[October 16, 2018] In 2017, thirty years after the making of one of my favorite movies Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), I had the privilege to speak with its star, Robin Williams. He was on a USO goodwill tour overseas and that’s how we met. The first thing I asked was about this movie. I never really knew the… Read More »
[September 17, 2018] I’ve been asked on several occasions to re-publish a few of my older articles on the U.S. military as a way to reintroduce the concept of “effectiveness in teams.” Today I’ve done that with an article on battle-hardened troops. Enjoy! [Originally published September 2, 2014] There are few things more confusing in military debate circles… Read More »
[September 14, 2018] On occasion, I like to watch old war movies. I watch them for the action and to get a small glimpse into what made them so popular back in the day they were made. Movies are made to make money but they are also a look into the minds of those who lived at that… Read More »
[September 3, 2018] Happy “5th” Anniversary to www.theLeaderMaker.com! As everyone knows who regularly reads my leader blog, I post daily on a topic of significance to those interested in improving their leadership skills. Never is there a shortage of topics. I still get suggestions from readers. Please continue to push them my way. Of some interest is a… Read More »
[August 29, 2018] I noted this before but it is worth saying again; I don’t highlight the deeds of heroes as much as I should. When we compare ourselves to their lives, we often come out lacking in some way. Today, I’ll be drawing attention to U.S. Airman Tech Sergeant John Chapman whose deeds in Afghanistan posthumously won… Read More »
[August 1, 2018] My recent experience with the Boy Scouts at summer camp (articles here and here) brought a number of comments from readers asking for practical leadership tips. I’ll soon start a short series on this, but for today I’ll offer one of the most useful of all practical leader tips; remember their names. Yes, that’s it… Read More »
[July 25, 2018] One of the advantages of long-term and successful experience as a senior leader is the acquired ability to identify and promote talented leaders. It becomes a “calling” to find, support, and advance those junior leaders who show high potential as future leaders. “Great things are accomplished by talented people who believe they will accomplish them.”… Read More »
[July 21, 2018] A week at Boy Scout camp finished up late last night and we made it home safely and are happy to be back with our families. The troop’s adult leaders and boys holding leadership positions, all of us, came home with a greater appreciation of what practical leadership is about and its realistic application. One… Read More »
[July 19, 2018] It is rare for the average person to have a mentor. It is even rarer to have a mentor who is smart enough to provide us with quality advice and guidance. I was privileged on both counts and am lucky enough to recall some of his best words to live by. It was my understanding… Read More »
[July 17, 2018] As I write this from Boy Scout campsite Yawgoog, our boys are getting ready to trek to dinner and show their scout spirit. This is the end of day 2 at Boy Scout summer camp in rural southern New Jersey. So far, we’ve re-learned a few leader lessons worth sharing. The Boy Scout Motto is… Read More »