[October 3, 2020] If there is one thing I had pounded into us as Privates in the U.S. Army, it was that words matter, and they matter a great deal. But, growing up and living in the civilian world, I learned just the opposite; that words were not just words. The old saying that “sticks and stones…” is… Read More »
[October 2, 2020] Now that we are entering into the last few weeks before a major presidential election in the United States, it is a good idea to look at another contentious election. Harry Truman was a great leader but one that stirred controversy and divisiveness when the nation was trying to heal from World War II and… Read More »
[October 1, 2020] The thought of leading a group could turn into a nightmare unless you have some decent past experience. While leaders often mistake the role for controlling those who fall under them, it is more towards building a strong relationship with those who are associated with you. The concept of a leader has witnessed a change… Read More »
[September 30, 2020] The concept of the fog of war was put forward by a Prussian fellow by the name of Carl von Clausewitz with his posthumously published book, Vom Kriege (1832).1 I have a copy of the English version, On War (1833), sitting on my bookshelf. It is one of the few books I’ve read twice, cover… Read More »
[September 29, 2020] A little over two years ago, I gave you some insight into the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where I worked for nearly 20 years. My point? The FBI was and is today in severe decline as measured by its internal politicization, particularly the hyper-partisanship activities of its senior officers. I’m sad to report this to… Read More »
[September 28, 2020] One of the better things about the military is that it gives opportunities to learn from good and bad leadership. I’ve witnessed some deplorable decisions by leaders at all levels, one of which was by a two-star General. His command headquarters was rife with insubordinate civilians who regularly disobeyed orders and failed to show up… Read More »
[September 27, 2020] U.S. Army General Order #1 reads, “I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.” The military recognizes that a leader’s mission is most at risk of failure when that soldier or leader is not present. One of the most valuable lessons from World War I… Read More »
[September 26, 2020] Professional teachers always look to learn more and grow their abilities. They are on an unending journey where they are always searching: New concepts or teaching tactics Ways to enhance their skills and expertise New details that will help their students to be successful That is why, in this article, we are going to talk… Read More »
[September 25, 2020] Over the past several years, I’ve mentored many young leaders in the Boys Scouts, Police Departments, on college campuses, and in the business world. I always emphasize to them the importance of being likable. Here is a fact of life; if people like you, they will give you opportunities others will not get. That’s right. … Read More »
[September 24, 2020] I’m of the old school that says experience is the best teacher. And, while that is debatable in some philosophical corners, it nonetheless rings true. Sadly, experience is not transferable; we all must take a given path to see what it may bring. The very best leaders have something in common and that is they… Read More »