The Lesson of "The Show Up"
Joey Stutson
I enjoy Interviewing Thought Leaders and sharing their success with others.
Lesson #1
Showing Up During Adversity Determines a Person’s Level of Inspiration. How you respond to what shows up in your life impacts your influence.?
Success sells, but inspiration compels.?
A new global report shows that 80% of people believe inspiration is not only vital to their lives but more important than external attributes like influence, sleep, physical intimacy, or platform.
Interestingly, more than one-third (41%) of respondents rated feeling inspired as more important than the time they spend with their children. This statistic underscores the profound personal impact of inspiration in our lives.
Have you ever been in a crowd feeling alone because you were so depleted and burned down with exhaustion?
We need to have a vision and inspiration to fill our cups and pour them out to others. Healthy leaders, healthy lives. If not, we suffer from the empty cup syndrome; you can't give to others what you do not have yourself.
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is drudgery, dry boring, or, said another way.. passes the time.
Vision with action can change the world.
Titled "Inspire InFocus," the global communications network Wunderman Thompson report surveyed 16,000 adults aged 18 and above in the United Kingdom, United States, China, and Brazil in May 2021.
The essence of the Show-up is not about your influence or leadership prowess. It's about taking charge of your responses and showing up authentically.
We need a new definition of leadership today. "Leadership" is oversaturated, and people are increasingly distanced from real-life connections.
Real life is more than just our influence or success.?What would it gain a man or woman to gain the world's biggest influential platform but loose their soul chasing success?
I have spent my entire life studying leaders and enjoying reading their books, and I am obsessed with personal development.
You will enjoy this lesson if you are bored with everyone comparing and copying each other.
If you are in a burning cycle of burn-down boredom in life, burnout, and anxiety in your career, you may enjoy reading about this lesson that I learned through adversity. I hope it helps you find real-life inspiration in all areas of your life, not just your...leadership.
The Three Nonconformist Statements
#1 Everything does not rise and fall on your leadership
#2 Leadership is much more than an influence-centered ego
#3 Real-life inspiration shows up during adversity
While there are many models and extensive interest in influence and “leadership,” inspiration is a missing link in today’s business literature and in real life.
Many organizations are creating more solutions and surveying their employees to learn what engages them; relying solely on this method has limitations due to personal concerns, mainly when dealing with such a subjective concept as inspiration.?
Here's why: people have stories, and their personal lives aren’t a model or something you can understand through shallow data with a well-constructed list of attributes. You can’t itemize these qualities into a pamphlet and hand it out at the next motivational training, only to find it in the trash can as soon as the meeting ends.
We have increased volatility, siloed living, boredom, burnout, rumors of war, uncertainty, social experiments, complexity, divorce, and rapid global geo-political threats. This is also known as... Real Life.
However, volatility could be a better motivator; people only respond to what inspires them.?
How do you measure the impact of inspiration on your business or life? The reality is that we have challenges today that a generation ago never experienced.
When surveying the self-help literature of today, one is expected to read something repackaged in a thousand different ways. But in reality, is there an original idea? My following statement may not be mainstream.
There is more to leadership than influence.?
We tend to adopt either/or thinking when it comes to truth. This causes us to fall short of the whole counsel of wisdom. For example, influence + impact = leadership, but without inspiration in real life, people will get bored or burned out and be uninspired regardless of their success or influence.?
Many subscribe to the meaning that leadership is influence. Influence is power. How that power is used comes from the foundation of the heart's character, virtues, values, and motives. The problem with believing leadership is just about your influence is the outcomes of an influence-centered existence.
Without inspiration, influence is dead when people get distracted by the next crowded bandwagon.
What happens when you are alone? Can you stand against a crowd to do the inspirational right thing even if it costs you your…influence?
What if you don’t need to act right now? What may be happening to get your attention and inspire you again? What might life be teaching you in your restlessness?
There is more to leadership than influence.
It's no wonder inspiration has been largely overlooked in the self-help, business leadership, and scientific realms, considering its various challenges.?
These hurdles include:
Real Life Lessons of Inspiration was written to help people understand their creative capacity to be set apart, with an opportunity to let their pain and story inspire them to do hard things.
It’s the ability to show up by slowing down, realizing you are either vocationally bored or burning out in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, or addiction to success. This can make you feel like life is leaving you empty without the ability to have real-life connections or satisfaction.
You may win at work and feel like your marriage is losing. Other times, you may feel you are winning at home but need more inspiration at work.?
I am inspired to write about real-life stories and provide evidence that Inspiration is needed today more than ever.
Inspiration + Influence = Impact
Everything does not rise and fall on your leadership. There is more to leadership than just influence.
President Zelensky's leadership during the conflict with Russia has been a source of inspiration to the world. Despite facing overwhelming odds, he has demonstrated courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to defending Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom.
The Battle of Kyiv, a crucial theater in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, epitomized the struggle for control over the heart of the nation. From February 25th to April 2nd, 2022, the streets reverberated with war as Russian special forces attacked the Ukrainian capital.
Initially, as Russian troops advanced and seized strategic positions, fears of Kyiv's imminent fall spread globally. However, the resilience of Ukrainian defenders and people like you and me shattered these expectations.
Ukrainian forces and volunteers stood their ground despite facing overwhelming odds, demonstrating unparalleled courage and determination.
Their unwavering resolve turned the tide of battle, inflicting heavy losses on the invading forces and thwarting attempts at encirclement.
The Battle of Kyiv transcended mere military confrontation, serving as a testament to the power of inspiration in the face of adversity.
Leadership is much more than an influence-centered ego
In the crucible of combat, Ukrainian soldiers fought not only for their people but also for the ideas of freedom and self-determination, proving that even in the darkest of hours, people rally behind a cause, not an influence-centered ego.
Zelensky's determination to stand firm in the face of aggression has galvanized both his people and the international community, symbolizing the power of leadership in times of crisis. His unwavering resolve is an example of inspiration and the impact it brings to provide hope and strength amidst adversity, inspiring others to unite and support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and independence.
We should be aware that, more than ever, we need real-life inspiration to learn from leaders who have much more than just influence. President Zelensky is our generation's most significant example of showing up, as the world has not witnessed a European takeover like this since World War II.
We watch Ukraine daily on the news, far removed from the frontline, but note how much of an example they are for the entire world.
Real-Life Inspiration shows up during adversity
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them..."
-Jesus
President Zelensky chose to stay in Ukraine when he was offered an entourage to escape when Putin's forces attacked the capital of Ukraine.
What did Zelensky decide to do?
He showed up for his nation and influenced the world to rally behind Ukraine to do for them what they are doing for us.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13).
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
The Hero with a Thousand Faces (first published in 1949) is a work of comparative mythology by Joseph Campbell; in it, he discusses trends and archetypes found across thousands of stories, myths, and legends in the literary canon. He studied the archetypal heroes found throughout literature.
The seven universal story points all humans respond to have themes you can apply in real life.?
You need real-life inspiration to show up when faced with adversity because it gives you a sense of purpose and vision. Real-life heroes and their journeys can exemplify courage, resilience, and determination, inspiring others to overcome their challenges and pursue their dreams. By witnessing the triumphs and struggles of real-life heroes, you can find the strength and guidance you need to navigate your journeys and ultimately become the hero of your own stories.
Today, marketers and business owners adopt universal elements of inspiration to create powerful stories to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses. Every hero has a moment where they have to show up and face off with an enemy or challenge. If we don’t show up, we don’t have the adventure.?
No Giant, No Victory.
Every person needs more than just influence or a title to be inspired in real life. In a well-known passage from The Hero with a Thousand Faces introduction, Campbell summarizes the monomyth with the following three stages of any hero's journey.?
The Three Stages of Inspiration?
1 – A hero ventures forth from the world of everyday, mundane, average day into a region of supernatural wonder. (Everything does not rise and fall on your leadership) Being unique and set apart is the journey of not being average.
2 – An enemy or opposition is encountered, and a decisive victory is won (Leadership is much more than just influence). To grow your influence, you need to live the story and overcome adversity or bad habits. No fight, no victory.
3 –The hero returns from this adventure with the power to inspire others (Inspiration is Leadership).
The Lesson of the Show-Up: Showing Up During Adversity Determines a Person’s Level of Inspiration. How you respond to what shows up in your life impacts your influence.?
What you will learn in this lesson
People can permit you to lead them, and you can achieve legendary results more than anyone in your industry or organization. Still, if you lack inspiration, your success at work will not align with your life satisfaction.?
Many leaders understand the importance of confidence, but when it comes to inspiring people, we often rely on our influence, charm, or results alone. We see the results, and if we are honest with ourselves, success sells. However, after surveying authors and interviewing successful leaders, it is evident that more than influence and success alone are needed to impact lives long-term after the motivational speech is over.?
Motivation vs. Inspiration?
Susan Fowler’s expertise and insights have been widely influential in helping leaders and organizations understand how to create environments that support and nurture people’s natural motivation. Fowler’s definition of motivation centers around the idea that individuals have an innate desire to grow, learn, and contribute, and it is the responsibility of leaders and organizations to create the conditions that allow this intrinsic motivation to flourish.?
In her bestselling book, WHY MOTIVATING PEOPLE DOESN’T WORK… AND WHAT DOES: The New Science of Leading, Engaging, and Energizing, Susan educates leaders on motivation best practices based on solid science communicated through compelling storytelling, case studies, and real-life examples. Her research provides an action plan to shape workplaces where people flourish while producing sustainable results.
On the other hand, inspiration is often seen as a concept different from motivation. While motivation refers to the internal drive to achieve a goal or perform a task, inspiration is often seen as an external force that ignites passion, creativity, and enthusiasm. Inspiration can come from various sources, such as a mentor, a role model, a powerful speech, or a meaningful experience. It can spark a sense of purpose and a desire to take action.
Fowler’s work may not explicitly differentiate between motivation and inspiration, but her focus on intrinsic motivation aligns with the idea that individuals are naturally inclined to be motivated and engaged. While inspiration can undoubtedly play a role in sparking motivation, Fowler’s work emphasizes the importance of creating environments that support and nurture people’s natural motivation rather than relying solely on external sources of inspiration.
“SHOWUP” Defined?
I adapted the S.H.O.W.U.P. acronym so you can learn how to inspire people?
Seize your day with the 100% principle. Give 100% of yourself even if you get 0% back. This practice teaches you not to fear people or results.
Honor authority. You can’t have authority if you aren’t submitted to authority. When you understand that even the CEO is held accountable by shareholders and everyone with a pulse has authority regardless of their awareness. We are all responsible for our actions.?
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Open your horizons – Be willing to learn people’s stories and study them.
Walk towards wisdom – Invite a trusted group of advisors, friends, mentors, or coaches to challenge you to Show Up during adversity. We were never created to do life alone.?
Understand people. You must learn to allow your failures or setbacks to become your learning process or fuel to inspire people. Most people cannot overcome a few setbacks. Every hero's journey requires the ability to overcome rejection. Without rejection, there can be no inspiration.
Provide opportunities to expect problems and head into action – what we learn is knowledge. What we remember is understanding. What we do becomes a habit to inspire others with your actions and words. Expect problems in life. When you know your life and work will have problems, when adversity or setback happens, respond with immediate learning into doing. Understanding failure is just a counter to the original prototype.?
Catch people doing things right and inspire others to show up better during adversity. They won’t always remember what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel and the bonds made when you showed up.?
Life is not an accident, so show up early and be willing to stay late.?
The Reality
People have stories, adversity, and opportunities to navigate, control, and direct their lives. But being an inspiring leader requires more than just achieving goals. Leaders see the future before they leave the dock; they have a vision and can guide others to see it, too. People who communicate their story or leadership perspective will have a way to get to their destination, understand what it will take to get there, know whom they'll need to take along to be successful and recognize the reality that anything worth setting out to achieve will require failure and setbacks to inspire.?
If you show up for people to help them to be successful, you become an inspirational leader who will leverage the power of setbacks and adversity to fuel life and work purpose. When people get inspired, they perform and remember what you communicated or accomplished and how you made them feel, optimizing their ability to know why they want to be fully engaged in work and life.
There must be more than motivation or influence to produce results or accomplish goals. We must learn to plan and help overcome the reality that life is complex, full of turns, setbacks, and dysfunctions to overcome by showing up with inspiration when we don’t feel like it. When we plan to make our feelings follow our actions, our life becomes an adventure to travel and enjoy instead of a destination to be earned.?
King Solomon wrote a timeless truth: What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. To offer more insight into this simple truth, Barbara Kellerman, founding executive director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, has observed:?
"Leadership as an area of intellectual inquiry remains thin, and little original thought has been given to what leader learning in the second decade of the 21st century should look like."
There is little original thought in today’s success literature, and to enjoy real-life inspiration, we must show up with creativity and innovation. The ability to be set apart from the crowd and inspire others means there will be times when you do not have influence. Otherwise, we aren’t, by definition…leaders. To grow your influence, you need to learn how to be inspired (internally) and, in the process of being genuine, influence others (externally).?
I had to live with this growing up without knowing who my father was or my last name. My life is no accident, and being present in a world of constant distraction and addiction to image and comparison required more than influence to lead me.?
This lesson is simple, but it’s not easy. Contrary to many leadership and self-help books that measure your leadership by your influence or level of success, the reality is the evidence shows up. Personal inspiration is directly tied to effectiveness, not some fixed result or metric you achieve. It's not about how high you can climb but how you show up when it matters. Many factors like influence and vision directly impact your effectiveness at work.?
But without inspiration and the show-up factor, people will get bored with your charm or influence. The Pareto Principle or 20/80 rule is often cited, which states that if you spend time on tasks that rank in the top 20% of importance, you will see an 80% return on investment. The same could be said about people; the top 20% of people produce 80% of the results in your organization. However, the reality is that we will all be faced with conditions and situations where we will be in the bottom 80%.?
Adversity is the reality of today. We will face situations in our lives and work that will require us to show up with more than better leadership ability.? Why is it that NFL athletes, when surveyed, often came from less-than-ideal circumstances growing up? In a survey entitled “Census of the NFL Roster,” Players were asked to rate their household prosperity while growing up on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lower class, 2 lower-middle class, 3 middle class, 4 upper-middle class, 5 upper class; none of the players surveyed answered “5.”)?
Ninety-five percent of the non-white players reported growing up in middle-level income or lower households. Superior performance is only sometimes about easy conditions, genetics, influence, etc. The reality is that the most profound hardship and circumstances can be used to fuel inspiration in people to achieve more extraordinary things than easy circumstances.
The Red Tricycle
The peanut butter and jelly enticed me to the refrigerator. As a young boy, I was an expert at making my own food. I was fearless. My single mother was young and seeking to be loved, while I was born for adventure. I remember the screen door of our home on Magazine Street. I can’t remember where we lived to this day, but I remember the red tricycle and the door was in my way. With my little fingers, I stood on a stool, forced the latch open, and ran for it. It was mid-afternoon, and I took off down the busy streets of Magazine Street in New Orleans in style, unaware of the danger ahead.
I accelerated ahead on my tricycle, uncertain of the path I was taking. This reminds me of the early stages of leadership, where one may need more clarity and direction to ride in the face of adversity.
Life is not defined by our starting point but by the impact we make when we show up where we are going.?
Like a little boy or girl, we can be insecure about our titles, abilities, background, education, or development. We can be our most prominent critics as we get overwhelmed with burnout or underwhelmed with boredom from fear or self-doubt.
I vividly recall stories about how I would get caught sneaking out on Magazine Street to ride my bike as a young boy. The drivers, bewildered by my obliviousness to crosswalks and traffic lights, exchanged frustrated glances. Yet, amidst the bustling city, a sense of freedom and control must have drawn me to the freedom of the ride.
If I could bring you to this moment, I would make you listen to "Two Step," performed by the Dave Matthews Band, as I must have taken off like I owned the city. Its energetic rhythm and captivating melody would perfectly capture the essence of my young self, fearlessly embarking on adventures through the clear and present danger of cars that nearly missed me. This would serve as the theme song to that extraordinary chapter of my life, a testament to the boundless possibilities ahead.
It’s not about what happened but how you show up next that counts
The Red Tricycle chapter of my life became more than just a joyful escape from the confines of my upbringing; it became a profound lesson in showing up to life's challenges. I encountered obstacles as a young boy at every turn, and I did not know who my father or family was.?
This tested my abilities and pushed me to my limits. From conquering steep hills like learning to play sports to navigating having to grow up with little supervision, I faced challenges that demanded my physical and mental presence. In these moments of uncertainty, I learned the true meaning of showing up as a leader who inspires others.
It’s not about us.
The pain I experienced inspired me to find my passion. I failed at many things without direction or support, but in the process of searching, longing, and trying to belong, I learned a valuable lesson.?
Because of the journey of pain, growing up like this gave me the skills and ability to work harder than my friends who grew up in great families. I became zealous to work hard in school and would eventually be good at sports. I was usually the one showing up when it counted at practice. I started enjoying the workouts and long practices in the heat of summer more than winning. I learned to show up and enjoy the ride.?
I would eventually be invited to walk on to the L.S.U. National Championship football team in 2007 after deploying to Iraq as an infantryman during my freshman year of college. I was driven to succeed and saw the power of internal inspiration regardless of the chaos or danger around me. Something inside me always pushed me to seek a higher way of living even though I lacked the pedigree, family dynamic, covering, protection, money, connections, title, and, yes, even influence. I was inspired to grow regardless of the difficulties or adversity in my life.
Working for Dr. Ken Blanchard, coauthor of the best-selling book The One Minute Manager, in San Diego taught me a valuable lesson.
Inspirational leadership is not something that is taught; it’s caught.
Reeling from the knowledge of growing up in a broken home, with the ever-present absence of my father's name, I found solace and validation on those three wheels as a kid. The red tricycle lesson became a metaphor for my journey through life – a constant reminder that even in the face of adversity, I had to keep pushing forward, embracing each challenge as an opportunity to chase inspiration.?
Through the art of showing up, I discovered resilience, determination, and self-belief. It was not simply a matter of conquering the physical aspects of not having a father but a profound realization that showing up to life's challenges was the key to unlocking my capacity. With each conquered obstacle or failure, a newfound confidence bloomed within me, propelling me further along the path of self-discovery.
Even though I was often looked at as a leader in sports because of my influence and ability, I didn’t catch inspirational leadership at home, and as a result, I struggled with fear and self-doubt.
As a result, my public life didn’t align with my personal life; internal wounds were holding me back.?I had the external influence (results) but lacked the internal inspiration (relationships) to grow in confidence.
These experiences became my teachers, molding my character and leadership skills. I learned to persevere, adapt, and conquer one ride at a time. So, let the challenges people face arm you with the invaluable lesson of showing up.
With every pedal stroke of challenges, I am reminded that life's most significant rewards await those who dare to face their fears, embrace the unknown, and fully immerse themselves in the ride of Showing Up.?
We all have stories—hardships, memories, backgrounds, insecurities, vulnerabilities, challenges. And the truth is, at the end of it all, we must admit we, too, are insecure little kids just passing through the busy streets hoping someone will see us. Showing up to inspire people through adversity must start with understanding that everyone has a story.?
The reality is that all of us will be knocked down, but what matters is how inspired we are to get back up and how fast.
There are two extremes that we need to avoid when it comes to Inspiration:
Passive Floating A raft just sits in the water and doesn't do a thing. It just sits, waiting for the current to move it. Many of us, when facing adversity or challenges, can find ourselves quitting or pivoting when we don’t see results. We let the environment, the wrong goal, or the bandwagon push us in the direction of the current because we care more about our influence than the cause inside us. The relationships become more important than the results we are inspired to accomplish.?
Aggressive Rowing When we rely on our strength, the next “leadership training,” our decisiveness, influence, or power to move the team, we can push forward and be so focused that we miss the ability to connect. Many people communicate leadership models, but to connect with people in real life, we need to be curious and to see what others could be seeing. Aggressive Rowing is like running so fast that we leave people behind. We finish first, but we have no one with us at the finish line. Our results become more important than relationships.?
Inspirational Capacity
The sweet spot of leadership balances excellent relationships in life with great results.?
Inspiring Sailing?
A good sailor must be determined to cruise across the waters. In the ancient world, the helmsman played a similar role to a modern Captain. This role of piloting or steering the ship became a well-known metaphor for a leader who guides a community through difficult terrain. The wind is like an inspiration inside people. People will show up when you know their story or what inspires them.?
In a famous book called Corinthians, a Rabbi named Paul writes to leaders in Corinth, Greece, about the gift of kubernesis, which means “steeresmanship, navigation, or leadership” in English. In the ancient teachings, Rabbi Paul uses the idea of sailing or steering a ship to explain leadership. He talks about this in a famous book called Corinthians, where he writes to leaders in Corinth, Greece. He's talking about the gift of kubernesis, which means guiding or leading others.
Inspiration by Walking Around
One of the topics that seems to be highly prevalent in both the trade press and general business publications concerns leadership. Whether it’s print media, social media, blogs, or other sources, it seems as though “what makes an effective leader?” is being weighed in on by everyone. But there seems to be one very effective tool that has become lost, namely, the art of inspiration — Management by Walking Around – what I am calling, Inspiration by Walking Around.?
While I don’t think Sam Walton originated the concept (I believe it was Peter Drucker), Sam exemplified the principle. And all the great leaders that I had the pleasure to work with at Walmart were masters of it.?
Walton believed in actively engaging with his employees and customers by being present on the sales floor rather than confining himself to the confines of his office. He understood the importance of firsthand knowledge and sought to gather insights by interacting with people at all levels of the organization.
By walking the sales floor, Walton was able to stay attuned to the pulse of his business, identify areas for improvement, recognize his employees' contributions, and inspire motivating environments. This hands-on approach fostered a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability within Walmart. It created employee passion for work, not just tasks.?
Through MBWA, Walton empowered his employees, encouraged innovation, and contributed to the company's remarkable success. We also discuss the enduring legacy of Walton's management philosophy and its relevance in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Ultimately, this chapter highlights the transformative power of leadership that prioritizes people, communication, and continuous learning—a legacy that continues to inspire leaders worldwide.
Sam Walton lived The Lesson of the Show Up. He often Showed Up During Adversity, and as a result, this Determined his Level of Inspiration. How you respond to what shows up in your life and business impacts your influence.?
In the captivating tale of Sam Walton's unwavering compassion and devotion to his team, the Lesson of Showing Up. Despite his status as a Billionaire, Sam Walton embodied humility and empathy, demonstrating that how we respond to adversity significantly impacts our influence and inspires others.
In the tumultuous aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, water became a critical challenge for survivors throughout New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Amidst the chaos of crumbling homes and inundated cities, Walmart resolutely responded to the urgent need for assistance. The profound dedication of the "Help When It's Needed Most" exhibit, curated by the Walmart Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, vividly illustrates the company's unwavering commitment to disaster relief on a global scale.
Inspiration When it’s Needed
"Imagine having absolutely nothing," reflects Alan Dranow, senior director of the Walmart Heritage Group. "Your entire world shattered; you sought refuge in the Superdome, and then, suddenly, Walmart trucks arrived, laden with life-saving water. Not a drop in New Orleans was deemed safe to drink."
The exhibit houses artifacts from numerous disasters, including a poignant license plate embedded in the wall of a tornado-stricken Joplin, Missouri, Walmart store. Alongside these relics are commemorative T-shirts, evocative photos, and stirring videos, each telling a story of Walmart's logistical prowess and unwavering humanitarian spirit. From the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy to the heartbreak of the 2011 Japan tsunami, Walmart's commitment to aiding those in need shines brightly.
"You witness the sheer devastation of these natural disasters, but then you witness Walmart's swift response, ready to extend a helping hand," explains Dranow. "We excel in logistics, warehousing, and transportation, allowing us to mobilize resources when disaster strikes rapidly."
Recently, a Walmart associate who endured Hurricane Katrina's trials revisited the exhibit, moved to tears by the memories it evoked. "She looked back on that challenging time, recalling the hardship but also the unwavering support Walmart provided to her and her family," Dranow shares. "Not a single workday was missed; we relocated her to another store and ensured her family's needs were met. It's a testament to Walmart's unwavering dedication."
Walmart's legacy of disaster relief traces back to the 1982 Marion, Illinois, tornado when founder Sam Walton and Jack Shewmaker swiftly stepped in to offer aid. "Sam understood the importance of community support," recalls Dranow. "While others saw the disaster as an opportunity for profit, Sam slashed prices to assist those in need."
"It's not merely about giving," emphasizes Dranow. "Our associates play a pivotal role in disaster relief efforts." Dranow himself volunteered to sort clothing for Joplin tornado victims.
The exhibit also highlights Walmart's transition from reactive relief efforts to proactive disaster preparedness. "Rather than simply reacting to crises, we're now actively preparing for them," notes Dranow. "Our associates are equipped with robust disaster plans, ensuring swift and effective responses."
The heroic actions of the Joplin Walmart store manager during the 2011 tornado, which saved numerous lives, serve as a testament to Walmart's ethos of decisive action in times of crisis.
From Sam Walton's pioneering vision to the present day, Walmart's commitment to community support remains steadfast. "We want people to know they're never alone," Dranow concludes. "When Walmart steps in, we're there for our customers and associates, prioritizing their well-being above all else."
Indeed, Sam Walton epitomized the Lesson of Showing Up, teaching us that our responses to adversity reveal our character and inspire those around us. His story is a timeless reminder that authentic leadership transcends wealth and power, manifesting in simply showing up when it matters most.
An Unexpected Beginning
Inspiring people through adversity is simple, but it’s not easy.?
“Unknown.” This word chased me as I searched for my father's name and identity. I was showing up, which meant failing hard and fast and eventually succeeding. I was unaware that my lifelong search to find my father would “show up” to me at thirty-six years old.?
I was told my father was unknown as my mother was handed a birth certificate that states “father unknown,” as she didn’t report who the father was when I was born. This challenging beginning came with complicated family dynamics, including a young mother with a great heart but still searching for an identity. I moved from household to household, constantly chasing my own identity as my mother struggled as a single mother.?
I believe my mom was scared to tell me about my father’s passing when I was in high school. In part because she had long feared what the beginning of his senior year would be like without me knowing my father my entire life.?
Defining the Importance of Real-Life Inspiration
It’s no secret that leadership capacity is critical to organizational success. Still, little research has been compiled about the long-term impact of inspiration on productivity, profitability, and personal life satisfaction. I believe real-life stories create genuine, unexpected emotional connections that allow credibility for research and data to be effective in your life and work.
Too much self-help literature in the last few decades has focused on the ego or image ethic.?
Character principles are about significant personal changes that start with ourselves. It is about discipline, prudence, self-control, courage, integrity, and justice. Ego ethics are more about minor clicks of buttons and shares that go around campaigning public impressions, influence, and leadership.
I have learned from the world’s most widely shared inspired principles, one from the New Testament and one from the Old Testament:?
?“To aspire to leadership is an honorable ambition” (1 Timothy 3) and a passage from the Old Testament, “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not.” (Jeremiah 45:4).
Apply the Lesson of Showing up in your life, and you will influence more people.?
How you respond to what shows up in your life impacts your influence. Real life will hit you hard. It's not about your image, network, influence, or title. Real Life inspiration is how you respond to adversity when knocked down and how fast you get back up.
“Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambitions,
By that sin fell angels, how can a man then,
The image of his Maker, hope to profit by’t?”
(Wolsey to Cromwell – Shakespeare)
Embracing adversity fuels growth ??. Nietzsche said - that which does not kill us makes us stronger. Let's inspire & be inspired! #RealLifeInspiration
Success is captivating, but it's the stories of resilience & learning from adversity that truly inspires us. Lao Tzu emphasized - the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Let's value those steps in our lives. ?? #RealLifeInspiration