Winning in business, the Marine Corps way: Former Marine-turned-businessman takes Corps principles corporate
PHILADELPHIA — United States Marines go through the toughest training of any of the armed forces, shaping some of the country’s most celebrated leaders. Since 1775, countless governors, senators, athletes, entertainers and business executives have served in this elite branch of the military. Many former Marines have realized that Marine-style leadership and teamwork are equally useful in civilian life, helping them advance in their personal and professional lives. Damian D. “Skipper” Pitts is one such former Marine.
Pitts, who served in the Marines, is the founder and CEO of The Bison Group, Inc., a national leadership development and consulting firm comprised of a team of U.S. Marines-turned-business professionals and industry leaders. Through his speaking engagements, training programs and consulting services, Pitts teaches others how to apply Marine Corps leadership principles and tactical philosophy to promote optimal performance in their daily lives.
His new book, The Art of Detachment: Breakthrough Principles to Transformational Leadership (Kendall Hunt Publishers, September 2007) uses leadership and performance principles from the U.S. Marine Corps to help readers become great leaders in the workplace. Pitts also explores organizational and inter-office politics in Building Great Teams: Charting the Path of Organizational Politics (Book Surge Publishers, December 2007), which outlines six aspects of thinking politically in the exercise of leadership, team building and business.
“There is one thing worse than an overstressed organization or community; that is an overstressed and defeated feeling among the organization’s leaders,” says Pitts, who has gone by the nickname “Skipper” ever since his stint in the Marines. “The “I can’t—we can’t” approach among team members are responsible for tearing at the fabric of excellence. The leadership techniques displayed by the U.S. Marine Corps have proven themselves time and time again, and they can successfully be applied to the board room to help anyone excel in business.”
In an interview, Pitts can discuss topics such as:
- Tips for being a good team member in a high-stress environment
- How leaders can diffuse inter-office politics
- How to avoid office politics and succeed in today’s team-based workplace
- Why understanding organizational dynamics is the key to building better teams
- How leaders can build quality teams in unique work environments (virtual workplace, etc.)
Pitts currently resides in Philadelphia, Penn., where he serves as President and CEO of The Bison Group. For more information, please visit www.BisonGroupsUS.com.
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To request a review copy of The Art of Detachment or Building Great Teams, or to set up an interview, please contact Adriane Livers at:
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