The quest to define exceptional leadership obsesses many people, and the definitions vary not only in content, but in context. I have sipped many cups of coffee and ran countless miles pondering this complex topic. And like many, I have devoted my life and profession to understanding the elusive concept of leadership. It was in […] Read more… Read More»
In a world where many businesses have been around for decades and yet their employees still can’t function together, how is it possible for six Airmen to rebuild this high performing organization each and every year? By achieving success The Thunderbird Way…. Read More»
Our Air Force is, hands down, the best in the world. Have you ever wondered how military leaders ensure the continued success of our nation’s fighting force? How does our military routinely take a young college graduate and turn them into a precision-focused supersonic Fighter Pilot? The answer is found in a simple, scalable, repeatable […] Read more… Read More»
It is always temporary in the beginning, but routinely becomes the “new normal.” More-with-Less means we worked our employees harder than we should, and ask more of them than when they were hired. … Read More»
This will truly test the limits of your leadership. And it will test the resolve of your superiors. But it is the right thing to do for your followers and vital to the long-term sustainability of your organization…. Read More»
In preparation to assume new duties this summer, this is the simply complex guidance I would most like to pass to my new organization. Be a rebel that drives revolutionary change, not evolutionary progress…. Read More»
Where do people do their most honest discussion, let their guard down a bit and just talk? At the meal table. Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, this is the time most of us focus on relaxing and enjoying a satisfying meal. So, the obvious question that follows is how do you utilize this opportunity? … Read More»
As 2014 came to a close, so did another chapter of our lives. Written are 365 more days of our leadership, our influence and impact on others. Before we look to 2015 to develop our #LeadershipResolutions, we must first debrief the recently closed annum. Take some time. Like a Fighter Pilot after a combat sortie, sit with your wingmen and determine what went right, what went wrong, what could have been done better and which mission objectives were achieved or missed. This is the first and most critical step in improving performance in the coming year…. Read More»
Life goals. They are what drive us. They are the measure by which we evaluate our success and the lens through which we determine our satisfaction. Like many, I have both professional life goals and personal ones. The goal we will discuss here involved completing what is seen as one of the greatest feats of […] Read more… Read More»
The aerial maneuvers and precision coordination of the show is rehearsed hundreds of times before being viewed by millions of spectators each year. Often overlooked is the abundance of other skills which must be refined and deliberately developed in each and every team member before ‘going on the road.’ In addition to the flight demonstration on a show weekend, the Thunderbird Team accomplishes school visits, media interviews and visits to local social organizations for discussions. It is in these smaller, more personal venues that the persona…the Thunderbird Presence…truly shines. These 5 principles of presence directly carry-over to the leadership world…. Read More»
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