MEMORIAL DAY

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.

May

2020

Memorial Day Leadership

Freedom and heroes. When I think of Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave their lives so we in the United States could have freedom, these are the words that come to mind.

Yes, these are the soldiers who have voluntarily given their lives so those of us who did not serve may have the freedoms we experience. There are more. Those who daily serve our communities keeping us safe and free from harm.

Those who run toward harm to save lives, protect lives, and heal lives. For these people I have created this hoping to encourage everyone to be a hero by being a leader for what is true, noble, just and right. The musician Bob Dylan put it well when he said:

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

As you read these thoughts, put aside all political or other opinions and ask yourself one question: how can this help me be a better leader at work, at home, or in my community today?

“Freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

These words come from a man who lost much to Polio. This did not prevent him from experiencing as much freedom as possible and leading a nation to fight for its freedom amidst the threat of great tyranny. As leaders we must continue to fight for the freedom we and those we lead experience.

“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

John F. Kennedy

I find myself often feeling I deserve certain privileges or experiences. I have those because of others before me and as a leader I can blaze a path to achieve greater freedoms for others if I am willing to serve others before myself.

“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.”

President Barack Obama

As a leader I get trapped in my own agenda and fail to honor those around me. What do we need to do as leaders to honor those who sacrifice in big and small ways for the freedoms we experience?

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

President John F. Kennedy

Adversity can be a leader’s constant companion. Leaders are problem solvers. Just as those who have fought for our freedoms have paid the ultimate price, supported one another, met hardship, and opposed enemies; leaders must do the same in pursuit of their noble, just, and right vision.

“Whether we observe the occasion through public ceremony or through private prayer, Memorial Day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.”

George Bush

Leaders must remember people. How easily we become enamored by the goal and forget the sons, sisters, spouses, friends and neighbors we lead. Without the people and appreciating their sacrifice there would be no leader. As leaders one of our top goals is to add value and value those we serve.

“I don’t have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world.”

President Ronald Reagan

Thank you those of you who lead and serve in our military and for the freedom you have provided and continue to provide for all of us in this nation.

“Peace is the real and right memorial for those who have died in war.”

President Richard Nixon

Lead Well.

May

2018

Three Leadership Lessons from an Air Force Chief Master Sergeant

I was sitting in my office trying to cool off from mowing two lawns in ninety plus degree heat and my friend and fellow John Maxwell Team member Mike Lightner was sitting on his porch eating lunch in about sixty five degree temperatures in beautiful Alaska.

Mike served our country for thirty years in the Air Force. He joined as early as possible and rose through the ranks to become one of the top one percent of those enlisted in the Air Force by becoming Chief Master Sergeant. During his time in service he also had the opportunity to work at the Pentagon. Since retiring he formed a business called Dare2Dream Leadership Development where he helps develop leaders. My reason for talking with him on this day was to learn from his military experience three leadership principles he found essential to success.

As we started the conversation I was slightly embarrassed that I had not read the book he wrote on what he was going to share with me, but he was gracious to me since we have been friends for a little while. The following three principles are what he found through his years in the military service to be foundational to effective leadership.

Boldness – Many times in organizations, teams, or other groups we would rather blend in and not stand out, but Lightner suggests as leaders we must stand out above everybody else and not be afraid to stand up for what we believe. Often this will mean taking risks when others will not. What enables a leader to be bold is the conviction that he or she knows what is going to be done is right. This confidence gives leaders boldness.
Strength – When he said this I had to get clarity on how this was different from leading bold and Lightner helped me understand being strong is the ability to take a position and stand by it. Often a leader may need to make a decision quick with less than the ideal amount of information and this strength helps him or her stand by the decision as well as humility. A strong leader will make a decision, monitor the decision, and when necessary admit a mistake in the decision-making process and change. This humility and willingness to change prevents analysis paralysis which in the military can cost lives.
Lead Well – I was confused on this until Mike explained this is remembering that every decision you make impacts people. For example, if an organization cuts the training of the people within the organization to reduce cost and then later cuts people the ultimate cost is a smaller, less trained workforce that ultimately leads to poorer quality and results. At the core of this principle is the question: how is this going to affect the people?

Mike understands leadership and the need to make effective, courageous decisions in a decisive manner and so do you, but maybe you need to grow in one of these areas. How bold are you being? Do you stand by your decisions? Do you consider the impact of your decisions on people? Maybe you need help thinking into your leadership results like both Mike and I help people do. Pick one of the three of these and lead like a soldier this week at work and at home. And for those of you who have served and continue to serve our country . . . THANK YOU!