Write It Down: General George on Reflection, Reading, and Readiness

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of From the Green Notebook, General Randy George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, returns to discuss the habits, practices, and mindset that have shaped his leadership journey. From the pocket-sized notebook he started as a field grade officer to the lessons he's learning from visiting troops and reading deeply, General George offers a candid reflection on growth, command, and staying grounded in your values.In this conversation, they discuss:The leadership lessons General George captured in his personal notebook and how reflection has guided him through multiple levels of commandThe role reading plays in staying intellectually curious and professionally sharp, including the books that have shaped his thinkingHow bottom-up innovation is driving the Army’s "Transforming in Contact" initiative and what he’s learning from frontline unitsThe importance of consistency in communication and why leaders must seek out and act on honest feedbackHow personal values—and regular conversations with his spouse—help him stay aligned with what matters most, both in and out of uniformThis episode is brought to you by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). We know the U.S. Army protects our freedoms every day—but have you ever thought about who’s protecting the U.S. Army? Meet AUSA—the Army’s premier professional association, dedicated to supporting every aspect of the Army journey.This year marks an incredible milestone: 250 years of the U.S. Army defending our nation. To celebrate, AUSA is offering exclusive Premium membership discounts for a limited time:2 years for just $30 (normally $40)5 years for $50 (normally $75)Lifetime membership for only $250 (normally $400)Premium members receive top-tier benefits, including a subscription to ARMY magazine and access to over $300,000 in scholarships.Join now and stand with those who serve. Sign up today at ausa.org/membership/premium—no code necessary. AUSA—Supporting Soldiers. Strengthening America.And don’t forget to check out AUSA’s official podcast, Army Matters. Hosted by LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey, Army Matters brings you in-depth conversations with Army leaders past, present, and future—from the battlefields to the boardrooms and beyond. New episodes drop every other Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.