How a toxic leader taught me the levels and value of strategic thinking

Research shows the #1 cause of business failure is a bad strategy and the most important role of a leader is setting strategic direction. The Strategic Thinking Institute is the worldwide leader in strategic thinking, planning, and execution development.

Height matters

Communication is always every team’s greatest challenge in order to succeed. The slightest changes can often result in the largest returns on your investment. Here is a valuable lesson a toxic leader taught me.

Growing up as a small-town Texas kid I heard many sayings like “Everything is bigger and better in Texas.” Southern hospitality can go along way. Especially when it comes to paying attention to the needs of others.

During my Navy recruiting tour in Dallas which also covered the state of Oklahoma, the territory was definitely my largest that’s for sure. My team covered a third of the state of OK. Which communication was a big part of either our failure or success.

Strategic Thinking is an intentional and rational thought process that focuses on the analysis of critical factors and variables that will influence the long-term success of a business, a team, or an individual.

I'm certain many veterans like us had that one leader we could not stand to work for. A direct report that used their position to leverage other uniformed members' successes into their own.

I had my own saying when working for the handful of toxic leaders I did over the years in the ranks. A saying that helped me work for them with a sane mind. It was when I make it…