Archive: Ed Ruggero
D-Day anniversary: The leaders of Omaha Beach
They could not back off the beach--there wasn't even a plan for withdrawal. The only thing left to do was to get the troops moving directly up the bluffs, right into the teeth of the German fire.
By Ed Ruggero | June 4, 2010; 05:11 AM ET | Comments (24)
Will the opportunity be wasted?
Imagine the broad appeal of a Republican effort requiring better safeguards and emergency procedures for off-shore drilling.
By Ed Ruggero | May 4, 2010; 05:00 AM ET | Comments (6)
Leadership, the West Point way
Saying that leadership can be taught is not the same as saying that everyone can become a leader.
By Ed Ruggero | March 16, 2010; 05:54 AM ET | Comments (7)
Christmas soldiers of 1776
The Continental soldiers, shivering and soaked by the freezing rain, moved their mud-caked artillery into place. Riding at the head of his troops, Washington ordered, "Advance and charge."
By Ed Ruggero | December 21, 2009; 05:44 AM ET | Comments (3)
From FDR's Pearl Harbor to Obama's West Point
Was President Obama's speech at West Point a "stage-managed" affair? Of course it was. Like FDR riding in an open car to declare war on Japan, theatrics have played a key role presidential and wartime leadership.
By Ed Ruggero | December 4, 2009; 11:59 AM ET | Comments (15)
Lincoln's audacious address
Lincoln's boldly reordered our nation's priorities with his Gettysburg Address , a move that riled even loyal supporters.
By Ed Ruggero | November 23, 2009; 05:46 AM ET | Comments (71)
Gary-Cooper style
The best military leaders are physically and morally strong, calm and competent under pressure, willing to do the hard but necessary jobs most of us are happy to duck -- all while being nice to children and old ladies and dogs.
By Ed Ruggero | November 2, 2009; 03:34 PM ET | Comments (2)
When Presidents and Generals Disagree
In Afghanistan, there may be more ways to fail than succeed, and in this complex situation, it's tempting -- and wrong -- to reduce the issue to "Obama vs. McChrystal."
By Ed Ruggero | October 19, 2009; 05:43 AM ET | Comments (12)
A Self-Inflicted Wound
Poorly run meetings sap energy and destroy efficiency. No leader deserving of the title should let that happen to his or her team.
By Ed Ruggero | October 6, 2009; 02:32 PM ET | Comments (0)
Ben Franklin's Town-Hall Advice
Ben Franklin helped sealed the deal on the U.S. Constitution 222 years ago this week. How did he do it? By encouraging fellow citizens do something few do today on health care: Compromise.
By Ed Ruggero | September 10, 2009; 06:19 AM ET | Comments (23)
The Political Disciplinarian
Everyone gets to save face when the trip to the proverbial woodshed is a private affair.
By Ed Ruggero | August 18, 2009; 11:56 AM ET | Comments (1)
A New Harry and Louise
The White House's approach is missing those compelling stories that will help people understand, believe and remember the message: that reform is about helping the un- and under-insured.
By Ed Ruggero | July 28, 2009; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (0)
Beyond "Boxers or Briefs"
The best leaders are good communicators, and the best communicators use stories to help others see and share a vision of the future.
By Ed Ruggero | June 8, 2009; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)
What We Don't Know
The recent enormous outlays of taxpayer money for General Motors' survival provide a great opportunity for the government to learn to keep tabs on our money and use it wisely.
By Ed Ruggero | June 2, 2009; 12:02 PM ET | Comments (0)
Dangerous Brinksmanship
As with the Cuban Missile Crisis, so it is with The Boston Globe drama: If the parties indulge in ego-driven brinksmanship, where one side wants victory without concessions, chances are good they'll both fail.
By Ed Ruggero | May 5, 2009; 11:57 AM ET | Comments (0)
A Full Range of Options
Tom Ricks rightly calls for diversity of military officers. But one size does not fit all. While ROTC and Officer Candidate School may appeal to some, others will always want the complete challenge of a West Point-like experience.
By Ed Ruggero | April 21, 2009; 06:50 AM ET | Comments (1)
Uncomplaining Courage
The question about Captain Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama brings to mind another sea-faring leader, the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who endured physical and mental extremes to rescue his own men.
By Ed Ruggero | April 13, 2009; 04:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Emotional Leadership
If you are laying off workers and compassion isn't your thing, there are plenty of good business reasons to dust off your under-used empathic skills.
By Ed Ruggero | February 10, 2009; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (0)
Warnings to the President
Former presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter, all told President Obama that it is very difficult to get unfiltered information. Even the most experienced and best-meaning staff members will, to some extent, tell you what they think you want to hear.
By Ed Ruggero | February 2, 2009; 11:51 AM ET | Comments (0)
Age-Defying Quarterback
Choosing 37-year-old Kurt Warner as the Cardinals quarterback demonstrates Coach Whisenhunt's ability see far beyond age in sports.
By Ed Ruggero | January 26, 2009; 01:50 PM ET | Comments (0)
Beyonce's Tears
The 27-year-old pop star said of President Obama, "He makes me want to be more involved." She got the inaugural message -- meant for all of us -- loud and clear.
By Ed Ruggero | January 21, 2009; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
First Out The Door
To paratroopers, leading means being "last in the chow line and first out the aircraft door." Whatever the success of his ideas, Obama has at least shown courage in facing our economic crisis.
By Ed Ruggero | January 12, 2009; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)
Abraham Lincoln
In 2008, everyone from President-elect Obama to my wife's ten-year-old nephew was talking about Abraham Lincoln's leadership. Why? Because he still calls us to aspire.
By Ed Ruggero | December 31, 2008; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (0)
Our Better Angels
When things go wrong a leader's responsibilities go far beyond the day's press conference, and Obama has taught us something about public service through this scandal.
By Ed Ruggero | December 16, 2008; 08:59 PM ET | Comments (0)
Admit That You're Broken
The root cause of their problems is hubris: They thought they were immune from even the most predictable challenges.
By Ed Ruggero | December 8, 2008; 06:48 PM ET | Comments (6)
