We need critical thinking that starts with new ideas and we need to develop those into innovative solutions that are researched and workable.  Just pointing out problems doesn’t get us anywhere.

So where do we go from here, whether we’re talking about disruptive thinking or contrarian ideas?

First, we need to know what we’re getting ourselves into.  

Second, we need to develop our ideas properly and do our homework.  This includes figuring out how to best introduce them.  Writing for professional journals is frequently a great way to launch innovative ideas and solutions.

Third, and finally, we need senior leaders who believe what they are preaching.  If we are going to “start thinking” what that really means is that leadership has to “start listening.”

Check out the rest of LCDR B.J Armstrong’s blog post HERE at USNI.

Leadership Secrets of Jesus Christ – Happy Easter

1. Jesus was a problem solver.

52. Jesus asked questions to accurately determine the needs and desires of others.

From – The Leadership Secrets of Jesus by Mike Murdock; published by Honor Books, Tulsa OK; 1996

What can be more important ?

“Mike, thanks for your continuing engagement on the vital issue of leadership — at the end of the day, what can be more important to our Navy and our nation?”

Signed
Admiral James Stavridis

“Be honest in everything you say, write, and do.”
“Be good to your Sailors, and they will be good to you.”
“Forgiveness is easier to obtain than permission.”
“Keep everyone informed; when in doubt, coordinate.”
“Be the first to deliver bad news.”
“Bad news does not get any better with time.”
“If you are sitting at your desk, you are not leading your Sailors.”

Just let it stand on its own – “And that is just the way I like it.”

Thanks Alexander Martin, USMC.

SHAMELESSLY STOLEN FROM SETH GODIN who, incidentally, loves to have his ideas stolen.

Cows (like NIOCs), after you’ve seen them for a while, can become a little boring. They may be well-bred cows (NIOCs), Six Sigma cows (NIOCs), DIRSUP cows (FIOCs) lit by a beautiful light, but they are still boring. A Purple Cow (NIOC), though: Now, that would really stand out. The essence of the Purple Cow — the reason it would shine among a crowd of perfectly competent, even undeniably excellent cows (NIOCs)— is that it would be remarkable. Something remarkable is worth talking about, worth paying attention to. Boring stuff quickly becomes invisible.

Why There Are So Few Purple Cows (NIOCs)

If being a Purple Cow (NIOC) is such an effective way to break through the clutter, why doesn’t everyone do it? One reason is that people think the opposite of remarkable is “bad” or “poorly done.” They’re wrong. Not many companies sell things today that are flat-out lousy. Most sell things that are good enough. That’s why the opposite of remarkable is “very good.” Very good is an everyday occurrence, hardly worth mentioning — certainly not the basis of breakthrough success. Are you making very good stuff? How fast can you stop?

Some people would like you to believe that there are too few great ideas, that their product or their industry or their command simply can’t support a great idea. That, of course, is absolute nonsense. Another reason the Purple Cow is so rare is because people are so afraid.

If you’re remarkable, then it’s likely that some people won’t like you. That’s part of the definition of remarkable. Nobody gets unanimous praise — ever. The best the timid can hope for is to be unnoticed. Criticism comes to those who stand out.

Playing it safe. Following the rules. They seem like the best ways to avoid failure. Alas, that pattern is awfully dangerous. The current marketing “rules” will ultimately lead to failure. In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failing. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.

So it seems that we face two choices: Either be invisible, uncriticized, anonymous, and safe or take a chance at true greatness, uniqueness, and the Purple Cow. The point is simple, but it bears repeating: Boring always leads to failure. Boring is always the riskiest strategy.

Please note: No ordinary cows were harmed during the writing of this post. Though, some feelings were hurt once or twice.

Major T.S. Sowers’ article is HERE.

Ensure Sailors understand:

• Sexual assault is a crime that will not be tolerated.
• The Department of the Navy is taking action to eliminate sexual assault from our ranks.
• The goal of this year’s SAAM campaign is to heighten awareness and prevention efforts.
• Eliminating sexual assault from our ranks is an all hands effort that is leadership driven.
• Leadership will support victims, hold offenders appropriately accountable, and ensure all parties receive due process of law.
• “Small,” negative behaviors, such as sexist comments and crude jokes, initiate a continuum of harm that encourages sexual harassment and sexual assault.
• Every member of the Navy-Marine Corps team is responsible for creating a command climate that is intolerant of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
• Successfully functioning and mission-ready commands are focused on trusted professional relationships that are respectful of individual dignity and diversity.

Help stop Sailor on Sailor crime !!