[December 31, 2021] Reading is essential for reasons that are too well known to discuss. But I will make an observation about many younger folks I’ve worked with over the years. Many say to me, “I don’t read.” And I believe them because I also see them falling behind their peers in work, family, and social settings. At… Read More »
[December 22, 2021] Leadership is hard. Military leadership (that applies to leaders preparing for and being in combat) is tough. There are several famous writers on leadership (e.g., Druker, Maxwell, Bennis) who provide insight into several principles of leadership. Yesterday, I wrote Part 1 and listed many of those principles. These “principles” are commonly found by those writing… Read More »
[December 21, 2021] Search the Internet or read just about any book on military leadership, and you will find a wide range of “principles” of military leadership. Of course, that a good because most of what is written stays within the classic lines of leadership. For example, good communications and knowing your weaknesses will top most lists. Today,… Read More »
[December 14, 2021] Since the beginning of humankind, we have painted on cave walls, carved pictures in wood, ivory, and bone, sang songs, danced, and told stories. The best stories were passed down from generation to generation. A teller of a good story puts you in the center of human existence. We are drawn to those who can… Read More »
[December 10, 2021] Life is competition. Life is survival. But it is more! Life is about living morally, about playing the game and winning by the rules, knowing when to step up and be counted (often in the face of great danger). Life is tough, but it also brings great joy. Today, I will discuss a philosophy of… Read More »
[December 9, 2021] When things go wrong, terribly wrong, there is someone who steps up to slay the dragon. This is, of course, the classic hero. He is the knight that kills the dragon, rescues the maiden, and lives happily ever after. Well, that is how it goes in fairy tales. But this story is symbolic of human… Read More »
[December 8, 2021] Victory! Success! Mission accomplished! Surviving an emergency! All these have one thing in common. The common factor is not luck, who you know, or even how blessed you are. To be victorious, you must be ready. Nothing legitimately counters this fact. This article is part of a three-part series that lays out how to be… Read More »
[December 6, 2021] A good friend of mine was an outstanding leader of Soldiers. He was a U.S. Army Infantry officer, and he was the type of person you wanted to be in charge of troops in time of war. Bill was aggressive, reliable, trustworthy, and could operate with little guidance or help. His weakness was that he… Read More »
[December 5, 2021] Leaders must be sufficiently competent in their professions to survive. High-quality leaders can perform the duties of their job with an acceptable level of quality – a combination of knowledge, judgment, and skills. Such professional competence does not come without sacrifice. Technical competence will not assure a leader’s success since other traits are a part… Read More »
[December 4, 2021] Back in October this year, there was a tragic shooting on the move set of Rust. Alec Baldwin was the producer and actor in this Western, set in 1880s Kansas town. Production was halted after Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed the cinematographer and wounded the director. There is an ongoing investigation that has yet… Read More »