A Powerful Commencement Address
Several days ago I was listening to the Laura Ingraham radio program and heard clips of the commencement speech given at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff offered four tips for being a successful leader–miliary or civilian.
1. Grow where you are planted.
2. Check your moral compass frequently.
3. Make decisions.
4. Take care of those in your charge.
Read the transcript of General Pace’s commencement speech.
Listen to General Pace’s commencement speech.
One of the best points in General Pace’s speech, I thought, was when he said to this group of 400 college graduates: “You have worked hard, and you have absolutely earned the right to start at the bottom…. ” 
It reminded me that life is a series of cycles. You learn a skill or gain new knowledge. You apply it, master it and that new knowledge leads you to learn another new skill. You apply it, master it, and keep learning new skills. With each new skill you learn, you will start at the bottom of the proficiency ladder. But you don’t have to stay there!
