A great leader's hiring choices can undermine the mission: How Lincoln's choices of generals almost lost a war
Unlike many who have natural ability and the work ethic to excel, Abraham Lincoln had something that few leaders seem to possess: humility. However, his combination of humility and perserverance might have contributed to hiring decisions and employee practices that hindered his mission and threatened the outcome of the Civil War. The failures of Lincoln's generals took a heavy toll on the morale and lives of soldiers, who wished for their own Lee, Jackson, or even a Napoleon to lead them. The front line soldiers were not alone in questioning the competencies of the generals. Reading his letters and proclamations to these leaders, Lincoln asked questions and recommended actions that the leaders sometimes seemed to ignore...
[NEW] Adult learning and development resource center
A transforming economy and personal motivation for growth are making learning a permanent condition for Americans. Economically, many workers are finding they must continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge if they want to maintain employment, let alone remain competitive for paying jobs. Likewise, employers are finding they must constantly adapt their workforces and processes to an increasingly dynamic environment.
Motivationally, rising affluence and a greater variety of learning opportunities in American society are allowing a more diverse and affluent population to pursue education as a means to realize and transcend personal and societal potential. Once perceived as a remedial means to help adults catch up on education they should have had as youth, the adult education industry has emerged to facilitate perpetual learning that supports individual, social and economic well-being. The growth of adult education programs in non-traditional institutions is causing a rethinking of teaching practices in traditional institutions that seem slow to adapt to the diverse needs and abilities of adult learners.
The new Adult Learning and Development resource center at Donnach.com that explores philosophies, principles, and practices for fostering adult student success and creative longevity through higher education.
