About Me

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As the saying goes, “experience is what you get just after you needed it.” I started this blog after writing my book, It Beats Eatin’ Lizards: Lessons Learned in Leadership and Life, in which I share short stories that reflect the lessons in everyday experiences, like the lady who won’t give the governor more than one piece of chicken. The title comes from a lesson learned about the power of perspective: it can always be worse. In 1984, when I complained about a boring lecture in a hot auditorium at Maxwell Air Force Base, my classmate (an Army Green Beret and survival instructor) matter-of-factly informed me that “it beats eatin’ lizards.” I retired from the United States Air Force in January 1994, where I was a commander; management consultant; budget officer; executive officer; curriculum manager; project manager; quality consultant; and quality advisor. Since then, I’ve held various positions in training and communication. I have a master’s degree in business administration and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in organization & management. I hope to hear from you for any feedback or suggestions you might have!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Daytona Beach area author piece

Nice little piece in the paper today about the book:


http://www.go386.com/culture/2012/01/area-author-steve-woodsmall.html

Lessons in Humanity: Habeas Corpus

One of my all-time favorite shows is Star Trek: The Next Generation. There were always lessons in humanity, leadership, and commitment in the episodes. A great clip is shown here:


http://www.wimp.com/habeascorpus/


Captain Picard states, "You know, there are some words I've known since I was a schoolboy: "With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably." Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie, as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged. I fear that today... 


Written in 1991, portrayed in the 2400's, and true today.