Leadership author and speaker
Leadership author and speaker
Trying to lead men from behind makes you a driver and not a leader. It is easier to lead men just as it is easier to pull a log chain. You cannot push a log chain and you cannot push troops. The troops will keep running back to you for instructions – really from fear. […]
I’ve written many times about how a leader’s most important responsibility is taking care of the people under his/her charge. A mission focus is important, but unless someone is leading robots, then leaders have to take care of their people. The phrase we often use in the military is “Keep The Troops In The Shade,” […]
I’ve noticed organizations and institutions spend a lot of time telling young people the “don’ts”, we spend very little time telling them the “do’s”, or who we want them to be. The rules are important, everyone needs boundaries, but if we don’t give our young people some positive vision of the kind of people we want […]
Not a day goes by that I don’t hear about some celebrity or public figure getting in trouble for something they posted on social media. The opportunities the internet offers for collaboration, publishing, and discussion have a dark side as well. Imprudent posting by leaders can end up coming back to haunt an organization, or […]
Has something in my book Leading Leaders: Inspiring, Empowering, and Motivating Teams struck you as helpful or even powerful? Something on the blog been an “ah ha!” moment? Perhaps you’ve heard me speak and heard something you like? Well I’d love to hear from you! Comments are open, and thank you in advance!
I gotta say, I’ve never been given advice on how to pester someone, but Jessica Stillman’s advice over at Inc.com is, in fact, good advice. Sayeth Ms Stillman: This technique, he [Teju Ravilochan, co-founder and CEO of the Unreasonable Institute] claims, has only resulted in one truly negative response out of hundreds of attempts. Brevity, […]
Finally, my “secret project” can be revealed: my next book Patio Wisdom: Wise, Inspiring, and Humorous Quips From a Life Lived at Full Speed. The book is a collaboration with my brother, Tony aka “Patio King,” and is a collection of his philosophical quips about life, our photos, and a few of my stories about […]
Early in my career I learned about the FIDO Principle (Forget It and Drive On) as an aid to recovering from a mistake or from adversity. Seems Blackjack Pershing learned it before me! “Now for a word of advice and don’t forget this. If you have a fall—mental, moral, or physical–pick yourself up and start […]
Executive perks are in the news again. I’ve seen far too many leaders begin to believe their own press and believe those perks are their right rather than a reminder of their responsibility. In my book, Leading Leaders, I touch on this issue: I’ve been privileged to work with and for a number of very […]
Thanks to CAPT Michael Williamson, CO of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii for inviting me to speak during their leadership series yesterday! Great discussion about my one of my favorite topics: leadership! My host for the day was the XO, CAPT Ed Sewester, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share my perspective on leadership with a group […]
There’s a famous poem by World War I poet-soldier A.E. Housman entitled Here Dead We Lie that speaks to me about the cost of war, and the courage of the men and women who fight them. When ever I’ve visited a military cemetery or seen a soldier’s grave at a civilian cemetery, I often think […]
As much as I enjoy technology, and use it frequently, I also believe that sometimes the technology gets in the way of our interpersonal relationships. The vid below is a nicely done reminder to “Look Up” from our technology and see the people around us. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY] Also reminded me of this little scene […]
A very wise colonel once gave me advice about knowing when to talk and when to keep quiet. He said, Never pass up the opportunity to keep your mouth shut. It’s good advice that’s harder to follow than you might think! Leaders are generally talkers. We talk because we need to communicate our ideas, to […]
While I usually write about leadership in general or business environments, today I’m going to write specifically to those new squadron commanders who’ll be taking command of Air Force squadrons this summer. Today’s topic is how to be a successful squadron commander in the Air Force. 1. Remember that command is a privilege. Command in […]
When my son was very young, he would give me the same advice as I left for work every day: “Goodbye, Daddy, have a good day at work. Be sure to drink your water, eat your lunch, and make new friends.” I always thought his farewell each day was far more insightful than just a […]
I know I haven’t been writing much, sorry about that! In addition to my Secret Project, I’ve also been very busy in my “day job” ::: smile::: Please keep coming back, I look forward to hearing from you as a resume a more regular writing schedule!
The natural beauty of the ‘aina (the land) and ke kai (the sea) in the Hawaiian Islands is legendary, but it’s the e komo mai (welcome) the good kama’aina (islanders) show to malahini (newcomers like me), that make these Islands of Aloha a wonderful place to live. In fact, if you’ve noticed a slow down […]
I’m very proud to announce that after many proof copies Leading Leaders: The Workbook is now available in the Lulu Store! Leading Leaders: The Workbook is a companion to my leadership book by the same title, but can be used as a stand-alone guide for discussion groups, seminars, and individual study. Thoughtful questions and chapter self-assessments will assist […]
Leaders should deliberately recognize and reward excellence of members as a means of encouraging excellence for both the team as a whole and by individuals. This usually takes the shape of a formal recognition program, but it should also include informal recognition as well. The real trick for the skilled leader is to know how […]
One of the hardest things any leader has to do is balance the needs of the boss while not wearing out the team. When trying to diffuse a situation where my organization was being asked to do something impossible, I often used the line, “You can have it ‘fast’, ‘good’, or ‘cheap’… pick two.” Phrasing […]