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Welcome to Mike’s Leadership Forum

I have a passion for leadership and helping leaders grow their team. This blog is a forum where I can share leadership stories and ideas with other leaders, review leadership books and discuss leadership questions posted by members of the forum… and it’s free. You can opt out at any time. Subscribe to be a Manazir blog member.

Why Vision Alone Isn’t Enough

August 18, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) It Wasn’t the End. It Was Just the Beginning. Begin with a Clear Vision — Failure Fuels Success Kingsville, Texas | 1982–1983 When the instructor walked up to me and said, “Manazir, the LSOs called from the ship. You’re a disqual,” I honestly thought he was … Read more

Master Anything-Even When You Feel Like Quitting

August 10, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) You’re Not Stuck-You’re Early in the Process When Kelly and I rolled into Kingsville, Texas in the summer of 1982, she started crying. We had just gotten married—two days prior. No honeymoon. No Hawaii. Just a quick wedding and a long drive across the desert in … Read more

Think At Five Miles a Minute

August 3, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) It’s Not Just About Grit. It’s About Foresight. When I stepped into flight school, I was a blink away from losing everything I’d worked toward. One eye exam away, to be exact. The NAMI doctors gave me what we called the “NAMI whammy”—a 20/25 result in … Read more

The Leadership Lesson That Changed My Flight Path

July 20, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Real Leadership Doesn’t Begin With Power- it Begins With Connection Learning to Lead The shrill blast of the alarm at 0555 during Plebe summer was unforgettable. Thirteen rings. Sixty seconds. You had to be up, dressed, and standing at rigid attention by the door—no excuses. This … Read more

When the BBQ went sideways – and what it taught us about leadership

May 11, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brisket Was Smokin’—The Expectations? Not So Much It started with good intentions to celebrate the team achieving a meaningful milestone. “Hey everyone—let’s do a Friday BBQ to celebrate the big win! I’ve got the food. –Rick” Rick, our fearless (and sometimes too enthusiastic) team leader, … Read more

How do you promote Stakeholder engagement?

March 31, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick ChroniclesBuilding Stronger Connections—Promoting Stakeholder Engagement Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, leaned against the conference room table with a smirk. “Alright, team,” she said, scanning the faces of her executive team. “We’re launching a new initiative to strengthen stakeholder engagement.” Rick Nelson, the COO, … Read more

How do you manage resource allocation?

March 23, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick ChroniclesMastering the Art of Resource Allocation Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, leaned against the conference table, her arms crossed with a knowing smile. The leadership team had gathered for their quarterly strategy session, but Sarah had just thrown them a curve ball. “We’ve … Read more

How do you manage brand identity and reputation?

March 16, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick ChroniclesReputation-Built to Last or Doomed to Crumble? Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, leaned against the conference table with a smirk. “Brand identity and reputation,” she said, “are like a well-built brick wall. Strong, reliable, and impossible to knock down—unless, of course, you forget … Read more