Dear Graduate...

This is the season of graduation and advice. I love the commencement speeches. Most I have heard over the years are full of wisdom. Sadly, the graduate forgets much of the knowledge imparted by the speaker in roughly 5 minutes or less after the completion of the speech.

Understanding the above I will undauntedly endeavor to impart my knowledge on the graduate. I realize there may be few new graduates reading this newsletter, you parents and friends, feel free to pass along this short bit of advice.   (Read more)

Dear Young Female Graduate

Young lady graduate, please read the above article, the advice is sound. I offer you one other piece of advice. Men, you too are welcome to read this and use it.

"Can't" is a four letter word. I recommend you never use it or allow it to be used in reference to what you are capable of accomplishing.

I have noted the word, "can't," used too often, particularly by men, in describing what a woman can achieve. Once upon a time, phrases like "women can't be doctors,"women can't be pilots,"women can't be CEO's of large corporations," and most recently, "women can't be infantry officers" have been used only to be proven false.

Whatever you choose for your life's work, go after it. You CAN do anything. It is up to you.

Get ride of the word "CAN'T." It is a word for losers and the small-minded.

Your Team

I am often asked for leadership advice based on my Marine Corps experience for use in business. This section is providing short leadership tips you can use in becoming an Exceptional Leader. Being good on any given day is easy. Being exceptional requires daily effort. Enjoy the read.

Who is on your team? What are their talents? Are you the smartest one on the team?

As we move forward in business and life, we all need to be asking the above three questions on some regular basis. The company will be known by the strength of the team; you will be known by the company you keep. Obvious? Apparently not, many organizations promote because the person is a friend, relative, or it is just their turn? Are you looking for blind loyalty or a team that pushes back? Go for the latter.

Having talent should speak for itself. Knowing your team members strengths allows you to keep the right person for the right task.

It is an old cliché "if you are the smartest one in the group, you need another group." You may not have the luxury of picking your team. Get them trained, demand excellence. It may be up to you to make them smart.

A Marine Corps leadership principle is to "know your Marines..." I strongly recommend you know your team. Keep them trained and capable of performing at a high level.

Like it or not your reputation as a leader is in the hands of your team.

Current Happenings

The Law Enforcement Professional Series: 21st Century Community Policing and Cultural Competency is receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback! Check out the website under "Programs" to see some of the comments. We are truly humbled and pleased it is being received so well.

August 2016

Law Enforcement Series: 21st Century Community Policing and Cultural Competency will be given at Delta Community College near Detroit, MI.

DO NOT HESITATE TO SIGN-UP EARLY! Seating is limited. See the website at: https://www.fortitudeconsult.com/programs/the-law-enforcement-professional-series-delta-college-police-academy/