Innovate or else - and do it before August 2015

The Power of the Written Word

Writing and the ability to write by hand matters and is as important today as it ever was, especially in an increasingly digital world.

World Stationery Day celebrates the written word and all things stationery – the products which make it possible. You can never have too much stationery!

Its aim is to get people all over the world talking about stationery, and why writing by hand is important. And to send more letters and cards, and not just text or email.

You can read more HERE.

Leading People, Leading Change, Getting Results!

Captain John Banigan, CO, USS Lake Erie was fired for "poor command climate" on 27 April.  He is a self-described as a "Transitioning Navy Veteran with over 25 years of leadership experience and proven record in management of multi-billion dollar Department of Defense programs." 

He has enjoyed great success over his 25 year career. He's described by subordinates, peers, and seniors as a "NO NONSENSE" leader. 

There's a story to tell here by those who know it. We'll have to wait for it to pan out.

Ideas

Writing, thinking, deciding

Writing is on the decline. Thoughtful, precise writing has been replaced by emails, tweets, FaceBook posts and briefings filled with incomplete thinking. This decline of writing skills is causing a corresponding decline in thinking skills (or is it the other way around?). Writing is most valuable as a powerful way of thinking. Writing helps us express our thoughts in a logical and coherent way. It forces us to critically examine our own thinking, which ultimately leads to better thinking, better problem solving, and - more than likely - better decision making. If we want better thinkers and decision makers, we should start by educating better writers. 

Many people talk about thinking "outside the box" - sometimes, thinking is enough on its own.

SECDEF Carter rewiring the Pentagon in a wireless world

The new DoD Cyber Strategy is HERE.

Ash Carter to unveil DoD cyber strategy today

Five overarching strategic goals of DoD cyber strategy:

- development and maintenance of a cyber force.

- defense of DoD's network.

- cyber defense of the homeland. 

- development of a plan to control escalation during a conflict. 

- closer work with foreign allies in order to build up capacity in the digital realm.

I wonder if he meant to say this

Paul A. Strassmann, in the April issue of SIGNAL magazine, said - 

"The ultimate Defense Department cyber defenses will be found in a cadre of senior executives attracted to the conduct of cyber intelligence, which requires the application of technical aspects initiating cybercountermeasures."

You can read his entire article HERE.

I think it is more likely that the ultimate DoD cyber defenses will be found outside that cadre of senior executives.

For my friend Jim Murphy - the writer

"You’re a writer. An artist. You write about things that matter to you and I’m sure you hope those things will matter to others, but even if they don’t you’re still going to do the work. That’s what artists do. It’s remarkable. But it’s more than that. It’s audacious. You don’t need recognition and approval. We might want it, and from time to time we may even wonder why we’re not getting more of it, but we: Don’t. Need. It."

Bryan Hutchinson

Incoming: Reading and Leading

Fletcher School Dean James Stavridis in SIGNAL Magazine.  You can read the article HERE.

"Once we understand how important reading is for leading, the next step of course is deciding what books to read. Here, the ultimate dilemma for any reader is apparent. There are an infinite number of books and an extremely finite number of hours to devote to actually reading. Where to start?"

I am ever hopeful that he will follow this new book with something about writing and leading.  Reading and writing go together more so than "reading and leading"; it follows that writing and leading are inextricably linked, also.

Quotable Stavridis

"Good leaders must be good communicators, 

and the hard work of writing is best sharpened on

 the whetstone of reading."

ATHENA 7

Unless you share it, your idea won't change anything.  Get involved.  More details HERE.

CNP acknowledges that 15 years of Sailor complaints about Navy Knowledge Online were valid

Vice Admiral Bill Moran (Navy Personnel boss) told the audience at the 2015 Sea Air Space Exposition at the National Harbor that Navy Knowledge Online stinks.  "We need to move completely off that system, but we need to capture it in a different way."

Fleet Lieutenants and first class petty officers will fix the mess.

Sailors everywhere are rejoicing.

DEF(x) DC - The Strength of The Idea

The Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF) invites you to participate in the inaugural DEF[x] DC event. Taking lessons learned from the business and entrepreneurial communities, a group of military personnel have formed a dynamic community to develop the leaders required for 21st-century challenges. A select group of established and emerging leaders have teamed up with Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies near Chinatown to brainstorm bold new solutions to key policy issues in the defense arena. This year’s two headlining topics are “Talent Management” and “The Future of Strategy.”

Showcasing the keen insights of emerging leaders--both in and out of the military--you will be able to hear multiple TED talk-style conversations on these topics and participate in lively breakout sessions with the presenters and fellow attendees. An established defense leader will also take the stage to give the benefit of their perspective and at the days end you'll be invited to a complimentary post - conference reception.

Yet the purpose of this conference isn't limited to exchanging differing viewpoints, but to also find solutions, forge partnerships, and help develop skills that will foster a more innovative culture in the U.S. military. Throughout the day, during the hosted lunch, and at the post-conference reception attendees will have the unique chance to interact with a diverse group of practitioners and professionals from across services, industries, and backgrounds who all share a common passion and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle problems on a national scale.

We truly hope that you will join us in our endeavor to spur greater defense innovation and strengthen grassroots connections across the many communities, corporations, organizations, and agencies that operate at the intersection of policy and defense thinking. After all, it's the strength of the idea that matters most...not the title of the thinker.

Are you ready to share your thoughts?

Ross Perot's 58 year old complaints about out-dated Navy Personnel System being acted upon

At this year's Sea Air Space Symposium, Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert said the Navy will begin tackling salient manning issues and modernizing the Navy's outdated personnel system (long regarded as the reason Ross Perot left the submarine force in 1957), maximizing career-long technical training, and moving away from year-group management.

All just in the nick of time.

Every Sailor is a leader ! (potentially)

Not really, but...

At the Center for Personal and Professional Development - "Where mind meets mission - every Sailor is a leader."

COs, XOs, Department Heads, Leaders at all levels,

Every Sailor is a leader or has the potential to lead. There should be no difference in the expectations we have of that E-1 as we do for that O-1. Why should we consider these brand new Sailors leaders? Because they are the future leaders of our Navy. Set the expectations early, and I’m betting they will grow into them. We should expect and encourage this of our junior Sailors. Today’s Navy requires a robust syllabus that leads to the development of Sailors. While we can train Sailors to be technically proficient, leadership potential should not be overlooked.

It must be continually honed and encouraged, regardless of paygrade and responsibilities. CPPD offers products and services to help Sailors toward this development. We conduct regular course reviews to ensure our training is relevant to the needs of the Fleet. We also provide educational resources to help them in this endeavor. Our goal is to provide Sailors with the right tools to lead with courage, respect and trust, (Note: I thought it was Honor, Courage and Commitment) and in so doing, nurture these budding future leaders. 

Captain F. A. Reid

Commanding Officer 

Center for Personal and Professional Development

Every Sailor is a cyber warrior. NOT!

Captain John Gelinne, USN, (Retired) posits that every Sailor is a cyber warrior.  I don't think this is the case.  I don't even think that every Sailor is a sailor.  (At least not in the way every Marine is a rifleman).  We just don't train that way.  We seem to have lost the precision in our language.

You can read it HERE.

Quotable Quote

"You don't win a knife fight without swinging a knife."  

You can read the rest HERE.

Kevin Cooley, 
Executive Director and
Command Information Officer 
Fleet Cyber Command/10thFleet

CYBER TALKS...lead to cyber ACTION !!

As we move from building to employing the Cyber Mission Force, considering the implications of U.S. Cyber Command becoming a Unified Combatant Commander, and visualizing a future where the Commander of USCYBERCOM may be a different individual than the Director of the National Security Agency, we continue to miss an important opportunity. While we talk about WHAT needs to be done and WHO needs to do it, we talk very little of the optimal culture that will allow us to realize our potential in this warfare domain. Are we "Warriors"? Are we "Geeks"? Are we "Hackers"? Are we all or none of those things? The opportunity to shape a culture and build something from the ground floor comes once in a career, at most. Let's think beyond WHO does WHAT and be deliberate about WHO we want to become and HOW we ensure it doesn't happen by accident.

Captain Sean R. Heritage is shaping part of the conversation
about cyber.  You can hear what he has to say HERE.

Long time cryptologist ends a great run at 28 years. Decides not to make Navy a career.

Got the news today that my long time colleague and generally awesome Naval officer, Captain Bryan Lopez has decided not to make the Navy a career and is packing up his oars after 28 years of very strong and persistent rowing - mostly against the tide.  He will retire in August 2015.

Interviewed in his San Diego office by one of our intrepid  blog reporters, the Captain "reportedly" said, "Hey, I've given the Navy a fair shot at making me happy, and after 28 years and dozens of chances, it's time to acknowledge that there's just no career in this for me. I've done all I can. It's time to give my kids a chance."  A Naval historian estimates that the Lopez family has devoted nearly 650 years of service to the Navy and that's not including distant cousins.

Seriously Bryan, if you are reading this (and I know you never miss a post) - CONGRATULATIONS and thank you for your service.  I agree with the community Flags, if you would have left San Diego - the Navy would have shown you much more love.

Chess Not Checkers - Mark Miller's latest book is available today

"It's Your Move" is what Mark Miller left us with on Monday 8 April at the conclusion of an insightful webinar about his newest book. This wonderful book joins THE SECRET and THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP on my desk. Think of every positive word in your vocabulary and you can apply them to Mark and his latest work. The only criticism I have of this great book is using the games of chess and checkers as an analogy for leadership. I know Mark doesn't think of leadership as a game. It is complicated but using Mark's approach of genuineness and authenticity when working as a servant leader for people makes it easy to follow. He's done a wonderful job with this book and it is evident that Mark is all about service. KEEP IN MIND, ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS BOOK AND COMPANION WORKBOOK GO TO CHARITY.

https://vimeo.com/124199789

He is Risen

Leadership Secrets of Jesus Christ - Happy Easter

1. Jesus was a problem solver. 

2. Jesus believed in his product.

3. Jesus never misrepresented his product.

4. Jesus went where the people were.

5. Jesus took time to rest.

6. Jesus took time to plan.

7. Jesus knew he did not have to close every sale.

8. Jesus had something others needed.

9. Jesus was concerned about people’s finances.

10. Jesus was willing to go where he had never been.

11. Jesus never allowed what others said about him to changes his opinion of himself.

12. Jesus understood timing and preparation.

13. Jesus developed a passion for his goals.

14. Jesus respected authority.

15. Jesus never discriminated.

16. Jesus offered incentives.

17. Jesus overcame the stigma of a questionable past.

18. Jesus never wasted time answering critics.

19. Jesus knew there was a right time and a wrong time to approach people.

20. Jesus educated those he mentored.

21. Jesus refused to be discouraged when others misjudged his motives.

22. Jesus refused to be bitter when others were disloyal or betrayed him.

23. Jesus networked with people of all backgrounds.

24. Jesus resisted temptation.

25. Jesus made decisions that created a desired future instead of a desired present.

26. Jesus never judged people by their outward appearance.

27. Jesus recognized the law of redemption.

28. Jesus was a tomorrow thinker.

29. Jesus knew that money alone could not bring contentment.

30. Jesus knew the power of words and the power of silence.

31. Jesus knew when you want something you have never had,
you have to do something you have never done.

32. Jesus permitted others to correct their mistakes.

33. Jesus knew his worth.

34. Jesus never tried to succeed alone.

35. Jesus knew that money is anywhere you really want it to be.

36. Jesus set specific goals.

37. Jesus knew that every great achievement requires a willingness to begin small.

38. Jesus hurt when others hurt.

39. Jesus was not afraid to show his feelings.

40. Jesus knew the power of habit.

41. Jesus finished what he started.

42. Jesus was knowledgeable of scripture.

43. Jesus never hurried.

44. Jesus went where he was celebrated instead of where he was tolerated.

45. Jesus constantly consulted his heavenly father.

46. Jesus knew that prayer generates results.

47. Jesus rose early.

48. Jesus never felt he had to prove himself to anyone.

49. Jesus avoided unnecessary confrontations.

50. Jesus delegated.

51. Jesus carefully guarded his personal schedule.

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

2015 Information Dominance Essay Contest

For more information, go HERE.

We are 3 days into National Card and Letter Writing Month

For many years the U.S. Postal Service has highlighted the art of card and letter writing with a weeklong celebration. This year we are quadrupling our opportunities to promote this important tradition by designating April as National Card and Letter Writing Month.

This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the importance and historical significance of card and letter writing.

Writing, sending and receiving letters, postcards, and greeting cards is a tradition that has preserved our nation's history and has changed lives-particularly in times of war and times of personal triumph and tragedy. Unlike other communications, card and letter writing is timeless, personal, and immediately tangible.

Card and letter writing also helps improve literacy and promotes creativity among our youth.

First Year in the Books

Today marks the one year anniversary of VADM Jan E. Tighe's assumption of command of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and TENTH Fleet.  There's no arguing that she has covered a lot of ground in that time and has advanced our capability to meet the mission requirements outlined for the command by the Chief of Naval Operations. Congratulations on a successful and significant first year in command.

3 March Supplement

You can learn much more about what's happening in the IDC by attending the IDC  Industry Day here.  It's F R E E to the military.  Go to this LINK.

Happy 122nd Birthday Navy Chief Petty Officers

What Sailor in the Navy doesn't remember his first Chief?  Boatswains Mate Chief Robert Webb was my first Chief as the Company Commander for Company 929 from July to September of 1975 at Recruit Training Command/Naval Training Center San Diego, California.  Mike Cantin was our Recruit Chief Petty Officer.  I'm still in touch with him FORTY years later. 

Navy Chiefs celebrate 1 April 1893 as their birthday. Happy Birthday Navy Chiefs.  

For those readers who remember our time together at U.S. Naval Security Group Activity Yokosuka, Japan - "We've got the best Chiefs from "A" (Joe Ahola) to "Z" (Phil Zmuda).