Don’t just thank a veteran, learn from them, too

Veterans Day is upon us again and it has taken on added meaning for me.

In years past, I would occasionally read my grandfather’s letters that detailed how phosgene and mustard gasses burned his lungs and nearly blinded him as he pulled wounded soldiers to safety. I never had a chance to meet my grandfather, but his letters home during World War I shed enough insight into the person he was on and off the battlefield.

My father, a veteran of World War II, shared some of the horrors he faced upon landing on Omaha Beach, including how he didn’t hesitate to take on radioman duties for his unit when a friend was gunned down.

I have always considered them heroes, but lately I’ve come to realize their actions, like the actions of countless other members of the military, are far more than heroic.

Nearly a decade ago, Simon Sinek, an author and inspirational speaker, penned a book called Leaders Eat Last, which used examples from the Marines to explain how the best leaders are always looking out for the wellbeing of those in their charge. Watch this recent clip of Simon talking about the inspiration for the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXz0ZTwl_iI

Selfless acts by leadership beget selfless acts by team members. This happens because there is trust and, Simon stresses, love for each other. My grandfather – in his letters – said he was not a hero, but felt he had an obligation to save his fellow soldiers. Likewise, my father knew he had to act fast to retrieve the radio so his unit could call for help if they became pinned down.

Was there love for their brothers in arms? My grandfather never used that word in his letters, but the tone of his writings displayed an affection he had for those in his unit. My father also never said it was love, but the admiration was evident when he related stories about some of his less painful exploits during the war.

What my father and grandfather experienced is not unique. There are plenty of stories about how those in the military form stronger, more committed bonds with each other than we often see among the civilian population.

As someone who never served, I can attest to that fact. I’ve lost count of the times I had a colleague or leader place their interests above that of their teams or teammates.

Fortunately, I have been blessed to work for veterans who abide by the mantra that Leaders Eat Last. During my time at The Flint Journal, I had one editor who truly looked out for the welfare of his team. He trusted us, guided us and listened to us when we had questions or concerns. While at General Motors, I’ve had plenty of excellent leaders – both former military and civilian – but my current leader stands out as a model of what Simon Sinek describes in his book.

My leader, who served in the Marines, has a team that spans multiple generations and includes team members located on site and remote. Since joining the team in February, I have witnessed his calming, compassionate leadership style guide our team through some difficult times. I’ve known this person for several years and am not surprised by his humble approach to leadership.

And that’s why Veterans Day has taken on new meaning for me. Frankly, we are doing a disservice to our veterans by focusing on just the time they served our country.

We are also missing an opportunity to celebrate them for what they continue to contribute to society through their selfless acts of leadership and service in the private and public sectors.

Our veterans have so much more to give, and we have so much more to learn from them.

I know that for a fact because my father’s experiences in World War II greatly affected how he approached life and my own upbringing. He instilled in me the importance of humility and placing others before myself.

Now, that’s true leadership.