ethics – Exploiting Change

Everything Depends on the Aim

Richard Martin August 27, 2017 No Comments

My purpose is to look at the structure and logic of the problem to show that the objective conditions and delineates the analysis of the problem, how it is resolved, and what are considered acceptable and unacceptable questions and factors for consideration, planning, and decision-making.

Why the military approach to leadership is so powerful

Richard Martin September 23, 2016 6 Comments

This is the latest installment of my series on leadership and leadership development, based on my experience as an army officer and over 10 years as a business and management consultant helping businesses and executives to thrive in the face of rapid change, risk, and uncertainty.

What do I mean by leadership, anyway?

Richard Martin September 16, 2016 6 Comments

My purpose in writing this series on leadership

Richard Martin September 9, 2016 6 Comments

A few years back, I produced a book proposal which went nowhere. I’ve decided to post excerpts from the three sample chapters I had written because there is a lot of useful information and knowledge. I will publish these excerpts every Friday morning for the foreseeable future and then see what happens, based on reception, comments, and feedback. Feel free to contact me to discuss or exchange on these or any other topics.

Words Like Bullets

Richard Martin December 6, 2015 No Comments

We seem to live in an era when words are more like bullets—a way to injure and defeat others, to get one’s own way—than a way to communicate in a genuine manner, seeking understanding, insight, and mutual respect.

Lead so as to be worthy of the confidence, loyalty, and respect of your followers and those you serve.

Richard Martin October 5, 2015 No Comments

The recent resignations of Martin Winterkorn as CEO of VW and Marcel Aubut as president of the Canadian Olympic Committee highlight the continuing need for leaders to lead by example.

Leaders must take their responsibilities

Richard Martin April 20, 2015 No Comments

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation just released its report by an outside investigator into star radio host Jian Ghomeshi’s execrable behaviour. Beyond confirming that Ghomeshi was

Lead by example

Richard Martin April 12, 2015 1 Comment

The leader gives a license to his or her followers to think and perform in a certain way; so all actions and words must be assessed for their impact on followers, superiors, peers, and those the organization is meant to serve.

Give them what they need, not just what they want

Richard Martin April 6, 2015 No Comments

One of the most important lessons I learned as a young army officer was that it’s more important to give followers what they need than what they want.

Emotion Versus Reason

Richard Martin November 7, 2014 1 Comment

Every once in a while we’re faced with highly emotional reactions to risky situations. The “lone wolf” attacks perpetrated in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa on Canadian state institutions (i.e., soldiers and Parliament) last week fall into this category, as does the Ebola outbreak in western Africa. Yet, if you watch the news and read newspapers, you’d think we’re under attack!