Characteristic# 98: Extreme Self-Discipline

By | December 29, 2015

[December 29, 2015] From Mahatma Gandhi to Winston Churchill to Theodore Roosevelt, all had something in common with the great leaders across history. Each had extreme self-discipline in their lives. Self-discipline helps people connect today’s behavior with tomorrow’s results; allowing a leader to know which is the right thing to do. Good leaders live by their ability to… Read More »

Leadership and Pumping Gas

By | December 28, 2015

[December 28, 2015]  The ability to absorb lessons on leadership begins at an early age.  Most people start to discover solid leadership ideas as early teenagers and the best of them never lose that learning appetite.  As a sophomore in high school I got a job pumping gas at a gasoline station in central Texas.  I’ve never forgotten… Read More »

Good Habits #19: Adhere to the Golden Rule

By | December 27, 2015

[December 27, 2015]  The habit of treating all people like you would like to be treated is an adage that goes back before recorded history.  It is the basis for all religions and for successful customer service in any business enterprise.  Good habits for leaders also means taking the Golden Rule further and treating people like they would… Read More »

Battle of Trenton: December 26, 1776

By | December 26, 2015

[December 26, 2015]  It is said that sometimes it only takes a small victory to have great benefits.  Such is the case at the Battle of Trenton when General George Washington crossed the Delaware River north of Trenton, New Jersey and led the his men against Hessian soldiers garrisoned there.  A very small battle, this tactical win was… Read More »

Merry Christmas!

By | December 25, 2015

[December 25, 2015]  Merry Christmas to everyone from me and all my family.  One of the most popular holy days on the Christian calendar, Christmas honors the birth of Jesus.  Rarely does even the most difficult days of our lives prevent the dedicated from setting aside time to honor Him.  My uncle was part of the Battle of… Read More »

Leaders are Prepared … are You?

By | December 24, 2015

[December 24, 2015]  Today is Christmas Eve and a very special time for Christians around the world as one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Christendom.  My wife has made sure that we are fully prepared by starting her baking days beforehand.  Like her, leaders are prepared. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” –… Read More »

Cult Leadership

By | December 23, 2015

[December 23, 2015]  Appearing on the cover of LIFE Magazine on December 19, 1969, Charles Manson is the infamous cult leader of the “Family”.1  Cult leadership is frequently associated with megalomaniacs, crazies, and psychotic and narcissistic personalities.  The danger may be evident in the case of Charles Manson but I will argue that it is for more insidious… Read More »

Leadership and Likeability

By | December 21, 2015

[December 21, 2015]  In high school all my friends and I took every science course we could.  We did this because we’d made up our minds that we were going to college and wanted to see what we liked most as a potential major.  The chemistry teacher was the schools most likeable and that helped explain why many… Read More »

The Republican Debates and Leadership

By | December 20, 2015

[December 20, 2015]  The Republican debates have resulted in a number of unexpected consequences for the candidates and the party itself.  For those interested in the study of senior leadership, the debates have given us food for thought on who possesses the traits necessary to hold the presidency and has provided some entertainment value along the way. Unlike… Read More »