[August 24, 2020] Rummaging around with some old books of mine (when I first read about leadership), I kept seeing a common theme. I get time to do that now; more reading, looking out the window at on green trees and blue skies and thinking. What I see is that old leadership principles never seem to die; they… Read More »
[August 22, 2020] The importance of proper paperwork cannot be overlooked. Many years ago, as a staff officer, I wondered why the promotion rates for Administrative Army officers exceeded the rate of Infantry officers. Infantry was the place of leaders, more likely to experience combat and to demonstrate one’s bonafides in the U.S. Army. Why then did Admin… Read More »
[August 21, 2020] In 1983, I moved my family to a small duplex in State College, Pennsylvania. We were to live on Beaver Street, about a mile from Pennsylvania State University, for the next six years. Next door was a gentleman named Mr. Jed Neidigh, who had been a doughboy during World War I. His advice to me… Read More »
[August 20, 2020] Twice, I’ve written about the importance of my 1983 Army Officer’s Guide and how it helped me on my journey of military service (see links here and here). First, a disclaimer. I don’t recall ever reading it once I made Colonel. That was a mistake because it could have helped me in those senior leadership… Read More »
[August 9, 2020] A former Army Sgt Major sent this to me on Facebook and thought I would share it. All of it is true. Great leader advice! No. 1. Yelling doesn’t make you skinny. Daily Physical Training (PT) does. If you’re not out there saluting the flag every morning at 6:30, you can automatically assume your Soldiers… Read More »
[August 8, 2020] The ultimate goal of any leader is to lead people from Point A (a less desirable place) to Point B (a better place). The “how” is what leadership is all about. When there is a point in the future no sane person wants to get to, the best leaders develop a strategy, gathers resources, and… Read More »
[July 27, 2020] My indoctrination to the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant began when I reported to my first Battalion Commander, a tight-lipped large man. His stern expression gauged my military potential, and his scowl indicated an unfavorable prognosis. I was about to be introduced to leadership in the real world. Four of my classmates and I… Read More »
[July 26, 2020] Yesterday afternoon, after taking my wife around to three estate sales, my newest book order finally arrived. For days, I’d looked forward to reading it, and while I have yet to read it all, I wanted to get something out to my readers. The book is What Are Generals Made Of? (1987) First Edition by… Read More »
[July 25, 2020] This is a two-part mini-series about preparing strategic leaders. Yesterday, I noted that there are similarities among senior leaders that should be explored (see link here). This life-long exploration is something I’ve invested considered time and energy. This series is a summary of some of my observations and thoughts. As previously noted, the first pattern… Read More »
[July 24, 2020] As we look across the landscape of successful senior leaders, there are common threads that are worth investigating. Whether such leaders were developed long ago or today and regardless of where they originate, their journeys are not that different. This two-part mini-series explores those similarities of strategic leaders, how they think, and what they see.… Read More »