Dwight D. Eisenhower

Why Planning Matters More Than the Plan

Finally, turning principle into practice means planning for pivots. Run pre-mortems to imagine failure and trace plausible causes (Gary Klein, 2007; echoed by Daniel Kahneman, 2011). Wargame adversarial moves and red-team assumptions (U.S. Army Red Team Handbook, 2013). Define decision points and triggers in advance, link them to data, and rehearse the handoffs. Then, update the plan continuously as feedback arrives. In this way, the plan becomes a living hypothesis—and the planning process, a habit of collective sensemaking. That enduring habit is what Eisenhower deemed indispensable. [...]

Privileges and Principles: The Fragile Balance of Society

Ultimately, Eisenhower’s message is a call to collective stewardship. By elevating principles alongside privileges, societies foster resilience and adaptability. Plato’s *Republic* (c. 375 BC) similarly champions the role of justice and virtue in supporting the ideal state. It becomes clear, then, that safeguarding our privileges depends upon an unwavering dedication to principle—a truth as urgent now as in any era. [...]

The Subtle Art of True Motivation in Leadership

Ultimately, sustaining true motivation requires ongoing effort. Leaders must consistently connect individual aspirations to organizational goals, provide opportunities for growth, and recognize personal achievement. As workplaces continue to evolve, Eisenhower’s wisdom reminds us that the art of motivation lies in aligning what leaders need with what people genuinely want—ensuring both success and fulfillment endure side by side. [...]

It's the Size of the Fight in the Dog - Dwight D. Eisenhower

As a military leader and former U.S. president, Eisenhower was no stranger to adversity. This quote reflects his belief in the power of grit and tenacity, a lesson valuable both in military strategy and life’s broader challenges. [...]