[January 5, 2021] I am fortunate to have worked with, as well as worked for, some of the worst officers that the U.S. Army ever produced. I’m happy for the opportunity because, as Army senior leaders often note, you can still learn much from a poor leader. Some of the worst leader traits I found in new U.S.… Read More »
[January 4, 2021] There is a wise saying that goes something like this, “Censorship reflects a lack of self-awareness in the agent.” Over the past several years, social media companies have been exercising censorship over speech with which they disagree. Those who censor the ideas of others are themselves practitioners of moral cowardice. “When you tear out a… Read More »
[January 3, 2021] In 1978, I was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Part reward, part professional development, several sergeants from my unit toured the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. We were impressed. Standards of ethical behavior were clear in their Cadet Honor Code. “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal,… Read More »
[January 2, 2021] The grossly irresponsible behavior of the Chinese Communist government allowed the COVID-19 virus to spread throughout China and the world. The spread of the virus occurred primarily as a result of the communist suppression of information. Those who investigated this scandal were mistreated. Chinese Journalist Zhang Zhan was recently sentenced to four years in prison… Read More »
[January 1, 2021] Greetings! So began the letter’s salutation from the U.S. Government draft board. Still, in High School and 17 years old, the letter did not surprise me. However, it was to put me on a journey that ended many decades later. What I learned along the way was that trust is at the core of being… Read More »
[December 31, 2020] I’m ending this year with an article on another essential item in the Leadership Toolbox. Tools are neutral; they can be used for good or bad, and, of course, leaders have many tools at their disposal. But it is the leader’s ethics to use those tools that matter. In today’s article, I will discuss an… Read More »
[December 30, 2020] In late 1981, I received a call from a good friend, Stanley, who lives in Pennsylvania. He said, “You gotta watch this lady talking on the television.” Later, I discovered it was a Catholic nun that went by ‘Mother Angelica.’ She was tough. If you didn’t measure up, she would call you out quick. By… Read More »
[December 29, 2020] Leaders in a position to provide tips to college-bound High Schoolers bear great responsibility. Care must be taken to provide accurate information to anyone considering going to college. I am frequently asked to give a few tips. I listed them below. What will be noticed immediately is how my tips differ from typical “tips for… Read More »
[December 28, 2020] As we approach the New Year, I am reminded of my dad who used to say that the upcoming year is like a great movie waiting to be written. This year 2021, there are promises that I have made. Perhaps others should be making similar promises. I had a friend in the 1st Cavalry Division… Read More »
[December 27, 2020] Wilson, a good friend since before the First Grade, called to help him answer a question. His son asked him about starting a military career, and Wilson wanted some advice. What follows is a general outline of our discussion. Many times, I had given advice on starting a military career to High School students but… Read More »