Professional Blog

Dusty’s Core Values

Posted on: Fri, 06/02/2017 - 07:00 By: dusty

I was first introduced to the term “Core Values” in the Navy with Honor, Commitment, and Courage. The concept of values was introduced to me much earlier however, as the Boy Scout Oath where a Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent (Whew! That was all 12 without Google!). While I try to live and exemplify all these things, I have discovered my own personal core values and added them to the already existing set of good, ethical principles. My core values are the things I derive value from.

Feeling “Blessed”

Posted on: Fri, 06/02/2017 - 06:00 By: dusty

My high school had a great 10 year reunion. The 20 year reunion was not so great; lack of interest forced us into online chats and emailing pictures to reminisce. I recall a particular interaction with an old friend where she summed up my life by saying “Well you seem very blessed.” I’d heard it before, but this was different: this was from someone whom I thought knew me. And it hurt.

On Motivation

Posted on: Fri, 06/02/2017 - 03:00 By: dusty

I was a procrastinator most of my adolescence. At some point I made the decision to change my ways and I knew I had to find some sort of inspiration or motivation to get me moving. Now there are many clichés about motivation and moving in the right direction. Maybe you’ve heard: “The first step is always the hardest.” Well heck, if taking the first step is the hardest, let’s get going… I took that first step, put in the hard work, and everything after seemed to fall into place: it worked! Then I did it again. And again. I got good at starting things.

Why I Lead

Posted on: Fri, 06/02/2017 - 02:00 By: dusty
I do not have any direct reports, however I lead every day. I lead a family of 5 through life. I lead my girls in dance, setting the example by taking tap and performing onstage. I lead my adult son as he navigates the early years of living on his own. I lead my gym buddies on leg day. I lead an army of information system security managers and security professionals through procedural compliance and risk-based security.

The Leader I Want To Become

Posted on: Fri, 06/02/2017 - 01:00 By: dusty
I have been a great many things that contribute to the leader I am now. I was a Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader. I’ve been a dishwasher. I’ve been a cook. I was a Lead Petty Officer and Reactor Operator on one of the best aircraft carriers this country has ever operated. I was an IT manager. I am a husband. I am a father. I draw on all these experiences as I move forward on my leadership journey. In the context of the ELDP learning objectives, there are some that I have mastered and others that are still a work in progress.
Subscribe to Professional Blog