“Leaders are the stewards of organizational energy - in companies, organizations and even in families. They inspire or demoralize others first by how effectively they manage their own energy and next by how well they mobilize, focus, invest and renew the collective energy of those they lead. The skillful management of energy, individually and organizationally, … Continue reading The Power of Full Engagement
Incapable of learning from the Past
In 1945, while serving as the Military Governor of Bavaria, General Patton shared the following with Larry Newman, a correspondent for Integration News Service: “The thousands from North Africa to the Channel, on the sea, in the air, in the mud and filth, who gave their lives in what they believed was the final fight … Continue reading Incapable of learning from the Past
Know Nothing
“In St. Louis City and Country, what afterwards became the Republican party was known as the Free-Soil Democracy, led by the Honorable Frank P. Blair. Most of my neighbors had know me as an officer of the army with Whig proclivities. They had been on the same side, and, on the death of their party, … Continue reading Know Nothing
Theory of Happiness
“With the theory of happiness, of well-being, as the primary aim of existence we shall only form egoistic men, worshippers of the material, who will cary the old passions into the new order of things and corrupt it in a few months. We have therefore to find a principle of education superior to any such … Continue reading Theory of Happiness
Ulysses Grant reflecting on the Civil War
“I would not have the anniversaries of our victories celebrated, nor those of our defeats made fast days and spent in humiliation and prayer; but I would like to see truthful history written. Such history will do full credit to the courage, endurance, and soldierly ability of the American citizen, no matter what section of … Continue reading Ulysses Grant reflecting on the Civil War
Future Soldiers
I'm currently reading The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant (The complete annotated edition), and one statement caught my attention so far. During the Mexican War, 1846-1848, the then Lieutenant Grant mentioned that during the Army Occupation at Corpus Christi, "the rank and file were composed of men who had enlisted in a time of … Continue reading Future Soldiers
Resiliency
"Resilience is commonly thought of as 'bouncing back,' like a spring, to our pre-crisis shape or norm. A more apt metaphor for resilience might be 'bouncing forward,' rebounding and reorganizing adaptively to fit new challenges or changed conditions. For instance, with a major loss - a job, a home, or a life partner - we … Continue reading Resiliency
Funding the government
Well, it's that time of the year again and the words "government shutdown" are all over the news. Congress is unable to agree on funding the U.S. government as we approach the September 30th deadline. The Legislative Branch has a big leadership problem, and they are not leading with purpose. Bill George said that, "Purpose … Continue reading Funding the government
The Leader’s Bookshelf
I’m a strong believer in lifelong learning and that you need to master your profession, especially if you are a leader. I know that some people are natural leaders, but leadership can be taught, and professional reading is essential if you want to be an effective leader. General George Patton, for example, spent many hours … Continue reading The Leader’s Bookshelf
Book Review: How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
This book, written by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren, is definitely a classic. However, it may not be for everyone. You must love reading, not just for entertainment, but for gaining knowledge in order to truly appreciate the work that these two authors have put together. I started reading this book in 2009 … Continue reading Book Review: How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
Thoughts about leadership, history, and more 