SACRIFICE

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.

Nov

2017

What Black Friday Taught Me About Sacrifice

I am either the best dad in the world or the dumbest man on the planet. It was “Black Friday” which for those who do not know that is the day all the “great deals” occur at the stores in the United States so people can get great deals on Christmas gifts. This is also the day many businesses get out of debt and become profitable hence the name.

One of my children had been saving money for months for a specific handheld video game console and it was sold out on the internet and the stores I had gone to already. As a last resort I got up at 3 AM for a sale that started at 6 AM. Being the type “A” personality that I am I bring my laptop to write this and work on some other things as well.

Now, what are my motives? My wife suggested I secretly love the whole ordeal . . . maybe. I suggest I am kind of stupid and enjoy sleep deprivation and can’t stand to see my son not save $100 on something he has saved so long for. Either way as I sat and waited a principle from John Maxwell’s book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership came to mind. The law of sacrifice says that in order to go up you have to give up.

Now in leadership positions at work this is easy to understand. As you gain more responsibility there is more strain on your time and less freedom to do what you want. The CEO potentially has less time and more high stakes pressure than the sales people beginning in the field.

I am a father of three sons and as I sat at this big box store I had to think how this applies to me as a parent. If I am going to be a parent and not just a man with children I HAVE to sacrifice. Why did I go to that store? In part because I love my child and I know how much happiness it will give him to not only be able to own what he has been saving for, but also have money left for more games. To see him happy makes me happy.

All I am sacrificing is a little sleep, but as a dad I feel a responsibility to help my son manage his money well and be a good steward of the resources he has been entrusted with and this is a small sacrifice to hopefully help him understand this. The sacrifice must be ongoing for me. I must be willing to give up leisure time to play a game with my children when part of me wants to do something else. I must be willing to put my agenda aside and listen to their struggles even when I am exhausted and ready to go to bed.

As a father, the Law of Sacrifice is unending and this was a tiny example of the application of this law. You see in order for my influence with my children to increase I must be willing to sacrifice in a manner that lets them know I care. As we know, if those who lead us at work and home care for us we are more likely to listen to them. What do you need to give up to go up in order to improve your leadership with your family or others you lead?