[January 5, 2021] I am fortunate to have worked with, as well as worked for, some of the worst officers that the U.S. Army ever produced. I’m happy for the opportunity because, as Army senior leaders often note, you can still learn much from a poor leader. Some of the worst leader traits I found in new U.S.… 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 2, 2021] The grossly irresponsible behavior of the Chinese Communist government allowed the COVID-19 virus to spread throughout China and the world. The spread of the virus occurred primarily as a result of the communist suppression of information. Those who investigated this scandal were mistreated. Chinese Journalist Zhang Zhan was recently sentenced to four years in prison… 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 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 21, 2020] I never was a big fan of watching television or going to the movies. To me, it was a waste of time. However, readers of my leadership blog will note that I occasionally refer to films because of their value in understanding leadership. One such documentary, The Somme (2005), is one of them. Are movies… Read More »
[December 18, 2020] There is an old idea about great leadership I keep thinking about; it is most fitting applied to Allen West. You may forget what a great leader said, but you will never forget how that leader made you feel. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and Congressman Allen West is a steadfast Republican, American Patriot, family… Read More »
[December 16, 2020] “Make only important decisions.” So began my first mentoring sessions by one of the most respected sergeants in the U.S. Army. I was a new, inexperienced Second Lieutenant; he was battle-tested, senior career NCO. “Doing so will give your team the power to carry out your orders.” He was originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and… Read More »
[November 23, 2020] And so it began. My best childhood friend, Wilson, and I would fight over the most trivial matter. Often, we couldn’t even remember what the fight was about. One fistfight, the one I do remember, was when Wilson said I had no good sense. I wouldn’t say I liked the insult, so I slugged him… Read More »