Books
New Thoughts on Lean Leadership: Military Veteran and Business Perspectives in a Post-Pandemic Era
I co-wrote this book with two amazing authors, Bill Castle and Dave Harry. Our sage and frank advice is presented in twelve topical chapters and several appendices to enlighten the reader’s insight into both past leadership lessons and new perspectives on Lean cultural enablers in a post-pandemic era.
My contribution included multiple chapters. I discuss how to improve psychological safety in the workplace, the centrality of training in any organization, some good digital practices for leaders, and how to leverage transitions within the organization. I also wrote on how the military concept of mission command can be applied to organizational leadership.
Mission Command II: The Who, What, Where, When, and Why: An Anthology
In this anthology, I co-authored two chapters. One chapter covered the use of mission command principles in a logistics organization. Proper application of the principles allows for improved customer support and employee empowerment.
The other chapter expounded on my talent management article and demonstrated how mission command can be applied to talent management within the US Army.
Professional Journal Articles
Book Review: Inclusion in the American Military: A Force for Diversity (2nd ed.) by Morten G. Ender, Ryan Kelty, David E. Rohall, and Michael D. Matthews
I reviewed Inclusion in the American Military: A Force for Diversity (2nd ed.) by Morten G. Ender, Ryan Kelty, David E. Rohall, and Michael D. Matthews for the Journal of Political & Military Sociology. The book has a separate chapter for each minority and examines the historical need for them in times of war and the subsequent disavowment once the war is over.
The Use of Unstructured Data to Study Police Use of Force
We examine how unstructured data can be analyzed to study police use of force. Examples from the HRDAG and Louisiana Innocence Project are used to demonstrate the benefits of using unstructured data to identify officers who exercise excessive force and the supervisors who allowed it or covered it up.
Articles
Leaders & Likers
I look deeper into the “Leaders not likers” myth and determine that leaders need empathy to encourage subordinate engagement. It is not automatically wrong if they like a leader’s decision.
9 Ways The Army’s New NCO Eval Is Just As Flawed As The One It Replaced
I list nine things the new NCOER failed to correct from the previous one. Still hard to believe that Tweets are longer than a performance bullet on the evaluation.
Congress Needs To Take Back Responsibility For Sending Troops To Conflict Zones
Written in 2017, I explain the reasons why I believe Congress, not the President, needs to be involved when deploying troops overseas. The entire country, as represented in Congress, should have a voice in the use of our precious resource – the American servicemember.
What Talent Management Could Look Like
I tell the fictional story of SSG Alex Morgan navigating a new talent management system for his next assignment. This new system provides more individual control over their careers.
Take Care of Soldiers by Providing Early Developmental Opportunities
My co-author, Alex Licea, and I won the NCO Journal Writing Excellence Award in 2017 for this piece. We believe that taking care of Soldiers includes developing them each day – letting them lead PT in the morning or allowing them to provide training, with proper oversight.
7 Key Tips For Overcoming Army E-7 Promotion Board Rejection
I provide some practical guidance when the promotion board did not select you. This may be a little outdated now due to the change to the Order of Merit List.
Why NCOs Can And Should Be Innovators
Noncommissioned Officers should view themselves as innovators. They have been over the years, and there are some great ideas out there. NCOs need the confidence and the mindset.
This Is Why The Best NCOs Self-Develop
Leaders must continually learn to stay relevant and capable. Combat is the hardest test, where wrong answers can lead to death. A tailored self-development program helps leaders be a little better each day.
The Army Needs To Start Taking NCO Education More Seriously Now
I compare military instructor training to civilian educators and show that the Army needs to improve its instructor training, and/or require degrees to serve in such an important position.
Leaving it Better
My submission to the Why We Serve. I believe that after voting, serving the country, whether in uniform or out, is the responsibility of every citizen. I am that example for my children, as my father was for me. The reason I enlisted is not the reason I continue to serve.
8 Reasons Why NCOs Should Write and Publish
I write with Alex Licea to encourage other noncommissioned officers to write and publish. Experiences are shared. Ideas sharpened. And the force is better for it.
Some NCO Advice to New Majors
With a Brigade Command Sergeant Major co-author, I offer some advice to newly promoted Majors to help them be successful.
The Art of Presence
My first published article. I explain how leader can make their presence felt across the organization when they cannot be present everywhere.