[May 25, 2017] Having brutally frank, warts-and-all feedback is a crucial instrument in the leadership toolbox. Found in the U.S. military and a few commercial enterprises the after-action review (AAR) is a rare form of open criticism that is the perfect way to make a leader stronger, more resilient, and honest. It works! And it works only if… Read More »
[May 24, 2017] In the U.S. Civil War lives were shattered, families split apart, and property destroyed in one of the bloodiest wars of the century. It is also the beginning of the story of the Brooklyn Bridge which was opened on this date, May 24, 1883. It begins with a most important leader trait; vision, the ability… Read More »
[May 23, 2017] This past Friday I attended a Rehearsal Dinner for a wedding scheduled the next day. At the dinner I had an interesting and entertaining conversation with a young Jewish man who told me that in Judaism there is a dedicated effort to explain confusing language in the written and oral Torah. This is not that… Read More »
[May 22, 2017] On the battlefield and in the heat of extreme competition, courage and integrity are not enough to succeed. One must also be imaginative and flexible; traits that every leader must possess if they are to be a winner and achieve something of importance. Those who have participated in professional sports, combat, or the world of… Read More »
[May 21, 2017] In 2001 as part of his senior project in High School, my son Sean wrote an essay about Enron; the most innovative company in America. His idea was to show how a well run enterprise can be successful for its investors. Sean graduated in May but in October of that same year, executives at Enron,… Read More »
[May 20, 2017] Senior leaders are often asked complex, ambiguous questions that easily trip up even the most seasoned veteran of leadership. What leaders learn, usually the hard way from blundering an answer, is that good answers require knowing how to read a question. Whether it be at a news conference, an interview, or fielding ad hoc questions… Read More »
[May 19, 2017] British Royal Navy officer Lionel Crabb was a frogman (underwater diver) who served with distinction during World War II and for a time afterwards. He was described as tiny and a poor swimmer with a long nose, bright eyes, and with his miniature frame he might have been an aquatic garden gnome.1 Lionel Crabb is… Read More »
[May 18, 2017] One of the good things about reading a book is that occasionally I stumble upon one (usually accidentally) that reinforces the time-tested basics of leadership. With the weather improving daily and my daily walking for exercise improving, I find myself less drawn to books that require thinking and more to those that entertainment. I consider… Read More »
[May 17, 2017] FBI Director James Comey was recently fired from his job after President Trump decided it was time for him to go. There are few people who would deny that the decision was necessary although it occurred rather abruptly. One of the reasons for the firing, it is alleged, is that Comey called Trump crazy (although… Read More »
[May 16, 2017] A few nights ago I got a call from one of my close friends who retired just before me. As a Vice Admiral (three-star Flag Officer) he was one of the truly most exceptional leaders produced by the U.S. Navy in the last 50 years. Our conversation revolved around the meaning of loyalty and how… Read More »