Characteristic# 73: Build a Learning Culture

By | September 8, 2014

[September 08, 2014] One of the many surprises that I encountered as a military flag officer was the number of senior civilians who were uneducated in their field. By uneducated I don’t mean they lacked a formal college degree but they had stopped their education in any meaningful way. They must have figured that all they needed was… Read More »

Characteristic# 72: Recognizing the Important

By | September 7, 2014

[September 07, 2014] In April 1918 near Paris, the German Army commander failed to recognize the important contributions a small number of U.S. Marines entering the fight would have on the outcome. The Marines were inexperienced and had not proven themselves a significant battlefield force since their arrival a few months prior to the fight at Belleau Woods.… Read More »

A Dog-Spider Prank

By | September 6, 2014

[September 06, 2014] I don’t normally post about pranks but this one by a Polish man was just too good to pass up. A pooch was dressed up in a fur costume to resemble a large spider. Scenes were staged and when people opened doors, elevators, etc., the pooch would run to them. The immediate human reaction to… Read More »

Leadership: A European Political Movement

By | September 6, 2014

[September 06, 2014] Europe is undergoing political movement that has been largely ignored in the United States’ press. The U.S. press does this to Europe now and again. Yet, Europe changes its political landscape rather routinely and has done so since the end of the Dark Ages. Political evolution is often not recognized for what it is until… Read More »

World War One: Battle of the Marne

By | September 5, 2014

[September 05, 2014] Exactly 100 years ago today, began what is considered one of the most decisive battles in history. The Battle of the Marne was France’s counteroffensive to prevent the Germans from capturing Paris. Luck would have it that the commander of the French army would discover the German’s offensive plans when they were retrieved from the… Read More »

Profile: Colin Powell

By | September 5, 2014

[September 05, 2014] Colin Powell is one of America’s most respected and esteemed public figures. He was one of the U.S. Army’s most senior generals and was also U.S. Secretary of State. Being successful at both is an admiral accomplishment. Choosing Colin Powell for this leadership profile was easy; writing about his leadership style was something more difficult.… Read More »

Communication: The Spoken Word

By | September 4, 2014

[September 04, 2014] Nothing is more important to humans when at work than the spoken word. It ensures good communication. When leaders talk, people listen and only by the speaking can a leader do those things required. The spoken word is like the oil that lubricates a machine; it allows the entire mechanism to function properly … like… Read More »