[December 11, 2013] Senior executive leaders have perpetual optimism. This may appear to be self-evident at first. It may even seem obvious to the accomplished leader. However, a strong and resolute optimism is one of the keys to creating a winning team and successful organization. I was told many times as a boy playing sports (usually little league… Read More »
[December 10, 2013] One of the more interesting things about people is that we love structure in our lives. From having that cup of coffee in the morning to watching our favorite television show – humans crave structure and predictability. Leaders who help create structure in the lives of their employees will be more successful leaders. It is… Read More »
[December 09, 2013] The idea of this theory is that by paying attention to and correcting small problems, many bigger problems will be prevented. Specifically, if small problems are not dealt with in a determined and timely manner, more serious problems will be tolerated and grow. The “broken window theory” was an idea first put forth by criminologists1. … Read More »
[December 08, 2013] The relationship between government politics, politicians, and political parties on one hand, and other non-political organizations on the other, is fraught with a number of minefields. Today there are enormous risks, perhaps unnecessary risks, to those organizations that establish a visible relationship with one side of the political spectrum. All leaders, senior leaders in particular,… Read More »
[December 07, 2103] The attack on was a surprise military strike on the U.S. Naval base, Hawaii that began at 7:48 am, a clear Sunday morning 72 years ago today. The intent of the attack was to prevent the U.S. Pacific fleet from interfering with the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Ocean. The attack came as a… Read More »
[December 06, 2013] It is long understood that much can be learned about an organization by the people who are hired. Simply put, hiring (and retaining) the best employees make for a better organization. The finest employees do not fear others who are the best and often enjoy the professional competition and camaraderie of others like them. Any… Read More »
[December 05, 2013] Another organization that has been historically successful and displays its core values prominently, is the financial services company USAA (United Services Automobile Association). In 1922, a group of U.S. Army officers decided to self-insure when they were unable to get auto insurance because they were considered high risk. USAA’s stated core values are: Service Loyalty… Read More »
[December 04, 2013] If there is but one characteristic of senior executive leaders that stands above all others, it is the possession of unquestionable integrity. Without it, all the other key leader traits will amount to nothing at all. “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it… Read More »
[December 03, 2013] Senior executive leaders, by the nature of their position, must possess a grounded, pragmatic, and experienced understanding of human psychology. By that, I don’t mean they have academic training in psychological theories or a college degree in psychology or sociology. The most successful senior leader knows people; what makes them “tick.” Being a leader at… Read More »
[December 02, 2013] Lately, I’ve been struggling to get my usual reading done. The book The Generals was long and I wanted to take my time to ensure I had a good understanding of the history and reasons for failures and successes in generalship. So, I’ve been slow to jump to reading other books. Today, more books that… Read More »