[June 14, 2022] Today in America, it’s Flag Day. So, what did I do differently? I made a conscious decision that by getting up early, I could write this article in honor of this special day – and do so without distractions. My wife and dog are still asleep. My neighbors are probably asleep as well. No car… Read More »
[February 24, 2022] The ancient Greeks were advocates of great leadership but, like love, they found it an illusive idea that defied their ability to fully understand it. It follows, that in our modern times, for us to improve our leadership capabilities, we should also admit to those same special challenges. We can make advances to understand better… Read More »
[February 23, 2022] I’m a fan of Theodore Roosevelt and his success as a great political leader, statesman, and historian. Although he didn’t say it, I’m sure Roosevelt would agree with William Shakespeare’s words that cowards die a thousand times before their final death.1,2 Roosevelt was a real man – a man’s man – very much unlike so… Read More »
[February 18, 2022] The first time I was assigned to a heavy weapons team, I was thrilled to be given the responsibility. Two days of training on the ‘Ma Deuce’ M2 50 caliber machine gun gave me insight into squad teamwork and the quirks of my team. Headspace and timing was the first thing we learned. In the… Read More »
[February 17, 2022] With great fanfare, the CEO of Morgan Stanley investment bank announced a new Freshman Enhancement Program in conjunction with Princeton University.1 Morgan Stanley’s program excludes those who are not Black, Hispanic, Native American or LGBTQ+ freshman undergraduate class of 2025. By doing this, Morgan Stanley violated their core values. Putting aside the issue that anyone… Read More »
[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 »