Leadership author and speaker
Leadership author and speaker
For leadership to be authentic, we have to make decisions and take risks. The reason we’re hired into a position of leadership is to do just that; and if we’re too timid to use the authority our boss gives us then we’re not doing our jobs. In the military as in many professions, we strive […]
Living and leading authentically means being real, connected to those around you, and honest.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s what leaders hear constantly as we’re challenged to keep a strategic focus. It’s generally good advice, particularly for senior or executive leaders, but the maxim to keep your eyes on the horizon is not carte blanche to ignore relevant details. The real trick is to figure out which details […]
President Ronald Reagan once said that character doesn’t just “happen” at times of crisis, it’s constructed bit by bit by seemingly insignificant decisions. Our character is the compass on which we guide our decisions and our lives. When we have to make decisions, particularly those that involve morals, money, or the mission, we consult our […]
The entrepreneur’s passion and sense of mission is what drives them. Kathy Carroll, Founder of Lana’i Animal Rescue exemplifies that passion.
In the first part, I discussed leaders’ role in guiding an organization through tragedy. But what if it’s you that suffers the tragedy? How do you continue to lead when a personal disaster depletes your attention and energy? The first thing to remember is if it’s a big deal to you, it probably a big […]
Congratulations and Aloha ‘oe to CMSgt David Linde on his retirement from active duty after 30 years’ service. Chief Linde is a great leader, Airman, and friend. I’m honored to have served with him!
Tragedy is a part of the human experience: we can’t escape it and as leaders we get one chance to get that right. Whether that tragedy is the loss of a co-worker to an untimely death, a teammate with a life threatening disease, or the loss of an employee’s family member, leaders have to be […]
5 things I’d wish someone had told me–and I wish everyone knew–about entering the workforce for the first time.
Administration, faculty, staff, parents, family, and friends, I think I speak for everyone here when I say thank you for all your support these past four years. Your individual attention, long hours, and encouragement made it possible for us be here today. Mom and Dad, you have especially shown me unwavering support—they’d kick me off […]
It’s the graduation season, and young people across the country are throwing their square caps into the air in celebration of their accomplishment. My daughter was honored to present the Valedictorian speech at her school (which I’ll post tomorrow), and as a Dad I’ve got some advice I’d like to offer as well. In honor of […]
“It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell.” – William Tecumseh Sherman, General, US Army My deepest thanks to the men women who’ve given their “last full measure of devotion” and to […]
I’m excited to be presenting at the Society of American Military Engineers’ JETC 2015 next week in Houston, Texas! As a Life Member, it’s a privilege to serve my Society by leading a Speed Mentoring session, moderating a panel on Theater Security Engagement World-Wide in the Contingency Engineering Track, and presenting “The Five Be’s” […]
If you wonder if you are in the club, you are not. Ever have that feeling that you’re just not “getting it?” Boy, I do sometimes. I’d thought that when I became an adult I’d have access to “The Rules” and I’d never feel awkward again. The truth of course, is that age is no guarantee […]
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 […]
A house is not a home without corndogs! We’ve moved a lot in our military career, and no matter where we’ve found ourselves we’ve made ourselves a home by bringing in familiar and homey things. The Patio King’s touchstone is corndogs (and whiskey, pork butt, and…) Tell us in the comment section what your comfort items […]
Maintaining the right “command culture” in your team is vital to high performance – and the foundation of ethical leadership
My latest on General Leadership: A lesson every successful athlete learns quickly is champions don’t take shortcuts. Sure, an athlete can take performance enhancing drugs or try quick fixes, but those short term wins are usually overshadowed by long term defeats. The true champion, the one who everyone aspires to emulate and sports magazines profile, […]
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’ve always been a reader: fiction, non-fiction, comic books–seriously, anything I can get my hands on. I think a person who is a steady consumer of books is opening their mind in a way that’s not possible any other way. Watching videos and listening to lectures has their place, but books are the gateway because […]