Leadership author and speaker
Leadership author and speaker
Actually, I think there’s way more than three, but since everyone is busy, I’ve narrowed it down to a few. 1. War As I Knew It, Gen George S. Patton, Jr. The famous WWII general’s memoirs has loads of lessons in leadership, showing initiative, and strategic thinking. Very interesting reading that dispels a lot of […]
When I was going through the executive leadership curriculum at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (now the Eisenhower School), speakers and readings continually repeated the notion that executive leadership was different; that the skills we learned as majors and lieutenant colonels would not make us successful as colonels and generals. At the time, […]
Rule # 7: The other team is not the enemy. The enemy is the enemy; don’t confuse the two. Rule #7 may seem like it only applies to war or possibly sports, but it applies to business and life as well. Conflict can arise when goals or methods between people or organizations differ. People being […]
“Call me / Beep me / If you wanna reach me” sayeth Kim Possible (yes, I once had kiddos at home who loved Kim!) There are loads of ways to communicate…what’s the way you like to deliver good news to friends and colleagues? Text? Facebook? Run to their office? Poll below! [polldaddy poll=7508657]
I really value direct and honest feedback. To many times I’ve had bosses tell me, “you’re doing fine, don’t change a thing!” Now I’m not perfect and I know it, so that sort of feedback just isn’t useful to me. Surely, I can do something to improve, and I’m counting on my boss to help […]
I came of age before email, so although I’m very comfortable with technology I’m also very careful with it. Rather than being a medium that replaced the hand-written or typed memo, email seems to have morphed into a combo of IM and a telephone conversation. I treat email just like I treat all written communication, […]
6. Asking the right questions is usually better than knowing the right answers. There’s an old saying in the Air Force that colonels rarely ask questions to which they don’t already know the answer. I never really understood that saying until I became a colonel, then the light came on. Everyone wants to show the […]
Last Sunday, I accomplished a personal goal by completing a “century” bicycle ride. 100 miles in six and a half hours flat on a bicycle took commitment to a training schedule, some acquired knowledge on endurance nutrition, and not a small amount of determination to finish the full 100 miles. Besides the “ordinary” preparation of […]
5. The first report is usually wrong. Be patient and ask questions. In my military career I’ve had the unique opportunity to watch news bring made, both in Washington and in the field, then watch it being reported on TV. I’ve also met many reporters, and in my experience they’re trying their best to tell […]
A little inspiration spotted at a local restaurant here on the Windward Side…reminds me of what my Dad said! I love it when people try to inspire each other and their customers, because that speaks volumes to me about that person’s sense of optimism. What do you do to help inspire others?
I’ve been a fan of Tolkien since I was a boy, and articles like this are one of the reasons why. Tolkien’s writing is so rich, that it’s possible to “mine” little nuggets of brilliance like these leadership lessons. By the way, if you liked the movies, give the books a try! (Hint: there’s more […]
Like all leaders, a military commander must manage their time carefully. It’s the only resource of which we never get more! These have worked for me as a commander and leader, perhaps they’ll work for you. 1. Organize your day, don’t let your day organize you. Whatever scheduling tool you use, remember that it’s your […]
My Dad taught me a number of really great sayings, but among the best he ever taught me was “’Can’t’” never gets anything done. Keep it out of your vocabulary.” Actually, the exact words he used were, “Can’t” never could do anything. You see, Dad always believed that if you try hard enough, work hard […]
Get your copy today over at Amazon.com! “Leading Leaders” is straightforward advice for leaders at all levels on how to be successful. Developed over a 26 year military career and a lifetime of leading, Colonel Mickey Addison lays out the foundation for character-based leadership. Illustrated through personal stories and anecdotes, Leading Leaders is a must […]
One of the hardest things a leader had to do sometimes is hold back enthusiastic employees or teammates who are so focused on perfection, they keep working on a project well past when they should’ve stopped. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough. On one hand, you want employees to work hard and strive for perfection, […]
My second rule, “Don’t Spook the Herd” was born of several lessons I learned personally. Back in my cadet days at Texas A&M, I learned the importance keeping my emotions in check as a leader when I took over as an Assistant Squad Leader in charge of training my own squad of “fish” (freshmen). On […]
On this Memorial Day, let’s pause to remember our warriors who’ve given all in the service of our country, and those who continue to serve. “God bless ’em, every one.”
The epub version of Leading Leaders is now available in the iTunes store!
The first rule of leadership is for the leader to know where he or she is going. People look to leaders for inspiration and motivation, but above all, they look to leaders for direction. That’s why it’s so very important for leaders to lead in a defined direction. Few things are more frustrating than when […]
I’m proud to announce the publication of my third book, Leading Leaders! It’s available through the Lulu Marketplace in paperback and ebook…workbook will follow soon! Buy the paperback here, only $14.95! The ebook is here, only $9.99.