[June 17, 2016] One popular theory in the study of psychology tells us that humans will lie, cheat, and steal if given the opportunity. While critics of the theory note the theory’s pessimistic view of the human mind, it nevertheless has some truth in it. The Watergate scandal was one of those times when failed leadership, mixed with… Read More »
[May 28, 2016] Leaders often invoke the image of the great leaders of moral courage; Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Pope John Paul II, General George S. Patton, and the like. It is assumed that those traits that make up moral courage are understood and agreed upon. And while there is much to agree upon, it is better to… Read More »
[March 28, 2016] I’m often asked what is more difficult … to stand for what I believe in and do the right thing (moral courage) or to stand against a deadly enemy on the battlefield and fight (physical courage). I have found moral courage to be far more difficult but our leadership is often tested and as humans… Read More »
[March 2, 2016] The other day I was having a lively dinner conversation with some of my best Army buddies (nearly everyone a retired Sergeant Major). If I were to list any word that comes to mind when addressing a Sergeant Major, it would be “respect” because they certainly deserve it. The reason? Every one I’ve ever… Read More »
[February 28, 2016] For a leader to recognize their own weaknesses and to take action to overcome their own human frailties is the ultimate in responsibility. At least that is what the Roman Stoics would have us believe in – personal responsibility. Yet, there are those that argue modern leaders intentionally encourage irresponsibility by their own acts and… 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 7, 2016] It is rare that anyone of us today would find ourselves in such a situation that physical courage was necessary. We normally think of it in the context of soldiers in wartime or of police and firefighters containing a dangerous situation. And yet, having to willingly decide between death, injury, danger, and pain, many people… Read More »
[January 26, 2016] Leadership in the face of adversity is difficult … but to succeed with it, is what separates the truly great leaders from all those who want it for power and popularity. It takes a high degree of moral courage, intestinal fortitude, to go the long haul when things don’t look in your favor. U.S. Intelligence… Read More »
[December 4, 2015] One of the best ways to learn about senior leadership and what it means is to observe the exceptional behavior of some of the best leaders a nation produces. Whenever someone is willing to stand up to their boss and tell the truth about what’s in their expertise, then they are showing moral courage and… Read More »
[October 29, 2015] Occasionally here in my leadership blog, I recognize someone who shows moral courage in the face of strong criticism. Many will not even recognize the name James Comey but for those who don’t him, Comey is the Director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and as a high official involved in law enforcement it… Read More »