[December 26, 2016] A few days ago I wrote about my view of the Iraqis during the early part of the War in Iraq. From my one-year tour of combat duty in Iraq with a U.S. Army Engineer unit, I came into contact with Iraqis, terrorists, combat troops, contractors, home town folks, reporters, and politicians. It is instructive… Read More »
[December 18, 2016] In early 2005, my military unit returned from a one-year stint in Iraq and my first tour in that country. Once back in the United States, I jotted down a few of my thoughts about the war, the Iraqis, terrorists, combat, contractors, home town folks, reporters, and politicians. Over the next few weeks, I’ll provide… Read More »
[December 10, 2016] An Assyrian Christian Bishop is responsible for freeing 226 captives seized by the Islamic State (or ISIS) terrorist group. Members of his flock were captured last year when 35 Christian towns were attacked simultaneously in the Khabur River valley in northern Syria.1 These Christians have been persecuted for generations and with the recent focus on… Read More »
[December 9, 2016] Now is the time of year that the best companies to work for are ranked. You can see the top 10, 25 or 100 companies and a variety of reputable firms are ranking them based on a number of classic criteria. The focus is usually on surveys that ask employees how they “feel” about their… Read More »
[December 8, 2016] Senior leaders are big believers in making their core values known to all. And the closer those values are to the traditions in that society, the easier those core values will be accepted. Wawa, like any organization that has had success over an extended period of time; and can be found with employees who adhere… Read More »
[Updated] This afternoon we learned that the U.S. flag which had been ordered removed by Hampshire College president Jonathon Lash, has now been reinstated. Lash called it a “learning experience” and that “this is what free speech looks like.” He is right and it is also what leadership failure looks like. [December 2, 2016] A few days ago,… Read More »
[December 1, 2016] Humor is a great American pastime. And so it is with many other societies that have enjoyed the benefit of Democracy, wealth, and peace. One form of humor is especially poetic and that is satire. Satire can be used to mock leaders and is an effective tool to deliver a strong yet cloaked message to… Read More »
[November 24, 2016] The cornucopia of plenty is symbolic of abundance and nourishment; originating from classical antiquity and commonly associated with the Thanksgiving holiday in America. It may not seem like it after such the recent divisive political campaigns but the world has experienced the greatest level of peace and prosperity in the history of humankind. There are… Read More »
[October 14, 2016] I’ve been asked this question many times and the answer is, of course, “no” … the characteristics of military leaders are the same as all other leaders. To some of my friends, they were a bit surprised by my answer because, like many people, they are confusing leadership style with leadership characteristics. This may only… Read More »
[October 13, 2016] A few days ago I got an email from a friend of mine in the Australian Army. He and I served together in Iraq fighting insurgents who were good at killing civilians and blowing things up. Often ignored when one is in the “middle of the fight” are those things that bring us together and… Read More »