We’re coming into the Memorial Day weekend, which causes me to think not only about the reason for the holiday, but of things that we, as leaders, can apply. First, and most importantly, let me express the gratitude I have as an American citizen for the people who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect my family and me. I didn’t ask them to do it, but they stepped up because they believe in things that matter in this life: God, country, freedom and more. Those who have paid the ultimate price are the ones whom we particularly honor this weekend. Though many of us will enjoy time with family and friends, eating a hot dog and enjoying the sunshine, let us never forget that there are many whose family will not have the privilege of such fellowship because someone they love has been taken from them. This weekend, in the midst of the fun, take a moment to remember and be grateful.
As to leadership on this Memorial Day, here is something to remember. As stated above, it is important that we remember sacrifices made and show our gratitude to those who have made them. While it pales in comparison to the reason why we honor our fallen soldiers, as leaders, we must also honor those whom we are entrusted to lead. Every day people in our care make personal sacrifices for the common mission we share. We must remember that our organizations do not exist for our benefit, but for the whole and for every person who walks through the doors each day. Our role is to serve alongside the rest of our team, never falling into the ego trap of thinking we are any better than the rest. Yes, our position and our function may be different, and we may be entrusted with more authority than others, but our posture must be one of service. Our leadership should start by being selfless and doing everything we can to benefit others.
The second thing is that we must be grateful for the people around us and show it. Too often leaders can fall into patterns of just getting the tasks done, forgetting that they have people working just as hard as they are in the fulfillment of the tasks. We must stop and say thank you. We must care for people. We must never take the humanity out of the way we go about leading our team. At the end of the day, it’s the people that matter.
So, this weekend, honor our fallen by remembering what they have done and be grateful for their sacrifice. Then when you go back to work, honor those whom you lead by remembering that they are a blessing in your life. Stop and say thank you for their contribution to the cause you carry together.
Lead well.