Experienced-based leadership founded on principles of integrity, ethics, and passion for service to others. I share my perspective on how leaders should confront complex organizational challenges, choosing the harder right over the easier wrong, facing the pressure of deadlines, and fear of failure.
Pressure is a privilege; how exposing yourself to risk of failure early can lead to success later when the stakes are high
Like a physical activity that builds calluses on your hands, moments of pressure have built thick calluses on my emotions and made me more resilient when I fail. There is no greater pressure than putting men and women in harm's way, no pressure like briefing a mission statement knowing that a single mistake could result in loss of life. I'm fortunate that the pressures I faced as a young athlete, student, and teammate later contributed to my success as a leader in the Army, building the calluses and confidence needed to stay strong, resilient, and maintain mental agility.
Zero Six with Lincoln: A humbling reminder of our nation’s promise to uphold integrity and unity
Standing at the Lincoln Memorial during an early morning run, I contemplated the courage Lincoln and Grant needed to unite a divided nation. As a veteran who witnessed the human cost of war firsthand, I now watch the approaching 2024 election with both hope and concern. Our next president must embody Lincoln's unwavering integrity and dedication to unity, as their decisions will shape not just our present, but our children's future.
Deeds, Not Words: enduring shared hardships and turning this philosophy into culturE
When offered a helmet of water in the harsh Gedrosian Desert, Alexander the Great refused to drink until there was enough for all his men - a powerful demonstration that true leaders share their team's hardships. 'Deeds, Not Words' became more than just a phrase in my military career; it became a philosophy demanding that leaders endure more than what they ask of their direct reports. Trust and respect are earned by action, not through words, and while they take time to earn, they can be lost in a split second.
Why perseverance is a critical attribute for the reflective leader
Perseverance is a critical trait for reflective leaders, allowing them to navigate the balance between self-reflection and decisive action. While reflecting on decisions can foster humility and empathy, too much self-doubt can cloud judgment and hinder progress. In this blog, Ryan Rausch explores how resilience, maturity, and confidence help leaders persevere through adversity, remain flexible, and stay transparent with their teams, even when faced with difficult decisions that impact the organization. Discover the three key actions that can strengthen leadership during challenging times.
Peer Evaluations: an organization necessity, and the most honest assessment you’ll ever get
At Ranger School, it's not just the Ranger Instructors watching you - your peers, who spend every exhausting moment with you, have a vote on your future. They know if you fell asleep during a security shift at 0330, how many times you volunteered to carry extra ammunition, or collected canteens from a nearby stream. This creates an environment where everyone has shared responsibilities and must pull their weight, or they'll be weeded out during peer evaluations - fostering a culture based on unwavering trust and integrity.