top of page
Leadership Lessons

It's hard to say when my leadership journey really began, as far as I can remember it's always been a part of me. Something I have constantly sought to learn and get better at, and something that I will probably never do as well as I would like, but I'll never stop trying. Much of what I have learned came from my military service--30 years as an officer in the US Air Force. That journey began in 1978 when I entered the US Air Force Academy, graduating in 1982 with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, and ending in 2012 when I retired as a full colonel (O-6). 

I learned a lot in the military. But there's a lot I didn't learn...and needed to by the time I was leading District 29.  I also earned from working in the private sector, in government service, and in church ministries, and especially in Toastmasters. And a lot of continuing learning and study--trying to learn how the great leaders - lead.

The list below isn't all inclusive, but it captures a lot of what I have learned from a lot of people in a lot of different situations through the years:

  • Build the team before you need it. Teams are built on personal relationships—take the time to build them--connect!

  • It is not about me, it is about the team. Take the responsibility for the team's failures but give them the credit for the successes.

  • Listen to your team members and seek multiple perspectives—every story has more than one side, get all of them before making a decision. But in a crisis if the decision must be made right now—make it, then own it.

  • Build people up, believe in them, be there for them.

  • It’s not a sign of weakness to admit it when you are wrong or change your mind when new facts and changes in the situation warrant it.

  • You never lose anything by apologizing—even if it is not your fault.

  • Be humble—genuinely humble (false humility is the worst kind of pride).

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

  • Allow people to fail, then help them learn from it.

bottom of page