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    The roar of the engine frightened the natives, causing them to take cover on the ground. The propeller sent wet leaves and vines like miniature missiles flying in their direction, forcing them to stay prone until the plane pulled away.      As he taxied down the strip, John cranked the flap setting to full in preparation for a short field take-off. As the wing’s trailing edges lengthened, he turned to check on Steve. His buddy was still restless, and not of much use. John set the brakes, running the engine to maximum power. The brakes groaned and the wheels longed to be free. John saw a blur pass before him as he realized the arrow assault had resumed. Something else caught his attention, and he saw how a character ran full speed toward the plane, a stone axe raised in attack.      John released the brakes and plowed full power toward the end of the runway, but not before the foe released his ax. Striking Steve’s window, it splintered the...

7-14. Apprising happens when the leader explains why a request will benefit a follower, such as giving them greater satisfaction in their work or performing a task a certain way that will save half the time. In  contrast to the exchange technique, the benefits are out of the control of the leader. A commander may use  the apprising technique to inform a newly assigned noncommissioned officer that serving in an operational  staff position, prior to serving as a platoon sergeant, could provide him with invaluable experience. The  commander points out that the additional knowledge may help the NCO achieve higher performance than  his peers and possibly lead to an accelerated promotion to first sergeant. 7-15. Inspiration occurs when the leader fires up enthusiasm for a request by arousing strong emotions to  build conviction. A leader may stress to a fellow officer that without help, the safety of the team may be at  risk. By appropriately stressing ...

     “Hmm?” Steve answered groggily. He wore a stupid smile. It’s not over. I need you to take the controls so I can prop the plane. Those guys drained the battery.”      “Ok, fly to get more batteries,” Steve said in his delirium.      “No! no! no!” John yelled. “I have to hand prop the plane. Listen; just hold your feet on the brakes.”      John climbed out and turned the propeller a couple of times and prepared for a starting kick. Then he saw a commotion in the jungle. Some of the natives were holding up the ponchos where he and Steve had been. So far they hadn’t seen him.      “Please, God, let this start,” John prayed before throwing the propeller downward.      It went around sputtering but not catching. The alerted natives looked and moved slowly toward the plane, taking cover as they advanced.      “Great, an audience.”      A hastily fired...

7-14. Apprising happens when the leader explains why a request will benefit a follower, such as giving them greater satisfaction in their work or performing a task a certain way that will save half the time. In  contrast to the exchange technique, the benefits are out of the control of the leader. A commander may use  the apprising technique to inform a newly assigned noncommissioned officer that serving in an operational  staff position, prior to serving as a platoon sergeant, could provide him with invaluable experience. The  commander points out that the additional knowledge may help the NCO achieve higher performance than  his peers and possibly lead to an accelerated promotion to first sergeant. 7-15. Inspiration occurs when the leader fires up enthusiasm for a request by arousing strong emotions to  build conviction. A leader may stress to a fellow officer that without help, the safety of the team may be at  risk. By appropriately stressing th...

     Time passed slowly that morning. The natives searched for hours before finally leaving, or at least that’s what John hoped they’d done. The sun was higher in the sky and began burning off the rain water that fell the previous day. Once again fog and steam started to form, leaving John hoping for a gentle breeze to disperse it.      His plan was simple. He would help Steve the seventy-five or so yards to the awaiting plane and take off straight down the runway. The airstrip sloped upward about five degrees, so he would need all the power the plane had. He nudged Steve, who less than alert.      “It’s time to go.”      “Huh? What’s going on?” Steve lifted his pale face, his glazed eyes trying to focus.      “I need you to be alert. There are very dangerous people after us. We need to get to the plane. Do you understand?”          John spoke slowly, hoping the words would break...

The following is an excerpt from US Army Leadership. This is an example of how an independent publisher can publish and market books in the public domain. 7-14. Apprising happens when the leader explains why a request will benefit a follower, such as giving them greater satisfaction in their work or performing a task a certain way that will save half the time. In  contrast to the exchange technique, the benefits are out of the control of the leader. A commander may use  the apprising technique to inform a newly assigned noncommissioned officer that serving in an operational  staff position, prior to serving as a platoon sergeant, could provide him with invaluable experience. The commander points out that the additional knowledge may help the NCO achieve higher performance than his peers and possibly lead to an accelerated promotion to first sergeant. 7-15. Inspiration occurs when the leader fires up enthusiasm for a request by arousing strong emotions to ...

   The half naked group, armed with spears and bows and arrows, and one with a stone ax, fanned out once they neared the clearing. They moved in unison like a well-rehearsed infantry unit. Someone gave a bird call upon seeing the camouflaged airplane and the rest moved cautiously toward the source of commotion.      John saw them move slowly toward the plane, and huddle around the leader. They looked for tell-tale signs of trouble, then regrouped as the leader gave instructions. On cue, they began removing the bushes and curiously rubbed their hands across the smooth surface of the plane. Some of them swung from the wings and struts, while others played with the control surfaces until the leader yelled a warning.      The leader, dressed in a loincloth and wearing a necklace of bones and ornamental feathers, motioned for one of his subordinates to try the doors. The lackey finally figured how to open the pilot’s door and curiously played ...