LTC RET Allen B. West Offers Leadership Advice At SHOT Show Seminar

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:22:13 -0500

The SHOT Show is an annual event in Las Vegas that includes an Executive Management Seminar. Among this year’s speakers was political commentator Allen B. West.

West is a former Florida Congressman and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He provided a high-energy talk about leadership.

West first discussed what he calls the five C’s of leadership. He based his knowledge of leadership on his experiences in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, in addition to commanding a battalion during the Iraq War in 2003.

West’s Five C’s of Leadership

Courage – West pointed out that a leader must have courage. In WWII’s Battle of Bastogne, a U.S. army infantry regiment was surrounded by the enemy. The Germans demanded that the unit surrender and its commander, Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe, sent back the single word message “NUTS!” The unit was later rescued by General Patton’s 3rd Army.

Competence – West noted that a leader must be competent.

Control – West said a leader “is visionary and not about reaction, but about response. You need to have a vision for your business and know where you want to be in three months, three years and five years. You need to anticipate the path ahead and plan for contingencies.”

Commitment – “You must have a core set of principles,” West said. “Conviction of your principles means do not be a weather vane. You must tell people what they NEED to hear, not what they WANT to hear.”

Character – West’s final observation was “Character is doing what is right when nobody is looking.”

Other Leadership Observations from West
West noted that leaders should be the most expendable person on a team. “An effective unit does not shut down because one person is not there,” he said.

According to West, great leaders like Alexander the Great and Hannibal led from the front. In other words, leaders should show they know and understand the business while setting an example for their employees.

Sending Notes is a Good Way to Stay Connected with Employees

West recommended sending out an email every week to employees to keep them informed. By letting employees know your thoughts as a leader, they feel a part of the operation.

West also said, “It is good to have a quick summation of the week of what was accomplished and what the group needs to accomplish in the next week. This also helps to focus employees on appropriate tasks.”

West Notes that His Success in Life Comes from Hard Work

West has a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience. He said his path in life was not always easy, but he always worked to be better. His closing comment was: “America is about equality of opportunity, not outcomes.”

West has been blessed with many opportunities, which he worked hard to convert into successes. He still leads by example.

About the Author

James R. Lint recently retired as the (GG-15) civilian director for intelligence and security, G2, U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command. He is an adjunct professor at AMU. James has been involved in cyberespionage events from just after the turn of the century in Korea supporting 1st Signal Brigade to the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis as the first government cyber intelligence analyst. He has 38 years of experience in military intelligence with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, government contracting and civil service.

Additionally, James started the Lint Center for National Security Studies, a nonprofit charity that recently awarded its 49th scholarship for national security students and professionals. James was also elected as the 2015 national vice president for the Military Intelligence Corps Association. He has also served in the Department of Energy’s S&S Security Office after his active military career in the Marine Corps for seven years and 14 years in the Army. His military assignments include South Korea, Germany and Cuba, in addition to numerous CONUS locations. In 2017, he was appointed to the position of Adjutant for The American Legion, China Post 1. James has authored a book published in 2013, “Leadership and Management Lessons Learned,” a book published in 2016 “8 Eyes on Korea, A Travel Perspective of Seoul, Korea,” and a new book in 2017 “Secrets to Getting a Federal Government Job.”

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Feb 15 at 2018 2:28 PM

LTC Tom Jones — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:28:11 -0500

Thanks for the post/information. Thinking a 6th C -- Communication.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Feb 15 at 2018 3:34 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 15:34:31 -0500

I was unable to attend SHOT this but hope to make it next year. I would love to have heard LTC West speak. Since I have an FFL I am able to gain admission to SHOT.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 15 at 2018 9:07 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 21:07:44 -0500

On Jan 20, 2018, LTC West spoke to a luncheon benefiting: “Mama’s House” a Palm Desert, CA organization that houses and assists unwed, pregnant women.

What a great speaker! He wove his military experiences, training and his personal religious feelings into a compelling speech.

As I recall, “”- - - since the passage of ‘Roe - Wade’. in 1973, 19 million, Black Babies have been aborted! - - -“”

I admit to being enthralled by the content of his speech and how tailored it was to the occasion.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 15 at 2018 10:03 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 22:03:57 -0500

Awesome love Col. West

Response by CW5 John M. made Feb 16 at 2018 3:08 PM

CW5 John M. — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 15:08:40 -0500

My commendations and congratulations for the contemplative addenda

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Feb 17 at 2018 10:31 AM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 10:31:53 -0500

A tidbit about LTC West, he was in the Army and was the Liaison Officer to the 2d Marine Division. A lot of docs will tell of times being attached to another service.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 23 at 2018 12:31 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:31:24 -0500

Not sure I could appreciate his talk.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 5:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 17:23:52 -0400

Nobody listens to Allen B. West !!!!!!!