As The Citadel Class of 18 looks toward their Recognition Day this Saturday I know some of their thoughts. Thirty Eight years ago it was the Recognition Day for the Class of 81. I wasn't sure how it would go. There was some worry if I was physically able to handle what was coming. The 4th Class system was coming to an end. On one hand it was with relief that after that day there would be no more bracing, no more yelling, no more MRI with the 1Sgt, Ahead was relaxing times on the gallery, making friendships with those who spent the first part of the year turning eliminating our individuality and the last part of the year building us back up as a team (though some of my classmates would disagree with that last part). But I wasn't sure entirely sure some of those friendships would really happen.
The day came and boy was it a day. At the end of a very physical time and after a large number of pushups we were standing at attention (or at least trying to do it between gasps of breath and swaying back and forth). The Company CO announced that the 4th Class System had ended. Then started the long line of first name introductions and handshakes. Dan, Joe, Brian, another Joe, George, Kevin, Rich, John, Robert and many more.
Somewhere along the way it became a blur. Not because I passed out but because the emotion hit me. I had survived. I had gone through an experience that none of my high school classmates had done. The person who walked through the sallyport in August 1977 with a flattop was no more. In his place was someone who had matured and was ready to handle whatever came his way. It wasn't sweat in my eyes but tears of joy and thanks. The cadre, company leadership and even every company member, had done their job well. Now it was our turn to continue the training for the next class and to continue our development over the next 3 years. Those lessons in knob year and the next 3 have well positioned all of us to face what life sends our way.
For the Class of 2018.... Your Recognition Day is different than ours. That is ok. You live in a different time. Change is important for people and an institution to remain relevant. Embrace your day. You will be exhausted. Many before you have survived Recognition Day, so will you.
Don't hold grudges toward any upperclassmen, even those who did treat you unfairly. Learn from that and don't be like them. Become their friends....With very few exceptions they were doing what they thought was right. Learning how to get over things and turn these people into friends and comrades will be a talent that will serve you well in the future.
What we learn in knob year is how to "play the game" and WIN for the team. Not many people know how to do that. It is great satisfaction in the business world to put that to use and win not for self but for the team/company.
Thank your parents and those that have helped you during this year. They have sacrificed so that you can have this experience and are also proud of your accomplishment.
Now on a personal note: While, as an alumnus, I am proud of every knob that has made it through the year there is one in particular that I am especially proud of. She has done well and approached situations with a "can do" attitude even when they were not what she expected. She is an awesome young lady and will be a leader with or without rank.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Pebble does it again
As of 8PM EST the current Pebble Time campaign has gone to #5 all time Kickstarter funding with 32,562 backers and 6,835,152 USD pledged! They have already broken Kickstarter records today and are on the way to the #1 spot again.
I do have a first generation Pebble and have written an app or 2 for it. During the last 1.5 years or so I’ve been impressed that Pebble has made continuous improvements in the firmware as well as the interfaces using the Pebble app. They have a magic combination of a good price point (199 USD msrp for the Pebble Time, less for the current models) for the device and a continuous improvement of the ecosystem. They embrace and support their developer community providing a free and open SDK and online development IDE in the Cloud.
I believe that with the new features on the watch (read about them at the above link) when paired with a phone/tablet brings Pebble into being a valid enterprise level device at a good price point. It won’t be the „eierlegende Wollmilchsau“ but no company really needs that. What people do need is a device that is easy to see providing a visual and possible audio interface back to their main smart device. That main device can and should do the heavy processing and interfacing with the rest of the world. In this combination the battery life of the watch can be optimized. Each device can do what it does best.
https://medium.com/
“We challenged people to start with blank slate,” he says. “It could be software, it could be hardware, it could be a watch, it could be not a watch. Just walk me through a day in the life. We focused on a day because one of our stated goals and my core belief is that we want to make technology that is with you every single day of your life. There were some pretty crazy ideas.”
Eric Migicovsky is clearly a visionary in the wearable space. This version of the Pebble will move into the mainstream enterprise. Eric and all Pebblers are showing that laser focus and being OPEN can win! It is time for corporate IT departments to wake up and realize this.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Monday, December 24, 2012
Apollo 8 44 years later
Those of us who were around in 1968 remember watching as Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and Bill Anders read from Genesis while orbiting the moon. Most people have seen the iconic pictures they took of the Earth.. "the blue marble". Those words spoken by the first 3 humans to leave the influence of this Earth had so much more meaning while being able to look at the complete Earth. We truly are one human race on this little marble. Only 7 months and on the 3rd flights later we had improved the processes and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were standing on the moon.
For sure those years were turbulent times. I don't remember much of the riots and race issues. We were raised to treat our fellow man as equals so didn't understand much about the issues of the times. What is clear is that we went to the moon by focusing on a goal and achieving that goal. This is something that is lacking today. Our Legislative and Executive branches are mired in squabbles both within their own party and with the other party. They aren't able to do what is expected of EVERY successful business..... Have a balanced budget. Instead they continue to argue, spend and take every opportunity to change the focus to something else. Folks, Get it together.. FOCUS... Forget everything else. Pass a real budget and you'll find that a lot of other problems just go away. Take a bold step as we did in the space program. Republicans and Democrats, join with each other as you did in a joint session after the senseless attack on Gabriele Giffords. Get rid of the center aisle, In the new session sit with each other and work together for the American party. Enlist the support and draft some of your regular "every day guy and gal" constituents to work with you to really solve problems, not just talk about them. Don't talk to your colleagues... Talk WITH your colleagues. We have to work together and return this country to being innovative and leadership, not just on the political and peace front but in industry and to be a place where we can be proud of the people we elect to governmental office because of what they do.
The Mercury 7, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, MIR and ISS astronauts and cosmonauts took and are taking bold steps in space exploration. We have so much because of that focus. Those of us who are Earthbound should do the same.
For sure those years were turbulent times. I don't remember much of the riots and race issues. We were raised to treat our fellow man as equals so didn't understand much about the issues of the times. What is clear is that we went to the moon by focusing on a goal and achieving that goal. This is something that is lacking today. Our Legislative and Executive branches are mired in squabbles both within their own party and with the other party. They aren't able to do what is expected of EVERY successful business..... Have a balanced budget. Instead they continue to argue, spend and take every opportunity to change the focus to something else. Folks, Get it together.. FOCUS... Forget everything else. Pass a real budget and you'll find that a lot of other problems just go away. Take a bold step as we did in the space program. Republicans and Democrats, join with each other as you did in a joint session after the senseless attack on Gabriele Giffords. Get rid of the center aisle, In the new session sit with each other and work together for the American party. Enlist the support and draft some of your regular "every day guy and gal" constituents to work with you to really solve problems, not just talk about them. Don't talk to your colleagues... Talk WITH your colleagues. We have to work together and return this country to being innovative and leadership, not just on the political and peace front but in industry and to be a place where we can be proud of the people we elect to governmental office because of what they do.
The Mercury 7, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, MIR and ISS astronauts and cosmonauts took and are taking bold steps in space exploration. We have so much because of that focus. Those of us who are Earthbound should do the same.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Thoughts on recent events
Three events in recent times are sticking in my head. Not because of the magnitude or impact but rather for the ability to totally refocus our attention. These events are:
Two things should have our focus in these weeks:
First, don't let our Congress and President get sidetracked from their job of passing a budget. For them it must be the number one priority. They can debate gun control (pro and con) AFTER they do their job of stopping wasteful spending and pass a workable budget not more continuing resolutions. They should do nothing else until this is completed, delivered to the White House and signed. Stop blaming party A or party B. Forget the parties (both holiday and political) and get it done. Without that this country goes into a financial crisis.
Second: Say a prayer for those that are directly impacted by these events then get angry and make sure that you are prepared so that it doesn't happen to you. (and that doesn't necessarily mean you have to start carrying a weapon) Become aware of your surroundings. Do you know what you would do if an active shooter walks into your office, the mall or the grocery store when you are there. Are you always aware of what and who is around you in a 360 degree bubble? Do you know your company's plan for an active shooter? Do they even have one? Don't say "it won't happen here". The only statement that is valid is "It hasn't happened here yet". Go to work tomorrow and ask your Safety Coordinator or HR if there is a plan. Insist that one is in place and exercised just like fire drills. (and for sure the same plan does NOT work for both). Imagine what would happen if half of the workforce showed up at the office door asking this question. It will get noticed.
The article at http://www.policeone.com/active-shooter/articles/2058168-Lt-Col-Dave-Grossman-to-cops-The-enemy-is-denial/ is a good read for more information.
Stay safe and keep aware.
- the "fiscal cliff" or as it should be called "the Executive and Legislative branchs' inability to govern" or perform to the same standards expected by every normal business
- the Bengahazi consulate attack
- several active shooter incidents over the last weeks
- the Sandy Hook Elementary School active shooter incident.
Two things should have our focus in these weeks:
First, don't let our Congress and President get sidetracked from their job of passing a budget. For them it must be the number one priority. They can debate gun control (pro and con) AFTER they do their job of stopping wasteful spending and pass a workable budget not more continuing resolutions. They should do nothing else until this is completed, delivered to the White House and signed. Stop blaming party A or party B. Forget the parties (both holiday and political) and get it done. Without that this country goes into a financial crisis.
Second: Say a prayer for those that are directly impacted by these events then get angry and make sure that you are prepared so that it doesn't happen to you. (and that doesn't necessarily mean you have to start carrying a weapon) Become aware of your surroundings. Do you know what you would do if an active shooter walks into your office, the mall or the grocery store when you are there. Are you always aware of what and who is around you in a 360 degree bubble? Do you know your company's plan for an active shooter? Do they even have one? Don't say "it won't happen here". The only statement that is valid is "It hasn't happened here yet". Go to work tomorrow and ask your Safety Coordinator or HR if there is a plan. Insist that one is in place and exercised just like fire drills. (and for sure the same plan does NOT work for both). Imagine what would happen if half of the workforce showed up at the office door asking this question. It will get noticed.
The article at http://www.policeone.com/active-shooter/articles/2058168-Lt-Col-Dave-Grossman-to-cops-The-enemy-is-denial/ is a good read for more information.
Stay safe and keep aware.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Thoughts on Election Night
As I sit here tonight listening to the same comments being repeated over and over in the media I think about what this election means to me. It is true that the outcome of the election will affect this country for many more than the next 4 years. Regardless of who wins he can not by himself correct the issues we face. It will take every one of us pushing our elected officials to correct issues, balance the budget (heck, even just pass a budget) and move us forward with innovation in energy, manufacturing and other areas.
JFK said it best on Sept. 12, 1962 at Rice University when he laid out his plan for the space program: "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too." That speech galvanized a nation to achieve what many thought impossible and to do it in the next 8 short years. We need that again, not only in our quest in space but here on earth too.
I have heard from some people that they will leave the country of Obama wins, others say they will leave if Romney wins. Folks, this is OUR country. We need to all stay and work to make it a better place.
I am reminded of one of the first things I learned at The Citadel, right after the 3 standard answers....the Cadet Prayer, written by Bishop Albert S. Thomas, Ret, Class of 1892:
Almighty God, the source of light and strength, we implore Thy blessing on this our beloved institution, that it may continue true to its high purposes.
Guide and strengthen those upon whom rests the authority of government; enlighten with wisdom those who teach and those who learn; and grant to all of us that through sound learning and firm leadership, we may prove ourselves worthy citizens of our country, devoted to truth, given to unselfish service, loyal to every obligation of life and above all to Thee.
Preserve us faithful to the ideals of The Citadel, sincere in fellowship, unswerving in duty, finding joy in purity, and confidence through a steadfast faith.
Grant to each one of us, in his (her) own life, a humble heart, a steadfast purpose, and a joyful hope, with a readiness to endure hardship and suffer if need be, that truth may prevail among us and that Thy will may be done on earth. *Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Improving this country is a challenge is one that we must be willing to accept, one we can not postpone and one which we intend to win.
JFK said it best on Sept. 12, 1962 at Rice University when he laid out his plan for the space program: "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too." That speech galvanized a nation to achieve what many thought impossible and to do it in the next 8 short years. We need that again, not only in our quest in space but here on earth too.
I have heard from some people that they will leave the country of Obama wins, others say they will leave if Romney wins. Folks, this is OUR country. We need to all stay and work to make it a better place.
I am reminded of one of the first things I learned at The Citadel, right after the 3 standard answers....the Cadet Prayer, written by Bishop Albert S. Thomas, Ret, Class of 1892:
Almighty God, the source of light and strength, we implore Thy blessing on this our beloved institution, that it may continue true to its high purposes.
Guide and strengthen those upon whom rests the authority of government; enlighten with wisdom those who teach and those who learn; and grant to all of us that through sound learning and firm leadership, we may prove ourselves worthy citizens of our country, devoted to truth, given to unselfish service, loyal to every obligation of life and above all to Thee.
Preserve us faithful to the ideals of The Citadel, sincere in fellowship, unswerving in duty, finding joy in purity, and confidence through a steadfast faith.
Grant to each one of us, in his (her) own life, a humble heart, a steadfast purpose, and a joyful hope, with a readiness to endure hardship and suffer if need be, that truth may prevail among us and that Thy will may be done on earth. *Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Improving this country is a challenge is one that we must be willing to accept, one we can not postpone and one which we intend to win.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Leadership Lessons from Knob Year at The Citadel
Reading the various Facebook posts today about the recognition of the Class of 2015 brought together some thoughts I've been having about
early influences on my leadership style. The first influences were 18
years of examples by my parents of how to be a good person and treat
people correctly.
In late August of 1977 the 2nd step of leadership training began. That first day was sensory overload where we began learning how to be good followers. The biggest leadership lesson of that day was the 3 answers: "Sir Yes Sir", "Sir No Sir", "Sir No Excuse Sir". Particularly that last answer is one that is key to being a good leader: Not giving excuses but rather taking responsibility for issues and mistakes. 34 years later it still gets used even when in some cases it should be used by someone else. Responsibility is a big thing that is missing in so many companies today.
Looking back over that year there were examples of bad leadership, those we won't mention. There were also examples of good, even great leadership. Our cadet company commander lead by example. He was firm but fair. When we had PT runs or other activities he participated. There was one particular time where the famous Mr. Rampey would not allow a flat top haircut due to "regulations that didn't allow blocked hair cuts". The CO stood up for the knob who wanted it and even wrote a memo to the tac officer and Mr. Rampey regarding the issue. He didn't have to do that and it didn't change Mr. Rampey's decision but it taught that knob an important lesson: Support your people. This company commander is now a Lt. General and is the Commanding General of the NATO Training Command in Afghanistan. I have heard from people with first hand knowledge that he leads in the same way today: up front, with his people and pulling his own weight.
Others of the cadre that year taught us that being firm doesn't mean not being sadistic (though some of my classmates might disagree). "Racking" (running in place, push-ups and other things) was the method of discipline when there were minor infractions. Normally this was done by the cadet sargents and corporals. They were lead by the 1st Sgt, Asst 1Sgt and cadre platoon leader. ALL 3 of these gentlemen took this activity seriously and as a result most of the others did also. (as I mentioned at the top, there were a few exceptions). After breakfast there were usually a collection of us out on the 3rd division getting in some "rack" time. The cadre who were overseeing the activity were physically present. They didn't just start us up and then go in their room to get ready for class. Lesson Learned: discipline when needed should be in person.
My advice for the Class of 2015 as you end your recognition activity this weekend: Take time to congratulate yourself on persevering though what more than likely has been the toughest year of your life. Be proud of that. For sure, those of us who came before you are proud of you. Tomorrow take some time to reflect back on the good leadership you have experienced and how that will help you. Also think about the bad examples and resolve NOT to do those things.
Congratulations, Class of 2015
In late August of 1977 the 2nd step of leadership training began. That first day was sensory overload where we began learning how to be good followers. The biggest leadership lesson of that day was the 3 answers: "Sir Yes Sir", "Sir No Sir", "Sir No Excuse Sir". Particularly that last answer is one that is key to being a good leader: Not giving excuses but rather taking responsibility for issues and mistakes. 34 years later it still gets used even when in some cases it should be used by someone else. Responsibility is a big thing that is missing in so many companies today.
Looking back over that year there were examples of bad leadership, those we won't mention. There were also examples of good, even great leadership. Our cadet company commander lead by example. He was firm but fair. When we had PT runs or other activities he participated. There was one particular time where the famous Mr. Rampey would not allow a flat top haircut due to "regulations that didn't allow blocked hair cuts". The CO stood up for the knob who wanted it and even wrote a memo to the tac officer and Mr. Rampey regarding the issue. He didn't have to do that and it didn't change Mr. Rampey's decision but it taught that knob an important lesson: Support your people. This company commander is now a Lt. General and is the Commanding General of the NATO Training Command in Afghanistan. I have heard from people with first hand knowledge that he leads in the same way today: up front, with his people and pulling his own weight.
Others of the cadre that year taught us that being firm doesn't mean not being sadistic (though some of my classmates might disagree). "Racking" (running in place, push-ups and other things) was the method of discipline when there were minor infractions. Normally this was done by the cadet sargents and corporals. They were lead by the 1st Sgt, Asst 1Sgt and cadre platoon leader. ALL 3 of these gentlemen took this activity seriously and as a result most of the others did also. (as I mentioned at the top, there were a few exceptions). After breakfast there were usually a collection of us out on the 3rd division getting in some "rack" time. The cadre who were overseeing the activity were physically present. They didn't just start us up and then go in their room to get ready for class. Lesson Learned: discipline when needed should be in person.
My advice for the Class of 2015 as you end your recognition activity this weekend: Take time to congratulate yourself on persevering though what more than likely has been the toughest year of your life. Be proud of that. For sure, those of us who came before you are proud of you. Tomorrow take some time to reflect back on the good leadership you have experienced and how that will help you. Also think about the bad examples and resolve NOT to do those things.
Congratulations, Class of 2015
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