COURAGE

May

2023

Memorial Day Leadership

Memorial Day is a day in America on a superficial level that signifies the beginning of summer. People have cookouts, open their pools, and celebrate the beginning of this season. The reality is that this holiday is so much more.

Memorial Day originated as a day of remembrance for those who died in the Civil War. After the war, General John Logan, the leader of an organization for Union veterans, declared that “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.” This declaration was the first official recognition of Memorial Day.

As I think of this day and those that serve and have served our country three words come to mind that we can all apply in our leadership at work and home.

Courage

I can’t help but think of the courage of those who have fought in many wars so we may experience the freedom we have. For example, the freedom of speech that enables me to write this post would be impossible without the courage of many who fought for freedom during the Revolutionary War. Many men and women have dared to raise their hands and volunteer to fight for our country because of a greater cause.

As leaders, when we have a vision for a greater cause, we need courage. We will have battles to fight for our vision, which requires daily courage.

Sacrifice

Multiple people have sacrificed for the freedom we experience. Spouses have sacrificed by raising children alone or having many sleepless nights concerned about their beloved. Families have sacrificed through the challenge of wondering how their child is and if they will get a knock at the door. Individual service members have sacrificed their time, talents, and sometimes their lives for the cause they have fought for.

Leaders and those around them sacrifice as well. When a leader has a vision, it requires them to give up certain experiences to go up. Each leader has to determine what sacrifices they are willing to make to accomplish their goals.

Commitment

When a soldier begins his or her journey their commitment is tested. Training alone will test their mental and physical fortitude. Without passionate commitment, these soldiers do not last.

Leaders must have the ability to persevere through the obstacles to accomplish their vision. This comes from commitment.

As you look at these three areas, which do you need to grow in? Thank you to those of you who have served our country. I realize this does not honor you enough so please forgive me. Thank you for your courage, sacrifice, commitment, and leadership. Lead well.

May

2022

Memorial Day Leadership

This is the last Monday of May. In the United States this is when we remember those who gave their lives so we could have the freedom we experience. Both my dad and one of my grandfathers served in the military. My grandfather served as a medic during the second World War. Though I never discussed it with him I still have a book that recounts pictures from that time.

As I reflect on those who have given their lives for the freedom I experience I think of three words that describe these individuals. You may not celebrate this holiday where you read, but I would suggest you know of people who have demonstrated these qualities so you can do what you do today as a leader.

Courage

Maybe you have heard of the 2016 movie Hacksaw Ridge recounting Pfc. Desmond Doss who courageously saved the lives of 75 individuals during the Battle of Okinawa. This dramatic example of courage is exemplified by every individual who has raised his or her hand to serve the country.

Leaders go first. Leaders run into the battle with bullets flying regardless of the cost. Why? Not because of an absence of fear, but because courage is moving ahead in spite of fear. Leaders see the bigger picture and that gives them the courage to go forward despite fear. Just as many soldiers have moved forward because of the vision of freedom.

Duty

Every leader has learned how to follow. I heard the story of how Intel led at their senior level. They would have heated discussions and not everyone would agree on the direction to go, but they together decided to “disagree and commit.” When they left the room, they would all commit to the proposed action that seemed like the next best step.

Soldiers follow a chain of command and may not always agree with what they are asked to do, but they have a duty to follow command trusting their leaders see something they do not. Leaders may not always feel like doing what they must do, but they have a responsibility because of their position to move ahead despite concerns. One reminder, as leaders no one should be asked to do something unethical. At this point duty may be trumped by what is right. Use your authority and power wisely leader.

Sacrifice

“A leader must give up to go up.”

John Maxwell

Those who have died in the line of battle to fight for the freedom of this country have been the ultimate example of sacrifice. Whether those are individuals on the seashores of Europe or the jungles of Japan or the soil of their own land. Everyone gave up their life so another could go up and experience more and better.

As a leader you hold your position not for your purpose and power, but I would suggest to serve the purpose of another and empower others. When leaders help their people succeed, they too eventually succeed.

When you look at these three areas, where do you need to grow? For those of you who have served our country. Thank you. For those of you who have lost loved ones that have been a model of sacrifice your life and leadership will be their legacy. Thank you and Lead Well.

Jul

2020

Leadership Lessons From Braveheart

I remember sitting in a movie theater in Mexico twenty-five years ago when I was first captivated by the story of William Wallace as told in the movie Corazon Valiente or Braveheart as we know it in English.

This still is my all-time favorite movie. What about this movie inspires me? Many lessons, but here are a few that relate to all of us as leaders:

Courage

When this movie begins a young William Wallace has lost his father at the hands of an evil English king. Shortly after his death he has a vision of his dad who says:

“Your heart is free, now have the courage to follow it.”

Although I’ve watched this many times, I still wonder what his heart is free from, but here is the leader’s lesson. What is the dream deep inside that has been held back out of fear? Maybe a fear of failure or a fear of success. This could be a personal dream, a dream for how you can make an impact in the world through your work or what you lead or something else. When we step forward oftentimes in faith, we gain the courage that will free our heart to live our purpose.

Wisdom

“First learn to use this, then learn to use this.” Uncle Argyle

Those are the wise words of William’s uncle on the evening before taking him away from his home after his father’s death. The first “this” is his brain and the second is the sword. If you have a personality like me you may tend to enter into battle quickly. That battle may be a fight for your idea or your position or . . . .

Wisdom is knowledge applied and takes time to gain. With wisdom from the experiences of life we will know what battles to fight and how to fight them well. First ask questions to gain wisdom, then fight fiercely when appropriate.

Freedom

If you have seen this movie then you know the epic scene on the fields of Stirling. As the English army arrives, the troops become discouraged and are giving up before the battle has begun. Wallace and his army ride in and he inspires the men who are afraid of death by stating:

“They can take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.”

Later after winning this battle Wallace confronts the nobles challenging their constant squabble over land and power. He fiercely reminds these nobles that their position exists to provide the people with freedom. In whatever we lead are we empowering and giving freedom to those we lead or oppressing them? Leaders at work and at home have a responsibility to fight for the freedom of those we lead helping them live and work to their full potential.

True Leadership

“Men don’t follow titles, they follow courage.” William Wallace to Bruce

Wallace learns of an imminent attack by the English at Falkirk and he approaches the nobles asking them for unity. Bruce who is the heir to the Scottish throne pulls Wallace aside trying to talk him out of the battle and into compromise. As a noble he is encouraged to hide in the safety of compromise and comfort instead of living a life of bravery and courage.

Wallace sees leadership differently.

He and the commoners are living out of a passion for freedom and courage to fight against all odds while the nobles with positions would rather be safe and comfortable looking out only for their needs. True leadership will call us to stand up and therefore stand out. This necessitates courage. Where do you need to be more courageous in your leadership at work or home?

Living for Something Greater

Near the end of the movie the Princess of Wales visits William in prison begging him to ask the king for mercy so he can live. She does not want to watch him suffer nor die. Wallace makes a simple statement:

“Every man dies, but not every man lives.”

With death staring him in the face he had a singular vision he was willing to die for . . . the freedom of his people.

Here lies the ultimate question: is what we are living for worth dying for? Is your vision for your work, business, or family giving you life? Are you living for a greater purpose or dying a little bit every day?

Friend, there are a lot of lessons here. How can you live differently as a leader so you can live with bravery, courage, and boldness living for something greater? Need help thinking into this? Contact me. In the meantime, lead well.

Feb

2018

Leading In Uncertainty

I’ve been wrestling with something lately and as I sat listening to leadership expert John Maxwell speak last week at the International Maxwell Certification conference something he said really hit home.

“You have to move forward courageously amidst uncertainty”

I have a personality that I want to be in control and want to know all the details ahead of time. This prevents me from being as effective as I could be at times. Having a plan is critical, but at times I have to remember the plan does not have to be perfect and I can still learn and grow from minor mistakes. Courage is a critical aspect to leadership since a leader sees more before others see it. For example, Sir Edmund Hillary and Neal Armstrong have this courage in common. Both of these individuals accomplished something no one before them had by being the first person to see the world from a vantage point no one else had.

Allow me to draw on the wisdom of others in relation to this topic. The two individuals I mentioned above had courage to face extreme physical challenges, but they were not alone. They had a team of people around them. At times the courage we need comes from our mindset and a determination to pursue the vision even though everything and possibly everyone around us say it can’t be accomplished.

The late Martin Luther King Jr. said it well:

“Courage is an inner resolution to go forward in spite of obstacles and frightening situations.”

Resolve – In order for us to lead courageously whether that is having a difficult conversation at work or home, launching a new product, or starting a new business we must have resolve to pursue it no matter what. This inner resolve comes from a clear vision. Martin Luther King wanted to see people of color experience equality and he peacefully fought with courageous resolve.

Change – This word can bring a feeling of excitement and/or dread depending on if you are leading it or forced into it. Bill Hybels who has not only built a large church, but also develops leaders through his association sees courage to change as a key element in sustaining your leadership ability. When leading we cannot stay the same or we will become irrelevant. This takes inner courage because often we are required to let go of something important to us in order to receive something greater. The product that has run its course and now needs to be improved or eliminated even though you created it or giving your children room to grow instead of holding them so tight. Whether big or small, change requires courage.

Contagious – The late Billy Graham said “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” This is a man who entered into the Soviet Union during a time where he was not freely welcome and his courageous leadership led to the transformation of many lives. Think of the war heroes who forge ahead in battle with bullets flying. The courageous leadership of the man leading the charge contagiously encourages those who follow.

What are you facing that you need courage to move into the unknown? Do you need inner resolve to continue pursuing the vision? Is there a change you need to make that requires a courageous step into the unknown? Maybe you know you need to lead an initiative that will inspire your team to lead more courageously. Whatever the vision before you I am certain there are unknowns requiring you to step out courageously. Who can come with you on the journey because just like Armstrong and Hillary had someone with them, you will need a partner to encourage you? Keep leading well at work and home with great courage.

Jul

2017

Founder’s Leadership

July 4^th 1776 a handful of men came together to found the nation we now know as the United States of America. I have the privilege of living in a country where we are free to speak our mind and start an organization with limited challenges. I live in a country where people can coexist and many times cooperate with different perspectives on life and function peacefully. I am thankful for the many people who have fought so we can experience these freedoms and more that we have today.

As I think of that period of time in American history three key leadership principles come to my awareness which we can learn from the founders of the United States of America. Before starting if you really want to explore this topic years ago I read a book by Donald Phillips (which I somehow lost) called The Founding Fathers on Leadership which will take you much deeper into the lives of these men and draws out many more leadership principles.

Leadership – First and foremost these men were leaders. If at the core a leader is an influencer then these men exemplified that. Not only were they able to organize resistance to stand against a powerful nation to fight for their freedom, but they had the skills to create the foundational principles America is founded on. They knew if they worked as a team using each of their leadership strengths, then they would lead even better than trying to accomplish the goal independently.

Courage – These men had to know what they were about to embark on was not going to be easy. In fact they must have known they were putting their lives on the line and were asking many others to do the same. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to take action amidst the fear. They were stepping into the unknown. All they had was a vision . . . freedom. These individuals and those who followed them had the courage to continue to take the next step even amidst the possibility of great loss, failure, and even death. No matter the vision, courage is required of any leader and these men exemplified that courage.

Communication – Any leader understands communication is critical for success. I don’t know about you, but some of my greatest challenges at home come from miscommunication, poor communication, or simply a lack of it. The ability to express your thoughts in a clear and concise manner that others understand is what I mean by communication. I attempt to communicate through these posts (sometimes clear and concise and sometimes not . . . still growing). These leaders had the leadership challenge of communicating America’s foundational principles clearly and in a manner that would make sense for many generations. That was one method, surely they had to communicate to one another in a manner that was clearly moving plans forward.

You are a leader because you have influence and it takes courage to lead at work and at home. How well do you communicate? Do you need to grow in your communication? Join me and others on July 13^th for a FREE experience of the Maxwell Speaker’s Club. This will be a safe place to grow your communication skills that will help you grow as a leader. Click here for more details and to register.

Be the great leader you are. Lead courageously and communicate in a manner that helps advance your cause.

Apr

2017

4 Tools to Slay Your Leadership Giants

Warning: Faith based post.

A little boy, the youngest of the family, whose responsibility was to take care of the sheep. Like any youngest brother when he shows up to the battle lines to do his chores his brother scoffs at him and questions why he is there.

This young man is curious what is going on as he sees battle lines drawn and feels the tension in the air. Suddenly he hears a booming voice from a nine foot tall giant boldly declaring his strength and challenging he could not be defeated. The response of this young man is the voice of a leader who knows he has the strength it takes for victory from the experience of his past successes and the ability to tap into a strength that is greater than himself.

He boldly declares: “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:36-37 NIV

This may be a fictional story to you, or true. Regardless, there are great leadership principles we can draw from this story. This was the day a great leader for the nation of Israel awakened. If you are familiar with the rest of the story, young David slings a stone between the eyes of this giant, kills him, and proceeds to cut his head off to proclaim the victory he made for the Lord. So principles can we draw from this?

David had a vision great than himself. When leaders have a vision of something greater than themselves they have the ability to see past the giant in front of them because they see their purpose. David knew Israel was destined to be a great nation that would rule the land they were about to battle over. The vision of what was to be (and his God) was bigger than a little nine foot giant and his army.
David had experience. When we see a giant in front of us we are overwhelmed. Think of the first time you had to go “sell” something as a kid, maybe cookies, a school fundraiser, popcorn, a lawn mowing service, etc. That first time was nerve racking, but over time your confidence grew as you had small successes and eventually large successes. David had killed a bear and a lion while being a shepherd so his experience said that he could slay this giant (with God’s help).
David had faith. I am not really good in the water unless my feet touch the ground. I have experience watching people float and swim in water although it defies my logic, but my faith is weak because I still am reluctant to go into deep water and try to swim. David saw how he had defeated giant beasts, but he saw the deeper water of a giant soldier and had faith he (with God’s help) would overcome.
David had courage. I don’t have a clue if in that moment part of him was thinking: “what am I saying, this guy can step on me and squish me and I am saying I will be delivered by this invisible God I do not see . . . I must be crazy.” In spite of this possible thought and definite fear, David ACTED. Courage applied is action when afraid. Courage is a must for any leader whether it be courage to pursue a huge dream or courage to have a difficult conversation.

If you read this far, I hope this has encouraged you and added value to your life. You are a leader where you are because you influence someone. May this story inspire you to have a vision greater than yourself with the faith and courage to slay whatever giant you may be staring down today. Lead well wherever you are and know you have resources to help you accomplish more than you ever imagined!