[September 16, 2015] If we are speaking of citizens of the Western world then the answer is an unqualified “yes” … we are too pampered and most of us want it that way. The problem with being too pampered – “coddled” or “spoiled” as some will say – is that we shut out anything that’s uncomfortable and we… Read More »
[August 22, 2015] The sad fact is that many senior leaders do, in fact, promote divisiveness by their choice of words and inaction to promote basic standards of good behavior. Whether purposefully or by accident, some national leaders also encourage divisiveness and they are not good leaders in the sense that they portray the requisite traits of excellence. … Read More »
[July 14, 2015] In the movie Liar Liar, the star Jim Carrey is a fast track lawyer that can’t lie for 24 hours due to his son’s birthday wish. Of course, being a lawyer and forced to tell the complete truth in all circumstances is what makes this movie so funny. It is no secret that people lie.… Read More »
[June 02, 2015] A number of years ago my daughter finished elementary school and was preparing to move into middle school. At a ceremony to mark the transition there was much pomp and circumstance and included handing out of various honors and awards to the students. After the ceremony I asked my 13-year old daughter what she thought… Read More »
[May 05, 2015] A close friend of mine – intelligent and trustworthy – resigned as a commissioned officer in U.S. Army after being told he would never advance in rank. The reason was simple; he did not promote and was incapable of effective teamwork. It was a sad day for all of us Platoon Leaders (lieutenants in the… Read More »
[April 04 2015] There is evidence, mostly circumstantial, that leaders today are less adaptable to change than ever before. Furthermore, leaders are likely to be also less resilient, lacking in courage, and less truthful. No surprise then that most Americans have less confidence in leadership than ever before. The world is changing at a pace that seems to… Read More »
[March 04, 2015] Ever witness your boss yell at people in a fit of anger? I have … and anyone with a boss likely has a story to tell about it. I believe it can be argued that leaders, if taken as a whole, are less likely to show anger in the workplace today than ever before. That… Read More »
[February 24, 2015] The answer to the question is “no” … we don’t treat people fairly … we have never treated everyone fairly … and never will because of many reasons. One reason is a lack of fairness is based in law. For example, we know that at many Ivy League universities that Asian-Americans are widely and openly… Read More »
February 08, 2015] In 2013, I made a trip to the country of Columbia to visit some of their senior military officers, police, and political leaders. The ones I spoke with were very professional but each complained about how political and judicial corruption had enormous costs and was a terrible burden for the average citizen. One insightful policeman… Read More »
[December 30, 2014] A powerful debate has been ongoing whether the sense of duty in leaders has been on the decline … or not. Recently I was involved in a lengthy conversation with senior military officers and business leaders on this topic. The common thinking is that our sense of duty is indeed slipping. Our military and business… Read More »