[January 31, 2015] Most people who’ve worked for more than a few years have probably had the unfortunate experience of leaders who don’t really lead but display harmful leader traits. These traits will be destructive to individual workers and the organization as a whole. These are called counterfeit leaders and any organization with them had better check the… Read More »
[January 30, 2015] Considered the greatest and most morale-boosting prisoner rescue of World War II, the military raid of a Japanese prison camp near Cabanatuan, Philippines was a demonstration of great leadership, bravery, and audacity. With a mixed force of U.S. Army Rangers and Alamo Scouts, plus Filipino guerillas, a total of 511 prisoners were freed with only… Read More »
[January 29, 2015] Who has grown up not reading about the famous battle at Thermopylae where a small Greek infantry force held a narrow coastal passage against a huge Persian army? Or, who has not been taught about the humankind’s first democracy in Greece? From the most ancient of times, Greece has provided great leadership and the recent… Read More »
[January 28, 2015] As a Captain in the U.S. Army commanding a company, I was always looking for ways to provide more motivation for my soldiers. Awards in the form of medals, passes (time off), promotion, and letters of commendation were all items in my leadership toolbox that had been used successfully in the past. I wanted more… Read More »
[January 27, 2015] Core values tell us a lot about people and their culture. Ten American core values were proposed in Parts 1 and 2 previously, but how can we test them against what American’s respect and see as popular? Most people the world over would likely be able to identify what Americans like and do so for… Read More »
[January 26, 2015] American core values are not something we hear people talk about much these days. We do hear politicians talking about “fairness” and “equality”, yet the meanings do not always align with what most Americans think. Our leaders help set the tone for dialog and we look to them for how to treat others and for… Read More »
[January 25, 2015] A few days ago, I was invited to have lunch with about a dozen good friends; all retired from the U.S. military. While eating our pastrami sandwiches and drinking cream soda, the inevitable comment came up about how many young people in the U.S. are so different from us. American core values have not had… Read More »
[January 24, 2015] There’s a concept in sports, business, and the military that postulates that if your decision-making cycle is faster than your competitor, you can win. It’s called getting inside the decision cycle and it’s all about being a champion and winning. That may seem harsh … but failure is rarely a good option. My experience is… Read More »
[January 23, 2015] While watching the news on television I saw the press conference with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Being a football fan kept me on the channel while he fielded questions about the deflated football “scandal.” My wife asked me, “Who would think this an important issue?” Many do think it important but whether we… Read More »
[January 22, 2015] Carved in granite for all to see is the West Point U.S. Military Academy (USMA) cadet honor code. It’s a simple description of those things that make for a better leader and is there for all to see. It states that “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.”1 When followed,… Read More »