The Biopark of Leadership: Black Swans, Gray Rhinos, and the Pink Elephant in the Room: NeoDeMarcoian Thought
Existentialism Leadership, Innovation, and Strategy: Neo-DeMarcoian Banter
I’ve studied the Existentialists for years now and I continue pondering how to apply some of the lessons of these philosophers to today. So much of what they studied, wrote, and believed are a bit shocking, but as leaders we need avoid the preverbal tossing the baby with the bathwater. What can today’s leaders, innovators, …
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AI, Punk Rock, Innovation and the Military Culture
Punk rock emerged in the mid-1970s as a reaction to the overproduced, commercialized rock music of the time. It was characterized by a raw, stripped-down sound, DIY (do-it-yourself) ethic, and a rebellious attitude. The origins of punk rock can be traced back to the early 1970s, when bands such as the Stooges and the New …
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Band of Brothers and the Circle of Trust
By J William DeMarco "Integrity is the basis of trust, which is not so much an ingredient of leaderships as it is a product. It is the one quality that cannot be acquired but must be earned. It is given by co-workers, and without it a leader cannot function." - Warren Bennis Those who I …
Third Rail and Fifth Column Leadership: A Contrarian’s Thought
-J. William DeMarco “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” —George Orwell How many of us use the term 3rd rail or 5th column with no concept of the definition or history? I did, but after some research it appears to be a truly impactful leader, we need to attack …
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What Can the Rock Music Industry Teach the US Military About Innovation? “Walk This Way.”
“It’s not about standing still and becoming safe. If anybody wants to keep creating they have to be about change.” - Miles Davis Many people probably do not initially see the parallels between the rock industry and the American military, and in fact, one might think they have been at odds with each other for …
How To Leave A Legacy By J. William DeMarco
Several years ago, the family invaded the Epcot Center. We all fell silent as we entered the park and fell upon a new feature, giant slabs of black granite all over – tons and tons of granite – and a big sign that says “Leave Your Legacy”. For a fee, a Disney cast member will take …
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Risk Takers and Ants Marching–The Key to Innovation
There is a great deal of conversation around the concept of bold and innovative leaders as of late. To be truly bold and innovative requires a leader to take risk, and risk requires courage. So, how brave are you? How brave is your organization? Will it tolerate risk? Will it tolerate our potential failure? This is …
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Machiavellian Leadership and Knowing Yourself to Lead Yourself: DeMarco Banter
I’ve been spending the last few years reading some of the classic philosophers. One I keep coming back to is Machiavelli. Over the next few weeks we will dive into the works of Machiavelli from a DeMarconian angle. We all know—context matters. Given the context of Machiavelli’s writings—is it possible he is a bit misunderstood? …
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Warfare of Innovative Ideas
By J. William DeMarco In speaking with a colleague the other day regarding gaining traction with new innovative ideas in large organizations we quickly devolved into a history lesson. Selling ideas is indeed an art form, especially when senior leadership might be more concerned with survival vice improving the organization. As we discussed the concepts, …
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