[September 19, 2016] In my entire lifetime there are two books I’ve read more than any other, read more intensively, valued more, and beholden to the wisdom from them. They are the Holy Bible and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. To some these two books would seem to be a contradiction; one of peace, one of war. … Read More »
[September 17, 2016] If there is one subject senior leaders lose sleep over, it’s the establishment and clarification of their authority to carry out their organization’s mission. General George Washington struggled with the federal Congress over this very issue and it haunted him during the entire Revolutionary War. It wasn’t until the U.S. Constitution was signed on this… Read More »
[September 9, 2016] The wearing of stylish clothes or handsome looks doesn’t make a person a leader or someone to be respected. Today, many of our senior leaders look and act like anything but what they are supposed to be. A leader will lack credibility unless that leader can live the part of a real leader. Only by… Read More »
[September 6, 2016] I’ve learned more from the failures and mistakes of leaders than from their successful traits. With few exceptions this haunting truth makes clear that being a leader can be difficult and dirty at times. My first week at the U.S. Army’s Infantry Officer Basic Course in May 1983, over 200 U.S. Army lieutenants and 30… Read More »
[September 2, 2016] Leaders who want to always be on top of their game, focused, and fully proficient in duty performance, might want to take a look at the Standing Rules of Rogers’ Rangers. The first rule is DON’T FORGET NOTHIN’. These rules lay the groundwork for what leadership means at any level and are applicable at the… Read More »
[August 24, 2016] Lately I’ve been reading about how to think and communicate in complex environments. The subject of complexity itself and, in particular, how great leaders have successfully navigated the murky waters of a complex world is important to those who want to understand and be a senior leader. Great leaders are more than lucky; they seem… Read More »
[August 21, 2016] Nearly 25 years ago as a Captain in the U.S. Army I struggled with the concept of applying leadership principles; what they were and their relevance to a small military unit. I commanded a 270-soldier Engineer company that had as its mission to construct structures and build roads. Did my leader guidance at the time… Read More »
[August 11, 2016] Summer with its oppressive heat and humidity is upon us here in the Northeast in full force. American inventor Willis Carrier is given credit for large-scale electrical air conditioning and I am very grateful. With my wife and I reconditioning our home in Brooklyn plus the heat of summer has taken some intellectual energy out… Read More »
[August 8, 2016] One thing that I learned early on in the U.S. Army was to pay close attention to army sergeants. This applies, certainly, to all military services. The U.S. Army’s Command Sergeant Major (CSM) is the most senior enlisted rank as noncommissioned officers and one of the most respected. Senior Flag Officers are advised by senior… Read More »
[August 1, 2016] One of the best pieces of education I received after being promoted to senior rank to Flag officer was that “Some people will love you for who you are and some people will hate you for who you are.” Human nature for what it is means that leaders will attract many people simply for being a… Read More »