decision making
Recognizing and Resolving Unhealthy Team Conflict, Part 2
In Part 1, I wrote that leaders need to exercise discernment when subordinates ask questions because not every question is an automatic indication of conflict. General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.” This requires a greater familiarity of your team members and an understanding of human…
Read MoreRecognizing and Resolving Unhealthy Team Conflict, Part 1
It has been said that human beings are perfectly imperfect. Consequently, team conflict is inevitable. However, not all conflicts are bad. In fact, healthy debate and honest disagreement can lead to innovation and stronger team dynamics. Nevertheless, when conflict becomes toxic, it damages morale, reduces productivity, and creates a hostile work environment. As a leader,…
Read MoreAvoiding a Career Tsunami
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, there was an assassination attempt on the life of President Donald Trump. Fortunately, the assassin failed, Trump lived, and the assassin was neutralized. Almost immediately, the head of the U.S. Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle came under criticism and scrutiny for not providing an adequate level of protection…
Read MoreAre You Caught in the Wire?
The photo depicts a life size diorama of a World War I German solider cutting barbed wire. The display is from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and is a perfect illustration of how we become tangled up and caught in the wire with the circumstances of life. We are eight…
Read MoreAre You Blinded by the Smoke of Career Development?
My blog for November 22, 2023, was titled Brick and Mortar: Certified or Qualified? I compared bricks to certifications and qualifications to the mortar that holds the bricks together to build a solid career structure. Walking through the smoke In the photo above, notice the firefighters walking through the smoke. The smoke is acrid, stinging…
Read MoreAn Amazon International Best Seller
I am often asked if my book, The Furnace of Leadership Development is only for firefighters and the answer is no. My book is written to those who want to develop their leadership skills and abilities regardless of profession, age, or status in life. Questions to ponder. Still not sure if the book is for…
Read MoreImpacting Others Through Teaching & Leading
The title of this blog is my life purpose, relating to Luke 12:48, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Much is Given These words involve my purpose in life and what God has given…
Read MoreDo You Make Sound & Timely Decisions?
September 25, 2023 Nasty Chemicals In February of this year, a Norfolk Southern train transporting hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, creating a large haz mat event. Responding to and mitigating an incident like this requires constant decision making. Imagine you are responding to a train derailment involving two nasty chemicals: sulfur dioxide (toxic/corrosive…
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