[December 08, 2013] The relationship between government politics, politicians, and political parties on one hand, and other non-political organizations on the other, is fraught with a number of minefields. Today there are enormous risks, perhaps unnecessary risks, to those organizations that establish a visible relationship with one side of the political spectrum. All leaders, senior leaders in particular,… Read More »
[December 06, 2013] It is long understood that much can be learned about an organization by the people who are hired. Simply put, hiring (and retaining) the best employees make for a better organization. The finest employees do not fear others who are the best and often enjoy the professional competition and camaraderie of others like them. Any… Read More »
[December 01, 2013] One of the many interesting phenomenon of studying senior leadership is that while we see patterns of greatness, we also see unique individual and cultural differences in those leaders. Over the past week, there has been news coming out of North Korea that they have arrested a retired U.S. citizen and Korea War veteran who… Read More »
[November 30, 2013] One would logically expect that in a nation that values and rewards achievement, that any bias regarding success would be in favor of the characteristic. In reality there exists, in many cultures, a bias against achievement. Senior leaders should make themselves aware of this peculiar social phenomenon. Everyone has experienced the classroom show-off, whose interaction… Read More »
[November 25, 2013] On January 12, 1950, Secretary of State Dean Acheson gave a speech in which he explained America’s Asian Policy, specifically saying that certain countries (e.g., Japan, Philippines) were inside the United States’ protective sphere. South Korea1 was not mentioned in his speech and five months later, North Korea2 invaded. Acheson was severely criticized for giving… Read More »
[November 24, 2013] The Origin of Species was published November 24, 1859, just 154 years ago today. But its applicability to human organizations and psychology is clear. Yesterday I wrote about the necessary immense adaptability of senior leaders. We can learn much from Darwin’s writings. Below I have listed some of my favorite quotes from Darwin. “A man… Read More »
[November 24, 2013] I originally wrote this blog post with the title “Disrespect to Leaders” but realized that I was actually leaving out a big part of the picture by not including “anger.” What brought me to this conclusion was an article published a couple of days ago entitled “America’s Anger Epidemic: Why?” by Dan Bowens. In order… Read More »
[November 22, 2013] Fifty years ago today in 1963, US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The nation was shocked and grief stricken. Nevertheless, there was an orderly and peaceful leader transition to the new President, Lyndon B. Johnson. Organizations transition senior leaders for a variety of reason. While it can be a good thing when replacing an… Read More »
[November 21, 2013] Everyone has probably seen the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. One subplot is about the problems that occur when the Wizard of Oz (a senior leader) is naive about what is going on around him. It is a risk to senior leaders, protected by well-meaning staffs, to find themselves insulated or protected from… Read More »
[November 20, 2013] Today I’m speaking to veterans who are beginning their college experience. The message is simple – with passion, adaptability, and some basic college skills, they will succeed. Senior leaders have the responsibility to help improve the success rate of our veterans; we owe them at least this much. The success rate of veterans in college… Read More »