Author Archives: donmcalister

About donmcalister

I retired at the end of 2011, after a 39 year career in the Aerospace industry as a Propulsion Engineer, Engineering Manager and Program Manager. My professional interests and expertise are in the areas of Program, Risk and Knowledge Management. I'm passionate about life-long learning in a wide variety of topics and I'm committed to sharing my knowledge and ideas with those who are interested. I'm an Aerospace Industry Consultant. I serve my community as a Rotarian. My hobby is playing as a jazz keyboard.

Sometimes, If It Sounds Like A Duck, It Might Just Be A Duck

Posted on May 15, 2021 by donmcalister

My Uber driver, “Fernando” picked me up at the Huntsville, Alabama airport within 5 minutes of my internet ride request. As we engaged in conversation, I thanked him for showing up so quickly. “You’re welcome,” he said, “I just dropped … Continue reading →

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“Corona Virus Blues”

Posted on June 28, 2020 by donmcalister

Written by Don McAlister, 6/28/20 as a standard 12 bar blues song. 1. When this all got started We didn’t have a clue ‘Bout how crazy things would get And change everything we knew. At first it didn’t seem that … Continue reading →

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A House and A Home

Posted on June 15, 2019 by donmcalister

A little Father’s Day nostalgia inspired me to write and post this new poem. Dedicated to Dad’s and Mom’s everywhere. A House and A Home A child grew up in this house One or two, Or maybe more A child … Continue reading →

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Now & Then

Posted on March 8, 2018 by donmcalister

          I wrote this poem following the passing of my Mother Ellen McAlister, on 7 March 2018. I offer it as a gift to all those who have lost loved ones. Although they’re gone, their memories … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, poetry, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Ego-Think

Posted on September 4, 2017 by donmcalister

      Ego-Think  An egocentric person Thinks the world is thurstin’ For the “wisdom” that they know is theirs. So they opine things all day long And although they frequently are wrong They never seem to be uncertain of … Continue reading →

Posted in Better Thinking, coaching, Humor, Leadership, Life, Personal Development, poetry, teaching, That's Life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Chaos & Creativity

Posted on December 27, 2016 by donmcalister

        If our lives were as simple as we often wish they would be Black and white…yes and no…and complexity free. Then the world would be easier to bear don’t you think? Or would the boredom of … Continue reading →

Posted in Best Practices, Better Thinking, coaching, Leadership, Life, mentoring, Personal Development, poetry, Risk Management, teaching, That's Life | Leave a comment

Our Love/Hate Relationship with Uncertainty

Posted on August 6, 2016 by donmcalister

If uncertainty is the state of not knowing what we need or want to know, then we must hate it…right? After all, uncertainty that matters is what we define as risk. Risk is what keeps us up at night. Worrying … Continue reading →

Posted in Better Thinking, coaching, Life, Personal Development, teaching, That's Life, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Self-Inflicted Project Management Wounds

Posted on March 8, 2016 by donmcalister

  Forensic assessments of failed and troubled projects often reveal that the direct causes of the problems, and/or the contributing factors, are self-inflicted. The damage caused by these project management “friendly-fire” incidents can be significant and long lasting. Consider these … Continue reading →

Posted in Best Practices, Better Thinking, coaching, Knowledge Sharing, Leadership, Program & Knowledge Management, Project Baseline Management, Project Management, Risk Management | 2 Comments

Pull Me Leadership

Posted on January 19, 2016 by donmcalister

      “Push me towards your goals and I will resist, looking backwards at you as the source of my irritation. But, shine a light on your goal, extend your hand to pull me forward, and I will reach … Continue reading →

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Basics, Art & Heart

Posted on September 17, 2015 by donmcalister

At a recent Rotary Club meeting, our speaker, Mike Sheppard, a retired college and professional football coach, remarked that, “the best coaches teach at three levels: basics, art and heart.”  This simple, but elegant phrase captures the essence of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Better Thinking, coaching, Heroes, Knowledge Sharing, Leadership, Life, mentoring, Personal Development, poetry, Rotary Club, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment