Charging into Danger

By | October 12, 2020

[October 12, 2020]  Shortly after the terror attacks on U.S. soil, September 11, 2001, I was sitting on an Army bus when I overhead two buck Sergeants talking.  The red-headed Sergeant said that he had wished he was on one of the commercial jets that had crashed into the World Trade Center a few days earlier.  He believed… Read More »

Core Values: Foundation for Individual Rights in Education

By | October 11, 2020

[October 11, 2020]  Freedom is a value.  But “freedom” – in its many variations and circumstances – is also a path to human wisdom and excellence in life.  It has been far too long since I’ve written on core values and the importance they have in our existence.  Today, our subject is the organization known as the Foundation… Read More »

Leaders are NOT Neutral

By | October 10, 2020

[October 10, 2020]  Last night at our weekly Boy Scout meeting, the boys held an election to determine who would be their next Senior Patrol Leader.  The Scoutmaster, an experienced and fine gentleman, explained how the Scout election process worked and how to judge the candidates properly.  He made several important points.  First, among his points was that… Read More »

You Can’t Handle the Truth

By | October 9, 2020

[October 9, 2020]  A not uncommon theme I’ve hammered on a bit too much – some say not enough – here in these leadership pages is the absolute importance of telling the truth and having the courage to accept it.1  Despite its overwhelming importance, we are still driven to lie, cheat, steal, and dodge the truth.  To do… Read More »

Essential Reads … or Maybe Not

By | October 7, 2020

[October 7, 2020]  Occasionally, I scour the Internet for writers who give suggestions about essential reads on leadership.  I’ve found them to be helpful most of the time, a few not so much.  Generally, however, their recommendations are worthwhile for junior leaders or those looking for a particular perspective.  I’m not yet convinced we always get the best… Read More »

20 Common Leader Weaknesses

By | October 6, 2020

[October 6, 2020]  To paraphrase the witty French historian and philosopher Voltaire, he once said that “We are all full of weaknesses and errors … that is the first law of nature.”  I agree.  And, the sooner each leader faces their weaknesses, the sooner they can begin the long journey to greater leadership and helping their family, friends,… Read More »

Major Lessons I Learned in the U.S. Army

By | October 4, 2020

[October 4, 2020]  Yesterday, I was a guest on the “Welcome Home Veterans” radio show on WIBG 1020 AM and WIBG 101.3 FM.  Joe Griffies was host of the show and this guy, wow, he can talk.  Tomorrow, I’ll give write about that experience and what he is doing to help veterans across our nation.  For today, I’d planned on giving a list… Read More »