[January 10, 2021] Sociologists tell us that culture affects perception, and perceptions drive behavior. Some parts of our culture influence us in different ways, and some are more powerful than others. Growing up, like so many kids, I watched television and saw something exciting and educational. One show that I favored was The Rat Patrol (1966-1968). Starring Christopher… Read More »
[January 3, 2021] In 1978, I was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Part reward, part professional development, several sergeants from my unit toured the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. We were impressed. Standards of ethical behavior were clear in their Cadet Honor Code. “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal,… Read More »
[January 1, 2021] Greetings! So began the letter’s salutation from the U.S. Government draft board. Still, in High School and 17 years old, the letter did not surprise me. However, it was to put me on a journey that ended many decades later. What I learned along the way was that trust is at the core of being… Read More »
[December 30, 2020] In late 1981, I received a call from a good friend, Stanley, who lives in Pennsylvania. He said, “You gotta watch this lady talking on the television.” Later, I discovered it was a Catholic nun that went by ‘Mother Angelica.’ She was tough. If you didn’t measure up, she would call you out quick. By… Read More »
[December 29, 2020] Leaders in a position to provide tips to college-bound High Schoolers bear great responsibility. Care must be taken to provide accurate information to anyone considering going to college. I am frequently asked to give a few tips. I listed them below. What will be noticed immediately is how my tips differ from typical “tips for… Read More »
[December 27, 2020] Wilson, a good friend since before the First Grade, called to help him answer a question. His son asked him about starting a military career, and Wilson wanted some advice. What follows is a general outline of our discussion. Many times, I had given advice on starting a military career to High School students but… Read More »
[December 26, 2020] Organizational transparency is critical in the workplace. It builds trust with employees, boosts their productivity, and minimizes misunderstandings. Yet, many employers neglect it. According to the American Psychological Association, only 50% of employees believe that their employers are open with them. Here is a brief guide to workplace transparency. Encourage Employee Transparency Start by setting… Read More »
[December 24, 2020] A few days ago, southern New Jersey missed a major snowstorm that dumped more than a foot of snow in New York City. Thus begins our Winter. In combination with our state Governor’s new mandates designed to protect us from COVID-19, we spend far less time with friends and family. Will this be a long,… Read More »
[December 24, 2020] “The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on Leadership Development.” – John C. Maxwell. It is no surprise that everyone from Boomers to Gen Z; employees of different generation want to get better at leadership skills. LinkedIn Learning’s 2020 Workplace Learning Report found that leaders in learning and development, identified leadership and… Read More »
[December 14, 2020] A Gallup poll in October 1940 found American youth as “a flabby, pacifist, yellow, cynical, discouraged, and leftist lot.” On the precipice of war, the United States was wholly unprepared militarily or socially. We were, indeed, a cowardly, leftist lot. Today, we are no different. We honor and respect the Greatest Generation; those who served… Read More »