[October 26, 2019] On the surface, it may appear that an open door policy for senior leaders would be universal and a commonsensical procedure to implement. The fact is that few leaders follow-through on an open door policy even when they agree with it. While there are downsides to such an approach that encourages open communication, the positives… Read More »
[October 25, 2019] The ultimate test of a personal character is an individual who respects those who can be of no possible service to him. The specifics of how that is done are complex but the fundamental ideas of respect are found in good communications. “The enemies cannot destroy the king who has at his service the respect… Read More »
[October 24, 2019] U.S. Army General. George S. Patton once noted, “If we take the generally accepted definition of bravery as a quality which knows no fear, I have never seen a brave man.” Patton clearly understood that fear can be a great motivator to succeed in battle. It can also be the greatest of all motivators. Fear… Read More »
[October 23, 2019] Leadership means educating people about things that make them wiser and more likable as an individual. One item is telling them something of utmost importance. If they believe they should be doing something – and are afraid to do it – then they should do it. That is one way to see if you are… Read More »
[October 22, 2019] Yesterday, while I was writing my article on the Anglo-Zulu War battle at Isandlwana, I thought about fear and how it affects us in different ways (link here). Knowing fear and how to control ourselves while under its influence, is a subject most leaders would like to avoid. For this reason and the fact that… Read More »
[October 21, 2019] A small group of young teenage boys sat on my living room floor to watch the movie Zulu (1964). We were good friends and all raised in small towns of rural Louisiana, but we were also insular in our understanding of the world. This movie provided us with a shocking glimpse into the real world. … Read More »
[October 20, 2019] Some time ago, when I was a very young teenager and working at a firework stand. I had some trouble getting all the different kinds of pyrotechnics on the stand properly and asked Mr. Mike Browder, the owner, to give me some help. His advice was simple and straightforward, “Doug” he said, “just do it.”… Read More »
[October 19, 2019] It was a tough, brutally hot day back in August of 2006. I was to meet my new “counterpart” in the Iraqi Army. My task was to “Get to know him and see what his problems are.” What I didn’t expect was that one of the Iraqi Brigade engineers had been horribly disfigured by an… Read More »
[October 18, 2019] It’s not easy being in the military. You have competing priorities with complex assignments and demanding commanders. To be successful, you have to think hard about your mission and your teammates. In battle, you have to shoot, move, and communicate. “Think, think, think, that is what we are trying to install because your mind is… Read More »
[October 17, 2019] Discussion of the importance of character can be found in ancient texts, intertwined with the fog of ancient history. Unsurprisingly, character can be found in the modern, high-speed technological prowess we experience today. Hard work, self-sacrifice, positive attitude, and good judgment are just a few character traits that place the most admired citizen on the… Read More »