[December 29, 2019] Ending the year on a “more likable” article is not what I had in mind this morning when I sat down at my computer. Last night, I was watching an old episode of Seinfeld, the one about the character George Costanza faked being disabled to get a job.1 For fans of Seinfeld, George is not… Read More »
[December 21, 2019] There is always a price to pay for the dark-side of success. Those costs can have deteriorating and corrupting effects on one’s family and self, loss of privacy, and social isolation. Avoiding the downside to success takes on a life of its own after one reaches a point that one’s leadership reaches large numbers of… Read More »
[December 19, 2019] Fairy tales from ancient times often depict dragons as purveyors of violence and evil. These dragons are metaphors about our lives where people struggle for their existence and the hardships they endure. In these stories, an influential leader (often a King, prince, or knight) will slay the dragon; else great destruction will descend upon the… Read More »
[December 7, 2019] Seventy-Eight years ago, at approximately 8 a.m., Imperial Japanese planes appeared over the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Less than two hours later the surprise attack was over, and the American naval fleet in the Pacific lay in smoking ruins. U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt declared the next day that this is a “date which will live… Read More »
[November 28, 2019] On occasion, I provide a special message for our troops, especially for those deployed overseas and in harm’s way. Two days ago I attended an early-morning Prayer Breakfast in the small town where I live. Those in attendance had one message – be united – and in doing so we will be the guiding light… Read More »
[November 22, 2019] There is an ancient question that continues to haunt humans. That question is, “What should we aim at in life?”1 Many philosophers have dedicated their lives to answering the question, and a mountain of sage advice has been forthcoming. I guess that we will continue exploring answers. But here is one thing I do know,… Read More »
[November 14, 2019] Since the beginning of human existence, people have been trying to figure out what makes us mentally tough and prepared to meet the toughest challenges. The world sends us the unexpected and she will test our good judgment, wisdom and readiness. A warrior mindset is essential to maximize performance and ensure victory, especially when the… Read More »
[October 29, 2019] All humans need to search for the meaning of life. Like all others, leaders, too, need something to sustain them; to provide them with proper motivations and make them feel whole. And this sustaining meaning comes only from the adoption of responsibilities. I’ve discussed the importance of the search and acceptance of responsibilities several times… Read More »
[October 22, 2019] Yesterday, while I was writing my article on the Anglo-Zulu War battle at Isandlwana, I thought about fear and how it affects us in different ways (link here). Knowing fear and how to control ourselves while under its influence, is a subject most leaders would like to avoid. For this reason and the fact that… Read More »
[October 17, 2019] Discussion of the importance of character can be found in ancient texts, intertwined with the fog of ancient history. Unsurprisingly, character can be found in the modern, high-speed technological prowess we experience today. Hard work, self-sacrifice, positive attitude, and good judgment are just a few character traits that place the most admired citizen on the… Read More »