Milacron’s Post

James C. Collins called this "The Stockdale Paradox," after Admiral James Stockdale. Stockdale was a United States Navy aviator who was shot down during the Vietnam war, on September 9, 1965. He was held as a Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" until his release in 1973. When Collins asked Stockdale about the P.O.W.s who didn't survive, Stockdale replied: "Oh, that's easy, the optimists. Oh, they were the ones who said, 'We're going to be out by Christmas.' And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they'd say, 'We're going to be out by Easter.' And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart. This is a very important lesson. You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be." The key takeaway from the Stockdale Paradox is that maintaining faith and hope is crucial, but it must be coupled with a clear-eyed assessment of the current situation and a willingness to confront and adapt to the harsh realities as they are. This balanced approach can help individuals and organizations navigate through adversity with resilience and determination. #leadershipdevelopment #constructionleadership #personalgrowth

📅 On this day, April 19, 1897, Theodore Roosevelt begins his work as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in his remarkable life. 🚢⚓ As Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley, Roosevelt made significant contributions to the modernization and expansion of the U.S. Navy. He was a passionate advocate for naval power and foresaw the importance of a strong navy in safeguarding America's interests and projecting its influence on the world stage. During his tenure, Roosevelt initiated reforms to improve the efficiency and readiness of the Navy, advocating for the construction of new battleships and the expansion of the naval fleet. His efforts played a crucial role in preparing the Navy for the challenges of the 20th century, including the Spanish-American War, where the U.S. Navy emerged as a formidable force. However, Roosevelt's time as Assistant Secretary of the Navy was not without controversy. His aggressive advocacy for war with Spain and his role in the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor raised questions about his judgment and leadership. Despite the controversies, Roosevelt's dedication to strengthening the Navy and promoting American power abroad left a lasting impact on U.S. military policy and strategy. Today, we commemorate Theodore Roosevelt's appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and recognize his enduring legacy as a champion of American naval power and national security. #TheodoreRoosevelt #AssistantSecretaryoftheNavy #NavalHistory #MilitaryLeadership #AmericanPower #HistoricalAnniversary #USNavy #TransformationalLeadership

What is a powerful way to preserve your family’s cultural heritage? 🎗️ The fabric of our nation is interwoven with the valor of those who've served. Military service carries with it a rich culture, an enduring spirit, and diverse narratives including a multitude of racial and ethnic backgrounds. As reflected in a 2022 Department of Defense demographic profile,  military demographic data tells us that 18.4 percent of our active-duty members self-identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 31.2 percent as part of a racial minority group and the rest as Caucasian. Cultural heritage is not just relics and artifacts; it encompasses the living memories and anecdotes of those who have donned the uniform. In recognition of their contributions and to enrich our collective history, we must take steps to preserve these diverse stories. Encourage dialogues, record interviews, and compile memories to celebrate and honor the multidimensional experiences of our veterans, especially those in your family. 🌟 Assist in the noble task of preserving your history. Start by documenting your family's military stories and contribute to a legacy that will inspire future leaders and citizens. #FamilyLegacy #VeteranStories #PreserveHistory

We’ve dipped into For Evermore to share some of the most remarkable stories of Royal Navy casualties of the World Wars. Which one intrigues you the most? Read our blog here: https://lnkd.in/eXeFHmAZ

World Class Leaders - Major General Clifford Stanley, USMC(Ret.) Recently, I was invited to a breakfast where General Stanley was present. General Stanley is one of 25 African-American Marine Generals in the history of the U.S. Marines. https://lnkd.in/eRANMPtf General Stanley's lessons on overcoming obstacles can be seen in this video - https://lnkd.in/ePxWdEXV In addition to overcoming obstacles, his lessons on learning have inspired me, along with many others, to always be learning. Lesson - we all need role models like General Stanley in these challenging times. Who are your role models? How do you overcome obstacles? How do you develop grit? #rolemodel #grit #resilience

Take a moment to read this wonderful blog about Elizabeth's journey and her transition from the Navy to ICON!

From the indomitable spirit of Brother Winston Churchill to the strategic genius of Brother Douglas MacArthur, 32°, many of our Brethren have lived our Masonic values through successful military careers. Learn more about the incredible valor and dedication of some of these men on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eZQRKGYE

Thank you to Navy Federal Credit Union CEO, Dietrich Kuhlmann, for sharing his valuable insights on transitioning from military service and the defense industry to finding your passion. Mr. Kuhlmann left us with a powerful message: understand your value, and don’t discredit your military experience. Education serves as the engine and bridge to a successful transition, and your first job post-service may not be your last—find what works for you. He also shared five keys to finding the right fit: 1. Identify your passion and align it with the industry or company you’re pursuing. 2. Seek fulfillment in your work. 3. Ensure you have opportunities for growth within the sector or organization. 4. Location is crucial—don’t overlook its importance for both you and your family. 5. Compensation: Know your worth and earn it. Thank you, Mr. Kuhlmann and the William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business.

Talk about motivating! Sarah Katherine Sisk

Learn more about Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation at this link and see what a difference you can help us make for the children of our fallen military. Check out our post below with two current examples!