A review of contemporary literature on business success (or success in any endeavor involving the joint efforts of two or more people) often breaks down success into a couple of principles. Leadership and management are often discussed in the same conversation as if they are two separate end states which will sometimes run at cross-purposes […]
Category Archives: Leading Your Organization
February
27
Happy Birthday to The Front of The Jersey
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
Greetings all! The Jersey has been out-of-pocket for a few weeks while on TDY but we can’t let this date pass without comment. Today, The Jersey turns 2, which seems like a long time since Post #1 went live in 2013. Now, 130 posts later, it will take the newcomer some time to sift through […]
September
12
The Leadership Thinking Model
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and see where the next generation of leaders for the United States Air Force are made. Although it was a short trip, there were a couple of things that stood out for me that I think are worthy of […]
March
13
The Future of Work
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
One of my favorite magazines (not Time, by the way) had an article the other day which started some thoughts flowing about the overall concept of leadership. Although the article never mentions the words “leadership”, the author, David Lewis, is an accomplished author and speaker who frequently lectures on the overall importance of leadership to […]
February
26
Competence vs. Character – The Army Dilemma
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
Recently, the top two generals in the United States Army, Chief of Staff Ray Odierno, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey, told the Associated Press that the Army has suffered from a loss of focus and a failure to balance character with competence ….Sometimes in the past we’ve overlooked character issues […]
February
10
The Vision Thing – Motivating Others
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
There is an oft-quoted parable used to illustrate how vision translates down to the team. It centers around three stonemasons working at a job site who are asked what they are doing by a visitor. The first one, sweat pouring from his brow, grumpily replies that he is “cutting stone.” The second stonemason sighs, and says […]
February
07
How Much Are Style Points Worth?
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
Before you spit your morning beverage of choice out, have confidence that the answer to the title of this blog will be to your liking. I was struck by a recent post in Leadership Freak that discussed more than a few ways to be IR-relevant. It also recalled for me an item in Forbes from a […]
January
13
What Kind Of Follower Are You?
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
This blog is about the art of leadership, and as I have said on several occasions, is aimed at the leader, the aspiring leader, and those who are led. Many of the topics I have covered thus far focus in on the perspective of those first two groups. The last group, the led, are known by another […]
November
24
When Conflict isn’t a Problem
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
The terms “conflict resolution” and “problem solving” are sometimes used interchangeably in organizations to describe any situation which has the potential to, or has already, threatened the momentum or direction of things. Practically, they are two very different dynamics and revolve around some very distinct action steps. Confusing one for the other is by and […]
November
08
Leadership Lesson on Veterans Day
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
Veterans Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect on what the profession of arms in a democracy has given us over the past 200 years. The United States, for most of its history has been a country where the military has represented an opportunity to improve one’s life potential, whether through experiences, skills, or education. Among […]
October
17
Your Own Kobayashi Maru – Leadership in a Crisis
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
For the Trekkie‘s amongst you, the K-Maru scenario has been fodder for uncountable arguments. In the fictional Star Trek universe, the Maru is a training simulation every Star Fleet cadet is put through. In essence, the decisions available to the student are all “no-win” and the entire exercise is about how you come to terms with […]
September
29
When You Don’t Own It
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
“Just own it”. Which is of course the opposite of “Just do it”. One requires accountability while the other requires initiative. One without the other can lead to either some pretty radical explosions, or a pet rock. From the perspective of a leader, there is no shortage of books, articles, and other assorted media devoted […]
Does Management Even Matter? – Leading Your Organization
posted by Jeffrey Thomason
A recent piece in Slate caught my attention and seems ripe for discussion and comment. An article by Fisman and Sullivan praised the New York Passport Agency as a model of efficiency, and says the operation is in the “vanguard of workplace effectiveness”. The part that seemed out of place was that they were praising a government agency, where […]
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