Attached are some tools. Every great continuity book starts with a great Table of Contents… it’s like your thesis statement for why your successor should invest the time to read through that ratty old binder…

“Leader book” = “continuity book” for this purpose. I had one of these daggone things customized for S4, too… if I could only find…[Read more]

I like this scenario A LOT! #TooReal

Boom! there you go. A universe of emotions run through your head in a split second. The strongest emotions are anger and defensiveness. They swirl like a powerful black hole in this universe, pulling you toward that voice in the back of your head telling you to pipe up with, “I’m sorry. Say that again, from…[Read more]

What a great question! Tools and best practices! Fire for effect! Good news at the bottom.

For straight XO resources, this old post has some awesome products. Follow the instructions to access the digital dropbox.

For time management resources, your commander may have provided you counseling similar to the attached. The important part is the…[Read more]

My questions:

What is the reporting mechanism for standards met? Does DTMS become the system of record? As viewed at which echelon for review? Does the DTMS reported training readiness then influence the patch chart? resourcing/manning guidance?

Which Army units are the test bed for OBJ-T and what are some of the best practices coming from that…[Read more]

Tools. Tools. Tools. (and a story)

At one point, I had six FRGs simultaneously. They were kick@$$. The spouses did events. They were self-sufficient and even, when needed, self-policing. With the support of a FRSA all the admin was seamless and easy…

Then, I had one FRG, it was a struggle. Participation was low. There were really weird admin…[Read more]

There is a strong connection between the discipline found in an organization and how the organization establishes productive norms for giving and receiving criticism. Great post!

Establishing a culture of discipline can take different actions at Company Level and Platoon Level or in different types of units. This post discusses discipline at the…[Read more]

Great topic. Great TED podcast.

For hardcopy reading on the topic, I recommend the following three books:

Difficult Conversations, Thanks for the Feedback, and Getting Past “No”

All books that helped me at various stages/positions/assignments to receive and/or give feedback well (or as well as possible in certain circumstances). This is…[Read more]

Great topic, wanted to add some input. I am currently mid-stride of my post-command broadening opportunity…

Pursue broadening opportunities! Pursue broadening opportunities!

You will struggle to find mentors that can advise you on broadening opportunities because broadening assignments are by their very nature unique. So, most mentors have…[Read more]

Almost a year after the first question… the discussion continues, here:

Student to Lieutenant pt.5

See you there!

~Jeff

Late to the fight, here. #lostRanger

For those who can’t attend (I went twice… long story… always worth it), find the person who organizes the course, or a battle buddy who previously attended and get a DVD or the shareportal link with the resources provided at your installation’s CFSPCC. Dump all that golden wisdom in a folder on your…[Read more]

AHRGH! This post is TOO awesome. I don’t know where to start!

#dat1st90days

Nailed it with question #2. Quick wins, quick wins, quick wins. Ask your predecessor, “if you stayed the Commander/Platoon Leader for another 3-months what would you make your top-5 priorities?” “What are the things you had hoped to accomplish while you were in-charge…[Read more]