I had the opportunity to work with and for seven Tennessee governors during my time of leadership in government and education. Each brought a unique skill set to the office. I was fortunate to have a positive relationship with each one. Among the seven, Ned Ray McWherter was my favorite. I got to know him…
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If You Have to Eat Crow, Eat It While It’s Hot
One of the great lessons to be learned from the infamous Watergate scandal during the Nixon administration is that human beings tend to forgive acknowledged mistakes. However, obstinate refusal to admit mistakes or, even worse, an attempt to cover up mistakes is a sure-fire recipe for failure. In literally hundreds of examples over my career,…
Seize those “Bernard King Moments” and Enjoy
Given that UT’s basketball team is now ranked number one in the nation, it occurred to me that an excerpt from my new book about the previously untold story of my involvement in saving Bernard King’s college basketball career might be of interest to my readers . . . Over the years, I have experienced…
Always Do what You Say You’re Going to Do
Without any question, I strongly believe that integrity is the cornerstone of successful leadership in any environment. Would-be leaders who lack integrity are ticking time bombs. Their credibility is certain to crumble. They are destined to self-destruct. However, there is another dimension of integrity that is often overlooked in leadership training. Stated simply, it is…
True Friends are Hard to Find in Politics
In my lifetime, I’ve seen firsthand several true friendships formed and sustained relationships in the corridors of power. One stands out as a gold standard of what can be achieved when mutual trust, respect, and open communications are alive and well in a relationship. My reference point is the friendship of Winfield Dunn and John…
Avoid the Mulberry Bush at All Cost
The year was 1961. The place was boot camp at Lackland Air ForceBase in San Antonio, Texas, in the summer. The specific incident was part of a rigorous daylong obstacle course exercise. Midway through the obstacle course, my fellow troops and I were sent into a burning house with no gas mask, challenged to find…
Delta Tau Delta Alumni Mention
The national Delta Tau Delta fraternity alumni magazine, Rainbow, features my book on pages 40-41, of the Winter 2019 issue. Here is the link: to the entire issue online: http://rainbowwinter2019.easyviewer.net/
The Third Decade of Life Crucial to Career
One of the most important decisions a college student faces upon receipt of a degree is whether to go on to graduate school or to enter the job market, and if the latter, which job. Too often, mistakes made at this juncture will limit one’s career options later in life. The two most common mistakes…
Select Carefully Your Mom and Dad
It is a fundamental truth that parents make a crucial difference in the successes and failures of their children. I was the firstborn of two sons raised by God-fearing parents who made us the centerpiece of their lives. From our birth to the day each of us left home for college, my brother, Lloyd, and…