movement are… Read More »

Should Leaders Avoid Politics?

By | October 31, 2017

[October 31, 2017]  Now that it’s scary Halloween1, it would be appropriate to take on the frightening topic of politics influencing organizations.  A question often asked is whether leaders should allow politics to influence their organization’s mission and values.  It’s a question often addressed at the most senior levels in nearly every organization.  Those answers rarely concur but… Read More »