[February 15, 2019] I’m no historian, and the subject of history was one I hated in school. Only later in life did I realize that the proper study of our history can teach valuable lessons long after an event occurred. Two years ago I moved to Southern New Jersey. Driving around the rural part of the state, only… Read More »
[February 14, 2019] Criticizing military leaders for their failures is not something I write about lightly. But, as all who have “been there and done that,” know that criticizing can have a meaningful and positive impact. The reason that thoughtful criticism is necessary is that people die when military leadership fails. One good thing about U.S. military leaders… Read More »
[February 13, 2019] The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York has an honor code1 that goes back to its founding in 1802. It reads, “A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.” However today, cheating is not only encouraged, but anyone who doesn’t cheat is considered old-fashioned and obsessive. “I would… Read More »
[February 12, 2019] Dealing with children can be an amazing experience; one filled with new things, high energy, and interesting challenges. Observing children at play with their peers opens new windows into the importance of how children progress to be likable youngsters. Their efforts are not that different from a balanced leader; one who seeks the right attitude… Read More »
[February 10, 2019] I’ve been remiss of late by not writing about France’s Yellow Vest movement. Mouvement des gilets jaunes is a populist, political movement for economic justice that began in France last November. It is of interest to those of us who study leadership that there is no visible leadership in the movement. The movement began, like… Read More »
[February 9, 2019] There are plenty of practical lessons for leaders to consider in their journey to better understanding people. Goodness is one of those universally desirable attributes that indicate that this is a person who is trustworthy. However, judging people by their kind acts can be misleading if you’re looking for goodness. Some folks display a façade… Read More »
[February 8, 2019] Yesterday morning I was at my dentist’s office for a cleaning and checkup. The dental hygienist was talkative, of course, while my mouth is open and I couldn’t talk. But she said something that interested me. She said that I was one of few people who came in that actually knew how to do maintenance… Read More »
[February 7, 2019] I had only been command of my new Infantry Company for a little over a month but my boss (the Battalion Commander) already didn’t like me. He said I was “too bold.” One day we were to convoy back to Fort Hood, Texas from a local training area. My company was last (eat me dust)… Read More »
[February 5, 2019] It’s been said that leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. While life and sports are about doing exactly this, only those who are best organized can actually succeed. Sunday evening, the New England Patriots won Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams in a tough game: scoring 13 – 3. Sports… Read More »
[February 4, 2019] The motto at the U.S. Army Infantry School is “Follow Me.” Implicit, but utterly clear is their message that a leader is always on point; out in front of others and making things happen properly. This is where we get the old saying that great leaders forever lead from the front. Real leaders never lead… Read More »