Scott - I like your definition and the components that comprise executive presence. I look forward to you follow up posts.
Can anyone comment on whether the Antarctica Treaty contains a similar loophole to be exploited? It seems to me that if it does, it would make for a reasonable test case on whether the loophole is exploitable or not.
I have the same two in mind, John, so I'm with you (I meant to ask the question rhetorically). In my mind, I broaden the "save the Earth" proposition into one that includes alternative energy sources, such as space based solar power. Otherwise, I'm on your wavelength with regards to the two securities. Here's the rub - unless policy documents view "security" in the same vein, neither of the two are supported by the current national space policy. In my opinion. "security" in national space policy = "national security", leaving us with two key value propositions not supported by policy, and thus not supported by Government implementation and funding, at least in the larger sense. That would leave realization of those two value propositions to the private sector, or we wait for a cataclysmic event that shucks policy over an imminent and present danger.
Like many of the readers, I was slowly building up excitement over the points in the piece, starting with parallels to previous Government intervention in infrastructure development in this country, followed by the recognition of challenges in how to engage with our political "leadership" (used loosely), with the crescendo increasing to Maslow's hierarchy of needs...only to come crashing down with "spaceplanes." Look, I don't know if propellant depots are the disruptive innovation to access deep space, or not, but inasmuch as Newt's messaging failed with his talk of a moonbase, much of the message in this article got lost to me due to "spaceplanes." I do concur with the concept that value propositions built around lower levels in Maslow have a greater potential for resonance and support. But right now I see that implemented as attempts at casting China as the new Cold War Adversary, which in my view ignores the likely trend of the world towards a multipolar future with the BRIC countries on equal socioeconomic footing with the US in a few decades. The challenge as I see it is solving the conundrum of building a national security value proposition for deep space human spaceflight that is international in nature. Maybe it's not "national security" but some other kind of security....
Scott - Seeing Jaleo brings back memories of my time in DC. Jaleo DC is located on the street level of the building in which I stayed during my time in DC. Great food and great atmosphere. I'm pleased to read about how that greatness extends beyond the food and atmosphere to the behind-the-scenes workings in leadership. I look forward to your follow-ups.
Scott - your post is both interesting and timely. Recently, I've been working on my "life plan", and the above material seems to fit in well with the concepts in the life plan. So, I'll give it a go and share my answers (and yes, I've added "One Piece of Paper" to my future reading list).
What guidelines do you live by? You hit the nail on the head with this one - the Boy Scout Law. Reflecting on my own Scouting experiences, I realize even more so now than then about the impact of those twelve words as a coherent set of guiding principles.
When you fall down, how do you pick yourself back up? Mine is rooted in an optimistic view of the future - that tomorrow is always better than today, even when today rocks!
How do you hold yourself accountable? I do this through commitment based on my word. If I tell you I'm going to do something, I'll do it. That's how I hold myself accountable.
Thanks for the post and the opportunity to respond, Scott.
-Joe
I suspect it has more to do with echoes of the Werner von Braun paradigm, where the ISS is a station and thus a destination, rather than a ship that travels from point A to point B. My two cents.
An interesting question and analysis, Bob. I'd like to think that both you and I will be able to stave off the influence towards immediate gratification and the "here now" perspective, simply because we grew up before it. I may be fooling myself, just as much as our parents who grew up in the WWII era and consumer boom of the 1950's, who were (rightfully so) concerned with societal influences of the 1960's and 1970's as different as those with which they grew up (Vietnam, Watergate, mistrust of the government, etc.).
I am also heartened through my own interactions with members of the younger generation, and see that many have as much passion for exploration as we do - it's manifested a bit differently, but is still there. I see as a key factor the influence of parents and leaders as making the difference. As for human spaceflight policy, it's a shame that we have such the dearth of leadership that we have today. As long as I can pass my passion to my girls, it's a start.
I always enjoy your writings, Bob.
-Joe
Hi Michael - I was so thrilled to open my reader this morning and see the guest post by Scott Eblin. I've been following Scott on Twitter and am a regular reader of his blog posts on govexec.com and on his Next Level blog. Scott has wonderful insights that I find invaluable as I work towards building and leading high performance teams. For me, each new team I lead is a step up in scope, responsibility, and pressure, and Scott's tips have been extremely helpful to me. The Next Level is on my reading list - so when I saw your offer to your readers, I had to jump on it. For everyone, whether you get one of the 100 copies or not, you ought to get yourself a copy, regardless.
Best,
-Joe
Brilliant. Agree with @Daniel that I can think of individuals who exhibit a combination of styles. One I have in mind is The Funnel and The Albatross - you know the crap is going to land on you!
Here's one to consider for the list: "The Status Quo - Why, we've always done it this way and will continue to do so no matter what."
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rikerjoe 
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