[February 22, 2016] As I watch and listen to U.S. political candidates’ speeches and their debates, I began to wonder what are the non-negotiable traits in a leader. What do people think about when they go to vote? What makes them reject one candidate over another, reject one leader over another leader? This week during my travels across… Read More »
[February 21, 2016] The country of Venezuela continues its economic and social slide downward into the abyss of socialism. There was hope with the election of new members to its parliament but their weak efforts have not stemmed the country’s violence, crippling shortages of goods, or loss of jobs. Venezuela’s President Maduro continues to blame the country’s woes on… Read More »
[February 20, 2016] We’ve all seen it happen; you have more than one boss … one who gives you an order and it’s contradicted by someone else in your organization. Like a child with two parents and grandparents living at home, everyone is telling you what to do. Having too many bosses and how to handle it is… Read More »
[February 19, 2016] I write this while on the road traveling across the southern states of the U.S. The trip brings me in close contact with all sorts of people, mostly interesting. And so it was when I met a staffer of U.S. spy chief James Clapper while en route to Houston, Texas. Our discussion revolved around what… Read More »
[February 18, 2016] To continue my series on thinkers of refreshing ideas, I’m introducing to my readers Thomas Sowell, economist, conservative commentator, Korean War veteran, and academic. As readers of theLeaderMaker.com know, I’m interested in new and innovative ideas; sometimes emotional but always controversial because they are new. Sowell meets that standard. I’m most interested in ideas that… Read More »
[February 17, 2016] After 9/11 when terrorists struck the United States homeland, there were many people who emerged as heroes. Among them were firefighters, police officers, sanitation workers, and yes even ordinary people who were all involved to save people and engaged in the dangerous cleanup effort in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.1 In… Read More »
[February 16, 2016] I was breaking in a replacement Flag officer at the end of my tour in South Korea and the job required me to work closely with and live alongside my Korean counterparts. My replacement however had difficulty adapting to the new assignment and eventually was sent home early. What did he lack? Physical and emotional… Read More »
[February 15, 2016] My commander during my first combat deployment was a passionate man, dedicated, and an experienced soldier. He was everything I could want in a boss and everyone was loyal to him and loved him. When things got bad he was like a rock in a stream; steady and inspiring. Things can turn out good when… Read More »
[February 14, 2016] I surprised my wife with a bouquet of pink carnation flowers for Valentine’s Day today and she’s been all smiles since. But Valentine’s Day is more than just another holiday to purchase something; it means that all of us have an opportunity to do something good for someone we love. “A heart is not judged… Read More »
[February 14, 2016] I ask this question at the beginning of each presentation I make on leadership. When the room is full of young folks I admit to getting a few eyes rolling to show their acute disinterest in the topic. But the idea that we can learn from ancient history has more to do with leadership than… Read More »