By Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth, Program Director, Government Contracts and Acquisition at American Public University After working for the U.S. government for four years right out of college, I landed a new job with the Department of Defense (DOD). I was a GS-12 and on my...
It’s a well-known fact that “freedom is not free,” but do we give sufficient thanks for the very freedom that permits us to live peacefully where we choose, with our families, and without fear? How many of us think about the expense of our freedom, and how many simply...
“Dog Brain,” or as it was originally presented to me, “Lizard Brain” is acting with minimal thinking. I switch the name lizard brain to dog brain not as an insult or infringement to the instructor who uses it in his class, but rather to help clarify and solidify the...
In “Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World,” General Stanley McChrystal explores the challenges he experienced while commanding the Joint Special Operations Task Force in Iraq. I won’t provide too much detail, as I don’t want to call “spoiler...
One key attribute that makes leaders successful is having a point of view. You are being paid to be a great thinker and make decisions. However, many make the faulty assumption that they have to come up with all the answers on their own and end up doing more talking...
I recently had a discovery call with a new client. I asked my contacts, directors in a medium-sized service business, about the issues they were facing and what outcomes they’d love from the proposed culture initiative. We learned that changes in their market now...
Everyone dreads the boot that come flying out of nowhere. I’m not just talking about a flying shoe in the air. I’m talking about termination, pink slips, bye-bye letters, or whatever you want to call it. I hardly believe that anyone would be “pleased” when and if (God...
In a job interview, the majority of the questions are directed at you. Interviews can seem very one-sided and intimidating at times. However at the end of each interview, most employers will leave some time to ask you if you have any questions for them. Some...
Deciding to change career is a significant rite of passage. The process can be time-consuming, confusing, scary, frustrating, liberating, energizing and life changing. How do you go about it? What mindset helps? One approach is the planned and systematic route. The...