The Pursuit of Excellence

By | September 12, 2021

[September 12, 2021]  In January 1999, U.S. Navy Captain L. David Marquet took command of the nuclear submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN-763).  At the time, the sub was known throughout the Navy as its worst performing vessel and yet had been listed for a deployment later that year.  The story of Captain Marquet’s success was, at its core, turning… Read More »

Remembering 9/11/2001

By | September 11, 2021

[September 11, 2021]  There are many memories of September 11, 2001; this 20th anniversary of that terrible event.  Today, I’m bringing you the words of Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. It is hard to believe that 9/11/2001 was 20 years ago.  I, like many of you, remember where I was and what I… Read More »

Preamble to Leadership

By | September 10, 2021

[September 10, 2021]  Tomorrow, of course, is the 20th anniversary of the radical Islamic terror attacks on the homeland of the United States.  There are many lessons to be learned.  From our lack of preparation to how we carried out the war against those who brought terrorism to our shores, there is something to be gained from its… Read More »

Inspired Rules for Teenagers

By | September 9, 2021

[September 9, 2021]  Several months ago, one of my blog’s readers suggested I put together a list of inspired rules for teenagers.  Having been a teenager, I certainly would not think I am any kind of expert, far from it. What I did today was put together some “guidelines” rather than rules.  Maybe “rules” is the better word… Read More »

The Strength of Self-Discipline

By | September 8, 2021

[September 8, 2021]  From George Washington to George Patton, all had something in common with the great leaders across history.  Each had the strength of self-discipline in their lives.  Self-discipline helps people connect today’s behavior with tomorrow’s results; allowing a leader to know what is the right thing to do. Good leaders live by their ability to establish… Read More »

Why Do We Judge Character?

By | September 7, 2021

[September 7, 2021] By the time General Douglas MacArthur commanded the occupation troops in Japan after World War II, it was nearly unanimous that his character was deeply flawed.  After Communist North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, MacArthur – who was put in charge of all UN troops – devised a brilliant plan to cut off the… Read More »

The Most Destructive Leader Traits

By | September 6, 2021

[September 6, 2021]  A lot can be said about the many traits we find in the best of leaders; loyalty, moral courage, accountability, etc.  Conversely, much is written about destructive leader traits, those that damage those inside their organization and act as impediments to excellence.1 But among those destructive traits, which one is the most damaging?  Which trait… Read More »

America’s Donation to the Taliban

By | September 5, 2021

[September 5, 2021]  We tend to forget why American and allied forces were in Afghanistan before our inglorious retreat.  Perhaps some do remember the 9/11 event that occurred 20 years ago.  The Taliban were harboring Al-Qaeda, a Sunni Islamic terrorist organization that killed thousands of U.S. citizens on that date. In today’s new ‘Woke’ culture, we are rewarding… Read More »

Happy 8th Anniversary:  theLeaderMaker

By | September 3, 2021

[September 3, 2021]  Today is the 8th anniversary of my leadership blog; https://www.theleadermaker.com/.  I’m using the 8th Infantry Division patch to symbolize the birthdate.  Thank you to all who have graced these pages, and I’m especially appreciative of those who take time from their busy schedules to both read and comment. Today is a special day in the… Read More »