[September 9, 2019] We were in the back of a U.S. Air Force C-130 transport plane, flying between Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait and Baghdad International Airport, Iraq. Passengers were a mix of civilians and various branches of the U.S. military. It was the first time I ever heard the phrase, Admiral of the Narrow Seas. In… Read More »
[September 6, 2019] “United we stand, divided we fall” is a common phrase meaning without each other we are condemned to fail. The consequence of the idea is strong; going back to before recorded human history and used in some form across all cultures and across all time. Based on this idea, formal relationships are created during peacetime… Read More »
[September 5, 2019] For those following the U.S. presidential campaigning, you probably overlooked some of those doing poorly in popularity polls. I’m looking at them because they tell us something of value. What they are doing says what NOT to do as a leader. Take, for example, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio. I’ll be using his… Read More »
[September 4, 2019] Leadership is not easy; it means taking on complex, ambiguous, and difficult problems. These are closely tied to our deepest values and we are limited by cultural mores and social responsibilities. Solutions can be slow and are often fraught with unintended consequences. When the government gets involved, it can bring enormous resources to bear; a… Read More »
[September 3, 2019] Yesterday, I wrote that the U.S. military’s organization is superior to most civilian companies (see link here). What makes it different? I’ve come up with 13 ways that show why the military is better. Today, I’ll list the final eight methods.2 This article is based, in part, on work done by Christopher Littlestone, who is… Read More »
[September 2, 2019] The U.S. military is far better organized than most civilian companies. You will find more structure, honesty, and focus in any military unit compared to their civilian counterparts. This is the reason that today, I’m providing 13 methods the military organization is better than civilian businesses. Yesterday, I was speaking with my neighbor whose son… Read More »
[September 1, 2019] “Does not respond well to authority.” This was written in my friend Wilson’ first Officer Evaluation Report after one-year on the job as an Army Second Lieutenant. He was mad as hell about the comment but knew, deep down in his psyche, that it was true. His mom and dad would agree. He always had… Read More »
[August 31, 2019] In 2003, during the initial invasion of Iraq, the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines were often the tip of the spear of American and coalition attacks. They fought with distinction and were later deployed several more times to Iraq. Their motto is “Whatever it Takes.” One of the best habits a leader can have is to… Read More »
[August 30, 2019] I needed a one-hour credit college course to graduate, so I took Art History. The course, which I planned to do my absolute least amount of work to pass, turned into one of the most interesting courses ever. I learned about what was to become my favorite piece of art; the white Parian marble statue… Read More »
[August 28, 2019] It was 56 years ago today, August 28, 1963, when Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous and inspiring ‘I Have a Dream’ speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Most of us believe the importance of his speech centered on removing racial segregation and discrimination against blacks in America. MLK’s speech was much… Read More »