4. June 2008 by Rick Abbott.

I just finished reading the book “Beyond Band of Brothers - The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters”, and wanted to share Dick’s list of ten leadership principles.  I’m a big fan of military stories, and have read the book and have seen the mini-series “Band of Brothers” multiple times.  There are examples of each of these principals throughout the story, but this is the first time I’ve seen them listed in one place.   Everyone can benefit from becoming a better leader, both in your professional and personal lives.

1. Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.
2. Lead from the front.  Say, “Follow Me!” and then lead the way.
3. Stay in top physical shape- physical stamina is the root of mental toughness.
4. Develop your team.  If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.
5. Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their jobs.  You can’t do a good job if you don’t have a chance to use your imagination or your creativity.
6. Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles.  Don’t wait until you get to the top of the ridge and then make up your mind.
7. Remain humble.  Don’t worry about who receives the credit.  Never let power or authority go to your head.
8. take a moment of self-reflection.  Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.
9. True satisfaction comes from getting the job done.  The key to a successful leader is to earn respect-not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.
10. Hang Tough!-Never, ever, give up.

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12. May 2008 by Rick Abbott.

So my wife goes to the Bethesda (Maryland) library to return some books.  The library is situated close to the downtown area, so parking is at a premium.  The library used to have parking meters in place, with payment required during library hours. 

For some reason they replaced this conventional system with a “new” system that requires patrons to do the following:

1. Park the car
2. Make note of the parking space number
3. Walk into the library, key the number into a machine which produces a ticket good for two hours (free of charge)

The process for handing out tickets is as follows:

1. The meter enforcer (I don’t think you’re allowed to say “meter maid” anymore) periodically goes to the machine and prints out a list of all parking spots that are reserved.
2. He/she then trudges out to the parking lot, walks around, and writes tickets for any cars that are not on the list

Anyone with half a brain can see the hole in this system - if you park your car and walk into the library after the meter enforcer has printed the list, you’re dead meat.  Plus the fact that anyone can park there free of charge for two hours is just insane.  I would have loved to be in the requirements sessions when they came up with this bright idea.

And no, my wife is not going to pay the fine.

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18. April 2008 by Rick Abbott.

I was able to get out for opening day of Maryland wild turkey season this morning.  I didn’t get a turkey, but it was a great morning to be in the woods.  In Maryland I hunt at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, which is a wonderful area for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.  It’s nearly 2,000 acres of habitat in Poolsville, MD, along the Potomac river.  If you live in or near Maryland you should check it out sometime.  I saw geese with their goslings, wood and mallard ducks, and a doe who almost walked into my lap trying to figure out what my turkey decoys were doing under “her” oak tree.

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