#71 You know what right and wrong looks like. Social media’s place in helping leaders better understand what’s driving People. A conversation with @Dankmemesfordragonteens

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This conversation is with MSG Don Castelow from Jackson State University ROTC and MAJ John Howell from Cadet Command & ROTC. If you have not already, check out #40 Be a collector of good People & find your tribe. w/ Don Castelowhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-me-to-fish-helping-leaders-better-understand/id1718637439?i=1000673761269#54 Always be selling. w/ Jophn Howellhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-me-to-fish-helping-leaders-better-understand/id1718637439?i=1000709150323Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. Key discussion points include:•Multifaceted Communication Approach (0:08): The speaker emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to communication within the military, including an online presence to be more reachable and approachable.•Trusting Soldiers' Discretion (0:34): Q highlights that soldiers are smart enough to discern good and bad actors, and that bad actors will expose themselves while good ones will shine.•Social Media as a Data Point (1:33): Social media and meme pages can provide valuable insights into a unit's culture and climate, serving as a more honest gauge of morale than formal surveys.•Purpose of Dank Memes (6:55): Q explains that the Dank Memes page aims to raise morale, highlight both positive and negative aspects within the military, and act as a sounding board for the general consensus of the rank and file.•Addressing Military Influencers (11:50): Q expresses disagreement with military personnel monetizing their uniform or service to build a personal brand.•Motivation for Joining the Army (13:42): Q shares that the 9/11 attacks significantly influenced his decision to join the army, wanting to serve his country from a young age.•Impact of Early Army Experience (17:46): His early years in the 82nd Airborne Division, despite being rough at times, molded him and taught him about both good and bad leadership.•Social Media for Problem Solving (32:50): Q discusses how the Dank Memes page has directly led to positive outcomes, such as addressing toxic leadership and resolving administrative issues for soldiers, often by cutting through bureaucracy.•Accountability and Social Media (36:46): The discussion touches upon whether social media deters leaders from holding subordinates accountable due to fear of negative exposure, and how genuine good leadership tends to be defended by the community. Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. What is your purpose in life? When you know what it is, your life and profession can go to new levels of fulfillment. If you have not found it yet, imagine if you did know, and how good your life could be.Today’s episode is with General Ron Clark. He is currently the commander of United States Army Pacific, but forever a proud son, husband, dad, grandfather, longtime friend, and mentor to many of us. We hope you enjoy today’s conversation with Ron Clark. Key takeaways from the conversation include:•Pillars of Leader Development: General Clark outlines three pillars: education, training, and experience, all built on a bedrock of character (0:20-0:38). Training prepares for known problems, education for unknown or unknowable ones, and experience is gained along the way.•Priorities in Leadership: He emphasizes people, partnerships, and prevailing (0:55-0:57). The Army is a people-centric service, valuing human interaction and building trust through relationships with partners and allies, especially in the Indo-Pacific region (1:03-2:05).•Finding Your Purpose: The discussion highlights the significance of knowing your purpose in life and how it can lead to fulfillment (3:49-4:17). General Clark shares that his purpose has always been to be of service to others, which led him to join and stay in the army (4:35-4:43).•Leading with Gratitude and Empathy: General Clark shares an impactful anecdote about always starting communications with "thanks" (5:26), which fosters a calm environment and encourages subordinates to report openly (6:55-7:27). He emphasizes that a leader's challenges are also his own, and his primary goal is to help solve problems rather than judge (7:55-8:37).•Paying it Forward: The video showcases how good leadership and investment in people create a ripple effect, with mentored officers continuing to invest in others and collaborate to solve problems (11:10-12:50).•Importance of Character: Character is defined as the decisions made when no one is watching, choosing the "harder right over the easier wrong" (29:17-29:29). It involves caring, empathy, and being true to your values, even in challenging situations (28:56-29:10, 31:19-31:24).•Learning from Failures: General Clark discusses how he learned from a boss who seemed uninvested, realizing he should have been a better subordinate by communicating directly and understanding the boss's intent (34:14-36:18). He stresses the importance of two-way communication and active listening for effective leadership (38:11-40:01)Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This episode provides inspiration and guidance for leaders, emphasizing that leadership is a choice and a continuous process of development.Key takeaways from the video include:•Leadership is Chosen, Not Born (0:04-0:16): The video highlights that individuals choose to be leaders, and their leadership is recognized by those around them, not self-proclaimed.•The Michelangelo Effect (0:41-1:05): True leaders are like Michelangelo, who could see the potential within a block of marble. Similarly, leaders should be able to see and cultivate the "spark" and potential in the people they lead.•Paying it Forward (1:21-1:45): The speaker shares a personal story of being a college dropout who was given a chance to succeed. This underscores the importance of giving opportunities to others and "paying it forward" by talking to and helping those in your organization, even prioritizing their growth over personal promotions.•Importance of Culture (3:00-3:12, 6:08-6:21, 9:34-9:47): The most significant impact leaders have on an organization is establishing a positive culture. A strong culture can help overcome challenges like manning problems, equipment issues, and crammed schedules.•Leader Development is Crucial (4:29-4:32): Nations that invest heavily in leader development are the ones that perform best during inter-war periods and when new conflicts arise.•Transferable Skills (5:07-5:29, 5:44-6:02): The skills learned as a leader, particularly in an organization like the Army, are highly transferable and valuable not only for military success but also for future civilian careers and personal life. These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, and pitching ideas.•Focus on People and Fun (7:13-7:15, 8:56-9:01): Leaders should focus on taking care of their people and not get overwhelmed by numerous tasks. It's crucial to prioritize well-being and remember to have fun in the profession, as it's a gift.•Upholding History and Legacy (9:57-10:22): Leaders are encouraged to remember the history of those who came before them and to uphold the foundation and accomplishments laid by past warfighters.•Going to Bat for Your Guys (11:43-11:50): A key quality of a good leader is being willing to advocate for their team, as this builds loyalty and ensures mutual support.•Continuous Improvement through Habits (10:48-11:06): Progress comes from small victories and stacking positive habits, such as getting up early, working hard, learning new things, being positive, and surrounding oneself with phenomenaWhy Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This conversation features Colonel Adisa "AK" King and Command Sergeant Major Michael Olivas of the Bronco Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, discussing the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise 26-01 and their ongoing efforts in leader development and force validation.Key takeaways from the discussion include:Purpose of Forged in the Pacific and JPMRC The platform aims to inspire leaders and reinvigorate the warrior ethos by bringing together warfighting professionals to strengthen the Army's profession and partnerships (1:42-1:57). JPMRC, as the Army's newest regional combat training center in the Pacific, supports the theater campaign plan by building readiness, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing partner capacity (1:58-2:13). Its ultimate purpose is leader development and validating formations and new equipment (2:20-2:52).JPMRC 26-01 Exercise Overview The recent exercise involved over 8,200 participants (potentially up to 20,000) from eight different nations (4:40-5:05). It took place across three islands (Oahu, Hawaii, Wake Island) and involved validating various battalions, 64 different types of technology, and significant drone operations (4:00-4:39). Key game-changers identified from the exercise were mobility, the shortening of the kill chain, proven leadership, and maintaining tempo (5:18-5:39).Special Aspects of the Bronco Brigade Colonel King highlights the brigade's strong history of warfighters and the commitment to uphold that legacy, emphasizing the importance of remembering "who you are and whose you are" (6:20-6:59). Command Sergeant Major Olivas points to the sincerity and transparency with which leaders approach problems, fostering an environment where soldiers feel problems get solved (7:58-8:52). The brigade also has a strong following, with former members wanting to return and current members desiring to stay due to the positive culture established by its leaders (9:00-9:40).Preparation for JPMRC The brigade's preparation focused on a simple framework: can they deploy, do reconnaissance, fight, and sustain (13:04-13:31)? This framework is broken down into people, equipment, training, and sustaining (13:40-13:53). Sustainment specifically includes medical, maintenance, and money (14:47-14:56). Watch this full episode on Youtube at Forged in the Pacific -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuUw1nU6I30Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. In today’s episode, you will hear directly from a Soldier. And not just your random Soldier, but one who understands what 1,000s of Soldiers are thinking and saying every day. One who runs several meme pages, and our local favorite @tropiclightmeme. Great leaders are not born, they are developed over time. Learning from both good and bad leadership. Listen to the stories our Soldiers are seeing from some of the best and worst examples of leadership.  We hope you enjoy today’s conversation with @tropiclightmeme. Key topics covered include:•The purpose of Tropic Light Meme (0:05-0:59, 6:42-7:14): The meme page aims to showcase the positive aspects of the Army and counteract the common negativity found in other unit-related meme pages. The creator started it to share a different, more positive experience than what they encountered at their previous duty station.•The importance of positive experiences and good leadership (0:29-0:36, 2:06-2:18, 3:17-3:30, 36:40-37:14): The interviewee emphasizes that strong leadership, valuing families, providing quality training, and offering purpose are crucial for soldiers to feel motivated and choose to stay in the Army.•The origin and growth of Tropic Light Meme (9:41-11:39): The page was created because the 25th Division lacked a unit-specific meme page. It gained significant traction during a JPMRC exercise when administrators shared real-time content and started "Almost Friday" photo submissions.•Impact of social media on morale (15:08-16:00): The ability for soldiers to use their phones during exercises like JPMRC significantly boosted morale, allowing them to share experiences and connect, which indirectly led to the rise of pages like Tropic Light Meme.•Personal motivation for joining the Army (1:00-1:20, 19:33-22:20): The interviewee comes from a military family with a strong history of service, including a great-grandfather killed in action in WWII. A vivid childhood memory of 9/11 further cemented their desire to serve.•Best experiences in the Army so far (1:22-2:05, 22:45-25:20):•Jungle School (1:25-1:39, 22:47-23:19): Described as a significant and positive experience with valuable training.•Being stationed in South Korea (23:20-24:08): Witnessing the geopolitical divide and the importance of defending democracy.•Future goals and personal growth (25:21-29:18): The interviewee aims to earn their Ranger tab (25:30-25:33), which they see as a way to set themselves apart, gain leadership experience, and further develop self-belief. Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. Today’s conversation is with Ryan Alexander. We discuss his story coming up in the Army, building a family, and developing as a leader through years of opportunity and challenges. God has a plan for all of us, and thankfully, we do not have to go through this alone. It takes a network of family, friends, mentors, and coaches along the way to make it a life worth living. Ryan has a career that any one of us would be proud of and is soon to be the battalion commander of 1-32 Infantry at Ft Drum, NY.  But if you ask him, there is nothing he is prouder of than his family. We hope you enjoy today’s conversation with Ryan Alexander. Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. A Vision for an organization does not come overnight or easily. It comes after years of experience, both failures and successes. Implementing a vision is a whole new challenge. In this conversation with Tyler Patterson, we discuss how the history of the Wolfhounds and his life experiences shaped the process for encoding success and creating a culture that People are proud to be part of.      Tyler is currently the battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion “Wolfhounds,” 27th Infantry, 3rd Mobile Brigade, of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks.  We hope you enjoy today’s conversation with Tyler Patterson. Key points: •People (0:31-0:46): Focuses on investing in personnel, providing challenging training, and supporting them through both hardships and successes.•Win (0:46-1:04): Emphasizes setting clear objectives and fostering a competitive culture, recognizing that winning is ingrained in the battalion's DNA.•Transform (1:06-1:20): Identifies key areas where the battalion aims to be world-class, such as H2F, lethal small UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) tactical employment, and attack capabilities.•Early Life and Military Journey (7:09-11:00): Patterson grew up in Texas, the middle child in a family of six. His childhood was marked by large family gatherings and a love for sports, especially wrestling, which shaped his high school experience and introduced him to West Point.•West Point Experience (11:00-16:50): Patterson describes his time at West Point, entering in 2001 and experiencing 9/11 just months into his training, which brought a heightened sense of purpose to military service. He walked onto the wrestling team, which provided a crucial support system and outlet.•Branch and Duty Station Selection (16:52-29:20): He explains that his decision to branch infantry was heavily influenced by his closest friends, many of whom he met while training for the Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC). He shares a humorous anecdote about how he and a friend managed to secure their desired first duty station in the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii despite initial resistance.•First Deployment to Iraq (2006-2008 Surge) (29:20-35:20): Patterson details his challenging 15-month deployment to Iraq as a platoon leader in Alpha Company, 2-27, during the surge. He describes the intense and kinetic environment in Houija, the major threats faced (snipers, IEDs, rocket launchers), and the significant losses experienced by the Wolfhounds. He also highlights the heroism of soldiers like StWhy Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This episode is with Trivius Caldwell & Matt Leclair. They discuss how to make the best decisions they can for their families, teammates, units, and life, with the information they have available. They also discuss lessons learned over the last couple of months to include:·      Dealing with tragic events·      Lessons from a JRTC rotation·      Preparation for a Combat Training Center·      Leader development·      Recruiting and interviewing talented leaders·      How mission success starts and ends with home station trainingWe hope you enjoy today’s conversation with Matt & Trivius. Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. Of course, good leaders know how to do it. They have a track record of getting results. Great leaders know what to do, they do it when it counts, and know how to get the right People doing the right things. Great leaders care. Winning is knowing “What’s Important Now.” Great leaders influence us. Join us for a conversation on what makes good leaders great. How they make us feel, and how you can go from good leadership to great leadership. Why Teach Me to Fish? Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed their family for life. Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership. Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day. Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People. Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too.Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462