Pearl of Wisdom Number 4: Be Humble.

Hey Jackass - Be Humble!

I’ll admit - sometimes I can be the most egotistical, cockiest, and pig-headed person when it comes right down to it.  It’s a huge weakness - and it’s something I actively try to keep at bay. . . at least most of the time.  My pop used to tell me all the time “James, be humble.”  But, as per the typical teenager response, I’d shrug my shoulders and blow him off.

It wasn’t until I went out to sea that I figured out that - hey - it really does make people angry when you act like you’re the biggest, best dude around.  Especially with people you are working with whom are twice your age.  I remember completing a task for my Chief Mate, and when he had complimented me, I had to boost my own ego with my big mouth.  I don’t know what I said specifically, but it was along the lines of how awesome I was as a cadet, and man, how could they do anything without me. 

Leadership at Sea, a Journal: Day Two

 Date/Time: 16 Mar 07 2000 hours

Latitude and Longitude: Norfolk, Virginia

Entry

“Hello Journal!  At 0730 I went to chow, had my apple juice with my fellow cadets, and was at muster by 0800.  The boatswain, [name removed,] is a rather large man with a deep, booming voice - I could tell the deck gang respected him.  He didn’t require us to work - we had to officially be signed on since no one was around yesterday.  We went to the purser’s office, and she took care of all our documents, endorsed our orders, etc.  Next, we went to the ship’s doctor, but he told us to come back since he was going on leave.  We were then summoned by the cargo mate - who is actually a 2^nd mate, but is in charge of cargo operations, not navigating. 

Pearls of Wisdom Number Three: No Ocean Too Vast

There’s a Whole World Out There

Growing up, I don’t remember a lot of vacations like all the other kids seemed to get.  I never went south of Florida, I never went west of the Mississippi, I had never gone more north than Washington D.C., and the furthest east I had ever been was the coast of South Carolina.  The Academy has sent me halfway across the world - I’ve been all over, from Hong Kong to Hawaii, from Panama to Peru . . . I never made it over to Africa or Europe, but there’s plenty of time to visit those places in the future. . .

My point is - go out and experience something.  There really is a whole world out there beyond our computer and tv screens.  I know this sounds like some sort of cliché campaign to get the generations of today off their butts to go outside, but there really is something to the idea of just getting up and learning about the world outside of the one we’re limited to. 

The New Leaders: News Post #1

The New Leaders: NEWS!

The site has only been up for roughly a day and a half, and I’ve already gotten some great positive feedback.  Thanks to everyone who has come by so far!

I promise to post more soon!  I’m juggling creating the site/getting the mechanics down as I prepare for several presentations, papers, and finals week here at the Academy.

If you’re new, please mull over the other posts, I encourage you to make a comment!  I will get back to you.  Check out my About Page to learn about me.  Also, you can always subscribe via RSS to know when I’ve done something new! 

I wish you all the best today/tonight, and here’s a preview of the next Pearl of Wisdom topic: No Ocean Too Vast.

Cheers!

Pearls of Wisdom Number Two: Not Everyone is Going to Love You

Pearls of Wisdom: A Background

On my very first ship as a midshipman, I had no idea about ships or life at sea.  I was very fortunate to have a chief mate there who sort of took me under his wing.  Often, he would give me “Pearls of Wisdom” . . . I think the name sort of made him chuckle because it was nautical in nature, and we were on a ship . . . yeh, people at sea are like that.  But I will never forget them, and I have found many new “Pearls of Wisdom” on my journey since then.  These posts shall be my attempt to share these “Pearls” with my fellow millennials and any other interested parties.

The First Pearl

“James,” he said, “Not everyone is going to love you.”  He had just gotten done yelling at me for something I did wrong as a cadet. . . I wasn’t a very good cadet, I thought, I was always doing something stupid, despite my best efforts.  But his words stuck.  Not everyone is going to love you.  Our parents, guardians, and teachers forged a world early on for us that was protected and sheltered - they encouraged us to be the best at everything we could be, and that no matter what, they would love us in whatever we did. 

A Day in the Life of a Midshipman: An Unfortunate Incident

 Unfortunately. . .

We had an issue recently that caused me to reflect deeply on the subject of leadership, and how we should at least try to inspire our followers, no matter how much of a lost cause they appear to be.  I have modified some of my original thoughts so as to completely obscure the identity of the individual.  For ease of writing/reading, the person shall be referred to as a male.  This does not necessarily mean that the person in question was male, nor does it mean that the person was female.

The Background

A plebe (freshman) lied to the academy about his whereabouts over one of the breaks.  He violated the liberty policy, and then lied about it.  He did some other things he should not have done, including continuing to lie, and not accepting the punishment that was given to him.  Recently, he was discharged from the Academy.  Before he left, he made several comments, discussing how he had dreamed of becoming an officer and how the leadership here stopped him from being able to accomplish his dream.  Many upperclassmen responded, many of them giving a quick cynical quip, others responding with outrage. . . But I found myself greatly saddened.  I had no positive feelings towards this young man, but I certainly felt as if I somehow didn’t try enough.  I sat down and put my thoughts to paper.

Leadership at Sea, a Journal: Day One

Introduction

During my time at sea, I was forced to keep a journal.  While I hated writing in it every day as I was required to, I now look upon my sea journal and go “Huh, there’s some useful information in here.”  This section of the blog will focus on each and every day I had at sea, the actual entry, and my reflections – how it might pertain to leadership.  These blogs will be intended for entertainment as well as lessons for anyone willing to listen to my ramblings.  I will remove any and all information of names of individuals, the ships, and their respective companies. So, without further adieu. . .

Date/Time: 15 Mar 07 2335 hours

Latitude and Longitude: Norfolk, Virginia

Entry

“Hello Journal!  Today around 1530 I joined the [Ship Name], a [tanker class vessel].  To my surprise, I was quickly informed that she had only just arrived at the [shipyard], and would be staying for 30 days.  After her repairs, she will be staying in [the waters near] Norfolk to refuel U.S. Navy vessels.  So much for my adventurous plans in the Mediterranean!! 

Pearl of Wisdom Number One: What is a Millennial?

 What is a Millennial, anyway? You have probably seen it on my blog already numerous times.  Millennials are members of my generation - generation Y.  60 Minutes produced a popular video and story about us: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/08/60minutes/main3475200.shtml . . . Though it comes across as a typical older, more established generation snubbing their noses toward the up and coming generation, there are probably some underlying truths here that demand a closer look at our generation.

They’re right - to a degree.

We were raised relatively softer compared to the baby boomers - heck, why wouldn’t we be?  I doubt any of our dads saw action storming the beaches of Normandy.  I doubt any of our moms had to work triple shifts to keep the family fed while the old man was overseas fighting crazies who were hell-bent on world domination.  Those people are our beloved grandpas and sweet grandmas - in my case, they were my GREAT grandpas and grandmas. . . my family is relatively young. 

A Day in the Life of a Midshipman: Beginning to Current

This post will begin a topic I wish to update somewhat frequently. 

What is life like in the day of a Midshipman at a U.S. Service Academy, acclaimed to be in the upper echelon of education and leadership training?  Honestly, not a lot happens day-to-day that inspires me - quite frankly, it’s oftentimes tedious and boring.   But!  Sometimes there are things that cause me to step back and go “Huh.”  This topic will consist of those moments of reflection.

First - some background!  I am currently a junior, a second classman, here at the academy.  What has life been like?  Well, it all started in the first week of July back in 2005.  I reported for my indoctrination (Military Boot camp) with my parents.  I knew it had been coming for years, but I really had no idea the magnitude of the situation I was about to dive head first into.  After a firm handshake to pop, and a hug I didn’t really want to leave from teary-eyed mama, I entered the gymnasium. 

Leadership: What, Who, When, Where, Why?

Leadership.  

The word reminds many Generation Y’ers, oftentimes called Millennials, of such negative thoughts as authority, responsibility, and work.  This blog is my attempt to encourage my fellows and other interested parties that leadership is not such a bad term after all.

However, we must first establish that the so-called author of these posts is credible in the topic of leadership.  I shall do my best to confirm this in the affirmative.

Credibility of the Author

I am a Midshipman at a U.S. Service Academy, seeking to become an Officer, a Gentleman, and most importantly, a Leader in service to the people of the United States of America.  Ever since I was fourteen years old, I dreamed of serving a nation where others served before me.  Originally from South Carolina, I have sailed around half the world and survived to tell the tale.  I experience and seek out leadership everywhere I go. 

I have followed the few, I have led the many.  From the time I wake in the morning until the dead of night, I am living, eating, and breathing leadership here at the Academy.  Leadership is my passion. I write about it now to share my thoughts and experiences with anyone interested on the subject, but ultimately to explore and expand my knowledge in this timeless art.  I am first and foremost a student.  This blog is a journal of my journey through the art of leadership.  Now onto the topic questions -