[August 11, 2015] I once had a politician tell me that she and her fellow city council members were not required to follow the ordinances from the city of which she was elected. Legally, of course, that was not true … but many people, leaders specifically, often believe they are exempt from the rules and the law. Few… Read More »
[August 10, 2015] It’s been 70 years since the unprecedented decision was made by U.S. President Harry Truman to use the atomic bomb on Japan. The decision itself was no easy one for President Truman because of the huge costs in civilian lives that would occur. Yet leaders should closely study the decision; one day they may be… Read More »
[August 5, 2015] My maternal grandmother was fond of giving her grandchildren sage advice. One particular time when a group of us cousins were playing with fireworks and had set the grass on fire, she said to us “okay, spit it out, who started this, and whoever did it can expect a butt whoopin’.” She put fear into… Read More »
[August 3, 2015] One of my more interesting experiences on college campuses today is presenting motivational talks to students … a few professors and staff members also attend and are welcome. Each time I do one of these I speak informally with as many people as I can in before and after my presentation. From these conversations I… Read More »
[August 2, 2015] How you are remembered once you’re gone from an organization is an uncommon topic in the study of leadership but it should be, I think, one that we review at least occasionally. All leaders leave some form of a legacy; whether it is a good one or not will depend more on how well that… Read More »
[July 30, 2015] My grandmother turned 63 years of age when President Johnson signed Medicare into law 50 years ago on this date – July 30, 1965. That was a good thing because she relied on it for her healthcare and that’s probably why she lived to just a month shy of 100 years. Most Americans are familiar… Read More »
[July 29, 2015] A little over 43 years ago there was an break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. President Nixon along with his administration were responsible but attempted to cover-up their involvement in the illegal action. As a result, two years later Nixon resigned from his office as U.S.… Read More »
[July 27, 2015] A number of years ago, several friends of mine were being mentored by a senior Flag officer, a two-star Army general, about how to succeed in command. Each was a new brigade commander and recently promoted to the rank of full Colonel. Like many good leaders they had developed a keen sense that people helped… Read More »
[July 26, 2015] Attracting the best young folks to join the military has special challenges; it’s a dangerous job with long hours and below-average pay. Fortunately, military recruiters have been successful and I will share some of their secrets here. Elsewhere, an entire business sector has grown up around helping civilian organizations recruit the best people. I was… Read More »
[July 25, 2015] “Beware of leaders who’ve experience no hardships,” one of my dad’s old friends once advised me as I was entering military service. This Korean War veteran had learned about untested leaders the hard way during the United Nations’ retreat from the Chosin Reservoir in late 1950. Trial by fire is what we sometimes say when… Read More »