The Ultimate Three Pieces of Advice on Command; NeoDeMarcoian Thought

Years ago I attended a Squadron Commanders' conference at Scott Air Force Base.  I always assumed these events were designed to make one a better leader when in fact, they are designed to enlighten a commander as to what the headquarters staff is working on to include the various “programs” available to assist warriors in …

Crystal Clear Organizational Clarity: 4 Key Components

The post also appears on the GiANT Worldwide blog: Organizational clarity begins with clear leadership and clear leadership begins with a clear, shared vision. Vision is so difficult because most leaders prefer to deal with the data-driven world of organizational intelligence. The problem is, without strong organizational clarity, organizational intelligence is attenuated. Simply put without …

Defending Air Bases in an Age of Insurgency: Volume II—The Contingency Response Group (CRG) Chapter: Neo-DeMarconian Thought

It was an honor to be asked to have a paper I penned almost 15 years ago to be included in a new volume published by Air University Press and edited by Shannon Caudill. The book examines both the art and science of one of the most important aspects of Air Force military operations . …

The Paradox, The Unforgettable Fire, and Rogue Leaders–DeMarco Banter (Can you Institutionalize Leadership Development?)

Institutionalizing leadership development has been a topic that has taken up a great deal of RAM this past week. There is no doubt that leadership development is at the heart of a leader’s responsibility, but can we honestly institutionalize it?  Is it a paradox or a paradoxical situation? The Power of the Paradox In George …

TOXIC WORKPLACES: TOXIC FOLLOWERS Another DeMarco Podcast w/USAF Chaplain Corps

Another opportunity to talk with my NOW great friends at the USAF's Chaplain College--LtCol Matt Boarts and MSgt Kevin Dilley--these guys are amazing---highly recommend their podcast.  They have built this effort on the backs of their amazing ideas and a true passion for building better leaders--This episode focuses on toxic followers.  We hear a lot …

Machiavelli for the Leader/Commander—The Paradox: Neo-DeMarcoian Thought

For years it seems Niccolò Machiavelli had gotten a bad rap—he’s really all about paradoxical leadership—the good, the bad, and the various seasons a leader’s finds himself/herself in.  Consider this—Machiavellianism is defined as the political theory of Niccolò Machiavelli, especially the view that any means can be used if it is necessary to maintain power.  Is …