Leadership author and speaker
Leadership author and speaker
One of the highest barriers to effecting change is getting enough people to change their thinking from “the way it is now” to the way you want to operate. In fact, many people are very resistant to change–I call that resistance “institutional inertia.” The most successful companies are able to help their teams and their […]
The military change of command ceremony is rooted in centuries of tradition back to the time of Frederick the Great. In the days before radio communications, the unit’s commander used his flag as a symbol of command and to signal movements on the battlefield. Leaders would physically hand the unit’s organizational flag from the outgoing […]
Planning is very important, but just like the surfer sitting in the lineup at some point you have to actually drop in and ride the waves. For leaders, this idea means we have to carry out the plans we make. Perfect plans don’t accomplish anything–implementing them does! That surfing maxim came home to me in […]
Mickey believes everyone can reach high levels of performance if inspired and led. During his 29 year US Air Force career Mickey commanded thousands of Airmen, managed portfolios worth billions of dollars, and worked with military, civil, and industry officials around the world. He is a Distinguished Graduate from the Eisenhower School at National […]
Mickey believes everyone can reach high levels of performance if inspired and led. During his 28 year US Air Force career Mickey commanded thousands of Airmen, managed portfolios worth billions of dollars, and worked with military, civil, and industry officials around the world. He is a Distinguished Graduate from the Eisenhower School at National […]
I missed the block. The defensive end was my guy to block and I missed him, so our quarterback, Louis, ended up on his back. Again. I felt terrible—we were already struggling and now I’d made a mistake that cost us another 10 yards and Louis some undeserved bruises. Finally, I couldn’t hold it back […]
My annual advice for new college students is really focused at freshmen, but you sophomores need advice, too. In fact, if my own personal experience is any measure, sophomores need it more. You’re Experienced, but You’re Not an Expert. Returning to college this fall will feel familiar. You know the locations of your classrooms, you […]
Been too long Since I pointed the compass out of town Too long since I raced the sun It’s time to hear the engine whine And listen to those tires hum Like what you’re reading? Get more Patio Wisdom at the Lulu Store and at Amazon. Mickey believes everyone can reach high levels of performance […]
Life is a lot like coffee at work: sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, and sometimes you should just be happy to have it at all. Having some perspective on life and being satisfied with “who you are” is the cornerstone of Patio King’s wisdom. If you can’t be comfortable in your own skin, you’ll waste […]
Below is an excerpt from the hilarious and inspiring book, Patio Wisdom, by my brother Tony and I. You can get your copy here. While stationed in Germany, Tony attended the European Harley-Davidson Super Rally over Memorial Day weekend. It was Europe’s version of Sturgis, South Dakota, and that year it was in Austria. He’d […]
I’m going to go stand outside so, if anyone asks, I’m outstanding. Like what you’re reading? Get more Patio Wisdom at the Lulu Store and at Amazon. Mickey believes everyone can reach high levels of performance if inspired and led. During his 28 year US Air Force career Mickey commanded thousands of Airmen, managed […]
If at first you do not succeed, then you should do it like I told you in the first place. Remember that wisdom is hard won, usually through a few bloody noses and broken bones. For the apprentice, the wisdom from the man with scarred knuckles could keep said apprentice from having the same scars. […]
Had a friend tell me long ago that I didn’t buy motorcycle parts, I bought patterns. I’ll be damned if I don’t hear his voice every time I try to buy something nice for my bike. Like what you’re reading? Check out “Patio Wisdom” in the Lulu Store and at Amazon. Mickey believes everyone can […]
Life is full of plan B, a lot more plan C, and the occasional plans D, E, and F. Success in life is due to a combo of luck and hard work. When luck fails, you have to be able to work harder! The Patio King has always been willing to work hard to make […]
The only things holding it together were grease and God. . ======== Like what you’re reading? Check out “Patio Wisdom” in the Lulu Store and at Amazon.
Always go big. Never even think of going home. ======== Like what you’re reading? Check out “Patio Wisdom” in the Lulu Store and at Amazon.
Don’t get mad at me for yelling at you: Go get something done. When you have a bad day at work, or anywhere for that matter, you have two choices to deal with it: get angry and stomp around, or get something done. I prefer the latter! You can’t control other’s thoughts and words, let alone their […]
Be very careful what you say. It might be what she said. Comedian Jeff Allen tells many stories to illustrate the old husband’s maxim “Happy Wife, Happy Life” (aka “Allen’s Law). Patio King’s Corollary to Allen’s Law refers to the good husband’s judgement about when to open his mouth and when to just let it go. […]
I’d originally intended the blog “Patio Wisdom” to be a static page as an intro to the book by the same title. Patio Wisdom is a fun book I believe will inspire young men, and can be an inspiration to any one who’s a student of the School of Hard Knocks. Life isn’t always fair, but […]
There’s a lot of leadership lessons to be learned from sports. It’s football season again, and as teams get tuned up for the regular season, it’s worth reflecting on the success of the champions in drains just concluded. While it may not be necessary to win an NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship like the University of […]