From The Green Notebook

Send us a textRecently, U.S. Army Colonel Everett Spain coauthored an article in Parameters titled, The Battalion Commander Effect.  Spain and his coauthors found that evidence suggests Army battalion commanders are a major factor in whether or not high-potential lieutenants stay in the Army.  In this episode, Joe and Everett discuss the research and dive into why self-awareness and humility are important traits for military leaders. 

Send us a textRabbi Mordecai Finley sits down to talk with Joe about the power of self-reflection and how it can lead to inner well-being and help reduce conflict in our lives. He also shares lessons from decades counseling couples, earning his black belt in jujitsu, and serving in the Marine Corps following the Vietnam War. 

Send us a textUK Army Officer Henry Willi shares his insights on innovation based on his operational experience and from his time as commander of the jHub, the official innovation hub for the UK's Strategic Command. He explains why your network is your net worth and how they enable people and organizations to think differently. Joe and Henry also discuss how leadership and culture play critical roles in fostering innovation. 

Send us a textJoe speaks with Historian and Professor James Romm, author of Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero, Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the War for Crown and Empire, and The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Loves and the Fight to Save Greek Freedom. Joe and James discuss how reading ancient history can better prepare leaders for the challenges they will face in the 21st century. Also, Romm recommends the best books for leaders who want to learn more about the lessons within ancient Greek and Roman literature.

Send us a textBestselling author Ryan Holiday discusses his latest book, Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave.  Joe and Ryan talk about how fear can hold us back from personal growth, helping others, and making a positive impact in our communities. During the episode, the two share personal stories of overcoming fear and doubt along with those of influential people who answered their own callings.   

Send us a textJoe and Chevy discuss the art and science of mentorship.  Chevy shares how important it is for people to find mentors and provides tips on how and where to find them. He also explains why peers can be a great source for development.  Finally, they share stories of their own journeys and the role peer and more senior mentors have played in their development. 

Send us a textCSM (ret) Bill Thetford shares lessons from his career that spanned almost four decades in the United States Army. Bill shares his thoughts on the role of the noncommissioned officer (NCO) in the military and shares advice on how NCOs can lead up in their organizations. He also explains the importance of leaders removing barriers, the art of giving someone bad news, and methods for how we can overcome knowledge gaps when faced with uncertainty. 

Send us a textNew York Times Best-Selling Author Kim Scott joins Joe to discuss how leaders can foster a culture that promotes honest feedback regardless of the power dynamics within an organization. In the interview, Kim discusses the lessons she shares in her books Radical Candor and Just Work, including how to give praise, how leaders can solicit feedback, how to promote diversity efforts, and why these things matter to any organization.  

Send us a textSecretary General Jens Stoltenberg shares the lessons he's learned leading the 30-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over the last seven years. Additionally, he explains how his parents' approach to diplomacy influenced his leadership style. He also discusses his experiences with tragedy as the Prime Minister of Norway following the terrorist attacks on 07/22/11 and shares a message for all the service members who have deployed in support of  NATO's mission in Afghanistan

Send us a textMajor General Chris Donahue, commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, shares lessons he's learned throughout his career and discusses best practices for leaders to shape organizational culture. He also shares his thoughts on why change is hard, his greatest challenge as a division commander, and how reading helps him think through problems.