Helpful Friends, New and Old

This morning I took my six-year old son to day camp; it was a routine transition; my son was calm and happy.  As we found his group, we came upon another boy who was much less calm and happy.  When his dad brought him to his group, the boy clung to his father’s leg.  Another […]

Al May, Mentorship, and an Enduring Lesson for Leaders

Alfred “Al” May passed away about this time last year, at age 90.  I attended his funeral because his son and daughter are both very dear friends, and because I remember Al well and fondly myself.  I expected to pay my respects, to support my friends, and to reflect on Al.  I didn’t expect to […]

What Brian Williams can Teach Fire Service Leaders (and the rest of us)

Celebrity anchor Brian Williams was suspended from NBC News after Stars and Stripes broke the story that his oft-repeated tale of coming under fire in a Chinook helicopter was essentially a big, flying bag of lies.  There has been much clucking and condemnation from all quarters, especially from veterans who have actually been fired upon, […]

Drawing the Line

Back in November I posted, “Holding the Line,”  arguing that leaders have a broad, important responsibility to execute directives from higher in their organizations.  On that basis, we sometimes have to take actions or uphold standards for our team members, even when we do not fully agree with those actions or standards.   I also promised […]

Remembering Athena the Cat

Our cat Athena died about two weeks ago, euthanized in the face of kidney failure.  She was nearly fifteen years of age, which is reasonably old for a cat.  She lived a long life filled with domestic cat activities, prominently including napping, eating, and play.  She was especially fond of running water, which we found […]