living life well
For all the definitions, descriptions, and characterizations of leaders, there are only two that matter: effective and ineffective. Effective leaders led successful teams that accomplish their mission and win. Ineffective leaders do not.
Continue reading ““Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin”
There are many good beginnings, but few food endings.
After a discussion on leadership, this book was given to me by a friend and co-worker – David Cable. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and would recommended to anyone interested in fundamental, practical leadership principles.
We all know that getting to the top is difficult and staying there is even harder. Through the years great empires faced a 4 century lifecycle. This 400 year lifespan has played out many times over throughout history. Given that the United States is about 240 years down this path, one can conclude that we are most likely on the downhill path toward a major fall.
While history is a good teacher, I do not believe it serves as an infallible prophet of all things to come. Is it possible to break this cycle? Can a world leader survive?
Beyond that, can any entity sustain at the peak beyond the historic cycles? Continue reading ““The Ruler’s Guide” by Chinghua Tang”
The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won.
I came across a quote today. It comes at a time in life when I have trouble looking to the future with faith. All my past experiences lead me to understand that God is faithful in all things and that He desires to prosper me and my family to His glory. This review of personal history should provide ultimate confidence in the steps I am taking. However, I find myself lying sleepless with fear of future failure.
When the past becomes more glorious than the future, we’ve got a problem.
– Greg DePriest Continue reading “Thoughts on Fear and the Future”
All these leaders were made. They were not born.
This book was given to me by my great friend, Greg DePriest. Upon receiving it, I moved it to the top of my reading list. This is the best leadership book I have read in several years. It is more than a modern repackaging of the same cliche materials that have been circulated and recirculated over and over again for the last 2 decades.
Forged in Crisis is a collection of 5 short stories. The heroes are shown in their humanity with intriguing insight into their triumphs and struggles.
One quote that particularly resonated with how I often feel came from Bonhoeffer:
“It is strange that in all my decisions, I am never completely clear about my motives. Is that a sign of lack of clarity, inner dishonesty, or is it a sign that we are led beyond that which we can discern, or is it both?” – Bonhoeffer