[June 28, 2016] For some of my older readers who were watching the news in the early 1970s, they may remember the uproar Americans had over the high CEO salaries at the time. To put a damper on the practice the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission1 required public disclosure of those salaries. One of the unintended consequences, however,… Read More »
[June 26, 2016] I couldn’t resist this topic for a number of reasons and my post today involves the fall of a politician in his leadership as a Democrat from New York City. I know that it’s not fair to use a politician as an example that epitomizes the fall of a leader but, there are so many,… Read More »
[June 11, 2016] After the December 7th, 1941 Japanese bombing of the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor Hawaii, several fact-finding commissions were formed to determine whether any targeted indicators were missed that would have forewarned of the impending attack. This included intelligence on Japanese military, economic, and political activity that pointed to Pearl Harbor and the propensity of… Read More »
[June 5, 2016] It is often said that the best of leaders are willing to do what they whatever is asked of their followers. As lieutenants in the U.S. Army we could always tell which officer was most respected from how “wet” they were with their men at the wash racks cleaning armored vehicles. Those at the wash… Read More »
[May 22, 2016] The special characteristics that exemplify a great leader are no secret. And so it is with the infamous Genghis Khan; conqueror of more territory than any man and feared by his enemies. But does he deserve the harsh and unflattering portrayal as a ruthless, bloodthirsty savage like we’ve come to believe? Genghis Kahn, actual name… Read More »
[May 16, 2016] In 2003 during an interrogation of an Iraqi policeman suspected of helping setup an ambush on American soldiers, a U.S. Army officer fired shoots near the policeman’s head. Ostensibly to obtain information to protect his troops, the officer went too far according to U.S. Rules of Engagement and behavioral standards.1 This behavior, however, is indicative… Read More »
[May 8, 2016] Ideas! Where we get them, how they develop, who argues for what, and how well ideas are argued have always been at the core of the understanding of any society. No contemporary writer has been more significant and coherent than Charles Krauthammer; political commentator, syndicated columnist, former psychiatrist, confined to a wheelchair, and even loves… Read More »
[April 27, 2016] Command Sergeant Majors (CSM) are the U.S. Army’s most senior enlisted soldiers and all our military services have an equivalent. They are highly respected and they give their wisdom and advice to senior commanders to help their units run smoothly. One CSM once gave me his thoughts on why there are so many weak leaders… Read More »
[April 16, 2016] What’s great for leaders about reading books is the chance to pickup lessons that are only truly learned in times of crisis. Today I have a special treat for those who read for strategic lessons. Those who read my blog know that I’m a fan of Winston Churchill because he was the epitome of a… Read More »
[April 3, 2016] After one year in the American War of Independence with Britain, on April 3, 1776, the Continental Congress authorized private commercial ships, known as privateers, to attack British ships. The war was to last another seven years but one of the best strategic decisions of that Congress was this authorization. British vessels were harassed throughout… Read More »