LEAD WITH THE LEFT

Staying in Step for a Successful Military Life

Leadership
Book Review: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership

Book Review: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership

by | Dec 26, 2019

There is a lot of talk about “toxic leadership” in the military right now, and I’ve oftentimes wondered how people can develop over the years from promising young lieutenants and airmen into toxic leaders. How does it happen? Why is it that many people start their leadership journeys out so well and end them with catastrophic failure? How do they not see their weaknesses undermining their leadership strengths over time? How do I keep that from happening to me? 

Book Review: Turn the Ship Around!

Book Review: Turn the Ship Around!

by | Oct 25, 2019

He said, “I would have to grapple with the tension between how I aspired to be as a leader and how I actually was.” This man is speaking my 2nd lieutenant language. I was hooked because I can identify; I’ve had very much the same types of experiences already in my short time in the Air Force: times where leaders have trusted me with responsibility and authority that made for some of my best days in the Air Force, and times where I have tried to pass that on to my airmen only to watch my efforts fail.

Book Review: Winning Through Culture

Book Review: Winning Through Culture

by | Jul 2, 2019

“It’s been said that people only remember two types squadron commanders, the best they ever had, and the worst. Our charge to you is: be the best. Be remembered as a commander whose bold leadership changed lives and inspired greatness. As squadron commanders we are entrusted with our Air Force’s most valuable assets – America’s sons and daughters. If that isn’t enough intrinsic motivation, this job isn’t for you.”