The Leader’s Playbook-11: Start with Why!

Many of you have reached out to me via DM over the last few weeks and asked “why” I am writing and posting more this year.  I really appreciate the questions. 

The “why” is quite simple.  At the end of each year, I purposefully take some quiet time write out what things in my life I want to personally improve over the coming year.  One of my major goals this year is to improve my writing effectiveness, my writing efficiency, and to support that goal, write daily.  Writing daily and hitting “send” allows this to become a habit for me and I am honored so many of you took time to let me know your thoughts.

Simon Sinek is an outstanding author and one book that had a profound impression on me is his “Start with Why.”  I first realized the value of this great book when serving as the COO of a tech startup whose primary employee base was younger professionals.  While it may take an extra minute or two, starting with why, and gaining alignment and support, while explaining the reason for doing something goes a long way with people understanding where you are coming from.

So, thank you for all your messages and kind words and to Simon Sinek, thank you for your inspiration to me and to the incredible support to the Military and the Fighter Pilot community in particular.  You are a great American doing important things to improve leadership across the country with your writing.

The Author is currently serving as an active duty military officer. Any comments or recommendations on this post or on this site are solely my personal views and do not represent the position of any branch of the United States Government.

The Leader’s Playbook-10: Wingmanship

Success in life is so much about essential choices, timing, and good fortune – especially when it comes to the people we surround ourselves with. 

I have been so blessed through these choices, some great timing, and good fortune in my life to have incredible wingmen, friends, and family.  They have made my life so much richer.  I remain so grateful for each of them and I have trusted many of them with my life multiple times. 

I have also made incorrect choices, had to adjust to bad timing and embrace misfortune.  Simply recovering from misjudged situations, motivations, or the intentions of others has contributed equally to my personal growth.

Every time I’ve had a less than optimum experience with a person or a relationship, I’ve learned something from the experience.  I didn’t ask the right questions, didn’t ask enough questions, didn’t check references, trust my gut, or I let emotions get in the way.  In retrospect, the clues were there and while these are frequently deep and painful lessons, I am wiser now and they happen with significantly less frequency.

I now think clearly and deliberately about the “wingmen” in my life.  These are without a doubt some of the most important decisions you will ever make.  Time is your most precious gift in life and choosing wisely with whom you will spend that time will make all the difference in your life.  It absolutely has for me.

Most importantly, do not ever forget that “wingmanship” is a two-way street. Deliver on your end every time – and if you don’t, own it and fix it.

The Author is currently serving as an active duty military officer. Any comments or recommendations on this post or on this site are solely my personal views and do not represent the position of any branch of the United States Government.