[August 6, 2020] I don’t go to movie theaters anymore for the obvious reasons; sticky floors, idiots on their cell phones, poor service, and high prices. But, I recently saw the movie Midway (2019) on Netflix. My wife pointed out that the Rotten Tomatoes reviewers had given it a pathetic 41% rating while the Audience gave it a… Read More »
[August 5, 2020] Labeled as “one of the most significant occurrences in the history of the Jewish people,” the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in the Spring of 1943 was doomed to failure. This was the largest single revolt by Jews during World War II and is a symbol of freedom that we closely review for the lessons that can… Read More »
[August 4, 2020] Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese general and philosopher, once said, “If words of command are not clear and distinct if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame.” Some people say that a leader should only give his “intent” and allow those who follow the latitude to make proper decisions. That, however, doesn’t… Read More »
[August 3, 2020] In May of this year, I wrote that I would be dedicating space to discuss the leadership traits of George C. Marshall.1 This article is my second installment on that promise. I’ve chosen Marshall to focus upon because of his proven planning and organizing skills during World War II and post-war. Referred to as “the… Read More »
[August 2, 2020] Standing in line to get my field issue from the Supply Sergeant, I was given an M5A1 Korean-War era bayonet. I had to sign for it, of course. Asking what it was for, I was told to ask my Platoon Leader. Later that week, my Infantry Company was part of an extensive Field Training Exercise… Read More »
[August 1, 2020] Occasionally, in the pages of www.theleadermaker.com, I highlight an organization that is making a difference. Today, I’m introducing the Lost 52 Project. They are about providing the “fullest possible documentation and accounting” of the locations of 52 U.S. submarines lost during World War II. Few words describe what they do, but I like honor and… Read More »
[July 31, 2020] Multiple times throughout my blog, I define leadership as the ability to get people to do things they would not ordinarily do and to do those things because they want to do them.1 That, however, is only half of what great leadership is about. Great leadership also means to know evil and face evil; only… Read More »
[July 30, 2020] We all experience it. We’ve all been there. Moral failure is the bane of the average person and always will be a problem. Yet, there are those failures that are of such epic proportions that we must tell and retell the story so that even the most ignorant or ideological blind cannot close the eyes… Read More »
[July 28, 2020] Date: the early morning hours of December 7, 1941. This day was beautiful by any standard. Most wars start with a surprise attack. When the Japanese attacked ships in Pearl Harbor and planes on the airfields of Hawaii, things happened elsewhere too. You have probably never heard of the Battle of Schofield Barracks. Maj. Gen.… Read More »
[July 25, 2020] This is a two-part mini-series about preparing strategic leaders. Yesterday, I noted that there are similarities among senior leaders that should be explored (see link here). This life-long exploration is something I’ve invested considered time and energy. This series is a summary of some of my observations and thoughts. As previously noted, the first pattern… Read More »