Michael D. Huffstetler, Assoc AIA, LEED AP, F.SAME’s Post

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞, 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬, 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬. - 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐄𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 With First Sergeant Robert Nichols at his retirement ceremony in 1984. He was a superb role model and mentor, and the epitome of the Marine Corps’ Teacher-Scholar concept, formalized by Major General John A. Lejeune in 1920, which includes this guidance: "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫." This statement implies that officers were to adopt the "teacher" role as they led, trained and cared for their young enlisted Marines, but in our relationship, it was me...the officer...who was the scholar, and 1stSgt Nichols, the teacher. I learned much from him that helped me become a better Marine officer and senior executive in Corporate America. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧: Are you benefitting professionally from the influence of Role Models, Mentors and Coaches? And, are you serving as such for those who can benefit from your own experience and wisdom? It is your responsibility to ensure this happens...so...𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍! "𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐧𝐞: 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡." 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬: ==> https://amzn.to/3qmEoSq #FidelisLeadership #Leadership #Management #Marines #MikeEttore

The PRODUCT is everything! I love reflecting on the common business practices of the Military and the "civilian world". This weekend my first group of Candidates (College students committed to a commissioning in the Marine Corps post-college) are shipping out to Officer Candidate School (OCS) to FINALLY test themselves, after their long academic year, and earn the opportunity to lead Marines. In the business world, much like in the military, the true validation of a process is the quality of the product it yields. The video below is the Marine Corps Officer Selection School and the description of our process for creating a quality product. This grueling program is not just about the physical and mental challenges, but about the transformation and cultivation of exceptional leaders. In selling (recruiting included), we often see the focus on bright, shiny incentives to attract and gain commitment. These may capture short-term interest, but it’s the enduring quality of the product that truly matters. The Marine Corps doesn't rely on flashy gimmicks and I LOVE IT!!!! Instead, it focuses on producing officers who embody resilience, leadership, and integrity—qualities that far outlast any superficial attraction. The process is Officer Candidate School. The hardest screening environment for leadership potential. It focuses on producing Officers who embody resilience, leadership, and integrity—qualities that far outlast any superficial incentives, and gives back tangible value. The Marine Corps’ Commissioned Officers are a testament to our rigorous process that prioritizes excellence. This is a crucial lesson I believe: invest in creating a product that stands the test of time, and selling becomes easy. Think about it: what are you really selling? Is it the temporary trends, flashy incentive, or is it the solid, dependable product that meets and exceeds customer expectations? Just as Marine Corps Officers represent the pinnacle of military leadership through a process that is both demanding and transformative, your product should reflect a commitment to quality and excellence. That is when you're going to gain long-term commitment because the product is battle proven. In the end, it’s the product—your true value proposition—that will build long-term success and loyalty. Strive to develop something that isn’t just good or bad, but different in a way that resonates and endures. #Leadership #QualityOverQuantity #BusinessStrategy #MarineCorps #ProductExcellence #LongTermSuccess #UoA #MIZZOU #MSU #IncentivesArentEverything #MarineCorpsRecruiting #MarineCorpsOfficers

During my junior high school days, I enlisted in the newly established #CadetCorps, eager to develop my leadership skills and passion for the army. We underwent rigorous training for several weeks, and our initial trainer appointed our #commander because he was “Cute” Our trainer thought having a cute leader would make our performance lively, with our commander being chosen for his charm. I, however, had to demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and was appointed as the Second-in-Command (2IC). We successfully executed our first #parade during the end-of-term celebration, led by our “Cute” #commander. When our trainer rotated out, our new instructor, who was also our teacher, dissolved the existing officer portfolio and implemented a competency-based selection process. We trained intensively for a month, preparing for our school's #25thAnniversary #parade. My lifelong passion for the army, fueled by watching national independent parades on #6thMarch at the TV showroom, prepared me for this moment. Our instructor, accompanied by two colleagues, observed our training and rehearsals, discussing potential officer appointments. I overheard them say, "This #cadet exhibits exceptional leadership and marching skills, making him an ideal candidate to command the parade." Our instructor agreed, and I was appointed #ParadeCommander. With confidence and precision, I led the #25thAnniversary parade, commanding a contingent of over 70 attendees, including officers, color party, and band members. This experience reinforced the importance of doing everything with #passion, even if #unreciprocated or #unrecognized. Your value will be seen by the right people at the right time. In the army, we say, "Train hard, fight easy." My experience taught me to embrace this mantra, and I carry it with me to this day." #Passion #Dedication #Endurance #Determination #Success #Army #Cadet #Parade #Leadership #Command #Motivation

"Calling my shot" In 2018, I stood in front of 60 Senior NCOs and declared that this particular seat was mine and the rest of the class could decide where everyone else sat, but this seat was mine. The seat in question was the first seat on the first row, which, in two weeks, would be reserved for the Distinguished Honor graduate (DHG) of the Master Leaders Course class#010-18. The rest of the class looked at me with mockery; however, over the next two weeks, it became apparent that my prediction was accurate. The extra attention I received for making such a boastful claim pushed me to greater heights. I also took 12 hours of college during this course to add more difficulty. So, to prove my point, I would work on college for three hours after class dismissed. I would then rewrite my MLC notes three times, type the notes two times, and finally sleep. On test day, I would wake up at 3 a.m., rewrite my notes, and then type my notes again. By the time I got to the test, I had already "taken" the test three or four times. I lost 15 pounds in the course but achieved my goal and graduated with a 99% average. Leaders are scared to be confident in their abilities because it comes across as arrogance. I went there to prove I am the best, period. Second was not an option. I knew I was the best, and I proved it. There is nothing wrong with calling your shot as long as you put the work in—it is the leader's job to win. #army #leadership #leadershipcoaching #military #win #team

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶? Yesterday, I received an unexpected call from a former soldier of mine, Smith (pictured top left). I haven’t seen Smith since 2017. Despite the years, when I saw his name, I immediately answered. He’s been considering some career moves and wanted to talk through them, much like we would when he was a 19-year-old private. He’d been watching my transition from afar and during our call he was probing into what life is like on the “outside” and how I found my way. He reminded me of how I advised him as a young man in the Army, citing specific examples in vivid detail as if these moments occurred days, not years ago. I could tell by the way he spoke that those moments meant a lot and stayed with him over a decade later after we first met. I was very pleased to learn that my leadership had left such a lasting impression on him and he’s found so much success in the Military. Beyond proud of him. This is a reminder to my network that being in leadership is much more than 1:1’s and year-end reviews. Your team should be able to lean on you for guidance, support, and mentorship. Pour into your people. Leadership is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly. Take care of your teams and make every day count! #LeadershipImpact #MentorshipMatters #Veterans #TheBrotherhood #82airborne

My longtime trusted friend and colleague Todd Thayer De Voe, MPA, CEM® has my fullest personal endorsement for the position of IAEM 2nd VP. Let his words speak for themselves. To learn about Tod, listen to a two part episode of 5 Minutes to Chaos - A Podcast which captures his personal crisis management experience especially during a mass shooting incident in his jurisdiction. Spotify | Apple | YouTube #emergencymanagement #crisismanagement #iaem

Post-NCLS Thoughts - Culture and Character: This past week I had the distinct privilege of attending the National Leadership and Character Symposium (NCLS) at the United States Air Force Academy. The opportunity to engage with and learn from guest speakers was quite profound, and allowed each of us to walk away with a greater grasp on #leadership. As I prepare to commission as a United States Army Officer in three short months, I am eager to apply the lessons learned this week surrounding the #NCLS theme of “Valuing Human Conditions, Cultures, and Societies.” The one of the greatest lessons I took away from this trip was from guest speaker Dr. Alison Fragale. She shared with us the Psychology of Power, and how various human conditions can lead to poor leadership and corrosive behaviors. She explained how a human condition, such as a “large stepchange in power”, can increase the risk of that leader engaging in harmful behaviors. Dr. Fragale eloquently recommended that we combat these situations through accountability, candid feedback, and intentional praise. The Cadet Honor Committee had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Fragale afterwards to discuss implementation of her studies as I tackle my final three months left as West Point’s Cadet Honor Education Officer. Our committee is determined to continue developing and inspiring a culture of living and leading honorably at our academy. That is a responsibility that our team does not take lightly, and I am eager to combine our dedication with newfound knowledge from NCLS to make the Corps even greater! #military #character #leadership #USAFA #westpoint

Congratulations to the Inaugural Class of the USAF Chief of Staff Innovation Leadership Seminar! Tia Alf, Ashly T. Barnes, Mark Boatman, Daniel F. Cook, Robert L. Cowsert, David R. Gunter, Michael B. Hampton, Jennifer A. Mapp, Nathan Olsen, Brian Panaccione, Col. Mark T. Szatkowski, and John Tilton - these 12 HiPo Airmen were chosen to complete intense work under the tutelage of elite innovators from Academia, Industry, and the Military. Their journey was arduous, in essence finishing a 10-month course in only five months. Along the way, they were brought into the company of experts from governmental agencies such as DARPA, NATO, and NASA, ground-breaking Academic theorists, communications experts, patent-creators from the fields of medicine, finance, AI, big data. agriculture, genetics, business… you get the point. This broad exposure helped the teams have a wider field of vision on their impressive projects revolving around supply chain blind spots, Agile Combat Employment, and Multi-capable Airmen.  To be clear, these are the only 12 Airmen to have ever earned this Certificate! I can hardly wait to see what they do next. Well done, Ladies and Gentlemen.  #USAFInnovation #airmen #leadership #innovatrium

☔️ We had a late cancellation. 2 slots available tomorrow 10-2 EST WORKSHOP: “You were built for a moment just like this “ Tomorrow I will be teaching an advanced seminar on: Leading under imminent stress and against all odds. Ideal for Director and above Executives with P&L and Change Management accountability. Course Content Example: ✅ Act expansively when under pressure: Most of us, when under severe pressure. We narrow down our options and revert to well-tried solutions. We need to train ourselves to do the opposite, to open up the solution space during such times by involving others in tackling the challenges. ✅ Who is it that you will turn to for extra input during a crisis? ✅ Who has complementary skill-sets and can bring a different perspective? ✅ What novel approaches are you willing to embrace? ❤️ The workshop will help encourage the practice of right-brain approaches that are unfamiliar to many leaders. 💯 This practice is in direct contrast, however, to the impulsive behavior typified by following our “gut instinct”. Our first responses are sometimes the wrong ones. The testing of our potential responses prior to enacting them, to establish whether they are appropriate, remains always the first duty of a responsible leader. We hope you join us ❤️ We have two spots left at $950 dollars with 50% of all proceeds going to Navy Seal charities. If you are interested, please DM me right away and we will send you notification if the openings are still available. #globalleaders #chaostraining #leadershipdevelopment CEO Council of Tampa Bay Naval Special Warfare Command - Navy SEAL & SWCC Teams HR Tampa HR Florida State Council, Inc. Garry Ridge Ivan Tornos Christine Crutchfield, SHRM-SCP Cindy Lu ZRG Partners, LLC Susana Suarez Amish S. Jessica Davila, SPHR Ayla (Davis) Maloney Tobin V. Anselmi, Ph.D. Cid Kotti Jennifer Bill Mark Clouse Charlie Curtis

"With regard to military discipline, I may safely say that no such thing existed in the Continental Army." — Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben's observation on the lack of military discipline in the Continental Army during its formation serves as a stark reminder of the transformative power of discipline. Von Steuben, instrumental in reorganizing and disciplining the fledgling army, highlights how essential discipline is to achieving unity, efficiency, and effectiveness. His work with the Continental Army underscores that discipline, more than a set of strict rules, is the foundation upon which successful organizations are built. It shapes chaos into order, converts individual effort into collective strength, and turns potential into achievement. This historical example is a testament to the fact that discipline, when instilled and nurtured, can dramatically elevate the capabilities and performance of any group, be it a military unit, a family, or a business team. Reflect on the role discipline plays in your own life and the groups or organizations you are part of. Consider areas that may benefit from a more disciplined approach, whether it's in communication, time management, or adherence to core values. Think about how you can contribute to fostering a culture of discipline, starting with small, consistent actions. By doing so, you not only enhance your personal growth and effectiveness but also contribute to the strength and success of your collective endeavors. Let von Steuben's insight inspire you to value and cultivate discipline, recognizing it as a crucial ingredient for overcoming challenges and achieving goals. #discipline #leadership #teambuilding #selfimprovement #motivationdaily