Advice for military leaders---random notes and hard lessons I have been collecting over 25 years in uniform.
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1. Don't be late---ever. Don't Miss LD.
Early is on time; on time is late; late is unacceptable.

2. Take notes. Cell Phone on vibrate. Don't fall asleep; standing up in the back of the room is for trainees and cadets; don't do it as a leader---your boss will notice.

3. Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.
...And never do anything for the first time in combat.

4. If you signed it, you read it, you own it. It is right. Your word is your bond.

5. Priorities of work, always: Horse, Saddle, men (then self).

6. 3 Rules of Thumb:
1. Ain’t Nothin' Easy
2. Never Take your First No for an Answer
3. Everything is built on a personal relationship
(bonus: do the best you can every day)

7. Go to your boss with solutions, don’t make him/he do your job

8. Know your doctrine. Words have meaning. Get and use manuals. It’s all been done before.

9. Don’t confuse your boss' enthusiasm and love of the job for him/her being your buddy. (“When you get a chance…”= a fucking order)

10. Leaders/Commanders in this business have no use for a leader that cannot laugh at him/herself.

11. Staffs work for Commanders---at all echelons.

12. EVERYTHING must go through OPS channels. Prevent/stop stovepipe taskings.

13. We are not a business. No posted “office hours.” We do not get off the net. A Leader is in charge 24/7.

14. Discipline radio procedures: think about what you are going to say; key the mike, say it, get off the net.

15. Get along with higher. Call your counterpart every day---What can [your unit] do for [higher unit] today? Share with peers.—Who else can benefit?

16. Doctrine of no surprises—bad news does not get better with age, pop a star cluster so the team can help you. WHO ELSE NEEDS TO KNOW?

17. E-mail etiquette:
1. One-screen shot
2. Tell reader quickly, don’t make reader hunt in attachments.
3. Use proper protocols
Signature blocks-simple and lets reader know where to find you---avoid inspirational quotes

18. Details, details, details. Neatness Counts. If it’s worth doing, do it right.

19. NCO vs Officer business is bullshit. Understand it’s all “Leader Business.” Servant Leaders at that.

20. PT can easily be a crutch for weak leadership. Your highest performing trooper may be a shitty runner. The opposite is often true as well.

21. The Profession of Arms should mean a lot to you. Military History, Professional education, officer etiquette, tradition. Know it.

22. On uniforms, invest. Does a Wharton Business School graduate wear Sears suits? Look the part. Embrace the profession. Buy gottdang mess uniform.

23. Balance. Take care of your families, your Soldiers and yourself.

Coda, meaningful quotes:
"NCOs Show men how to live;
Officers show them how to die." The Duke of Wellington
"An officer is always on parade." GS Patton Jr.
"A unit without discipline is just a mob." Napoleon

And remember, we are all just one personality conflict away from becoming Chief of Staff of the Army.