Lessons from Leadership

Lessons from Leadership, a reflection of love: "...thanks for coming to work today..."

I recently heard a leader make the statement: "..if you are being attacked, then you know you must be doing something right and must be in the position those attacking wish to be..." I am conflicted on this thought.

I apologize for the absence in writing. While there is truly no excuse to push through challenges in the spirit of service, I have been in a more defensive posture, protecting my family and close friends from the fallout of an attack by individuals and an organization who foster chaotic disparagement towards USA Veteran owned businesses for personal financial gain. Our culture seems to have shifted away from an ability to disagree, debate and intelligently listen to opposing views. We do not make the effort to recognize and engage in disagreement, and it appears that processes as simple as conversation have been replaced by evil, damaging, disparaging, and fabricated campaigns. When did hacking, fabrication, attacks and false narratives replace integrity and substance? When did the underbelly internet and anything posted, become a source of fact? I do miss the encyclopedia. It does not need to be this way. Leadership inherently carries the responsibility of service, compassion and understanding. We can chose direction.

I am saddened. It has taken the passing of one of our greatest American heroes, the last of a line of soldier statesman, those who served, and served again, to motivate me to write this article. I was fortunate to have served in a military under command of this amazing man. I was also fortunate enough to serve on a special detail, and to receive a commendation for that service. My interactions were brief, but the impact was massive.

Recently, I participated in a continuing education project management course. One of the lesson plans focused on methods of motivating others. I felt good that I was able to express my thoughts related to the concept of intangible motivation. An idea that people actually value respect and a sense of self worth. There is a motivational factor that resides in each of us to feel part of a team, and of achievement in the brightly shinning light of recognition.

For years, I have jokingly said these words to those who have worked for me and with me: " ...thanks for coming to work today..." More than twenty-five years past the first exposure to those words, I still smile and enjoy sharing them. So, where did I hear them? Oh, I had heard them before, but let me begin the story deeper into the timeline.

I was deployed in a combat zone on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. There was a newly promoted Admiral, Tom Lynch, who served as the group commander. The ship housed over 6,000 sailors and marines. We had journeyed expeditiously from the USA to our point of impact, across blue water oceans and points of no escape. Every evening, just before taps, without fail, the crew would be treated to the evening announcements and the firm booming voice that confidently uttered those words: "...thanks for coming to work today..."

As a young inhabitant of the ship, I remember thinking back then: "...where am I going to go...overboard...?" Little did I know that those words would stay with me for a lifetime. What imprint are you making on the world and what words will those around you remember for a lifetime? Things come and go: legacy is forever.

I remembered that while serving the brief tour at in D.C., I had heard the President as he passed in the corridors, share those very same words: "...thanks for coming to work today..." As I write this, and prepare to join the long line of Texans, in respect of the 41st president of the United States, I shed a tear, break a smile and remember the man and the compassion of a great servant leader.

Later in my career, under the command of then Colonel John Kelly, now General John Kelly and current White House Chief of Staff, I heard those very same words. Following a meritorious promotion, and catapult into a leadership position that offered unique challenges, in his commonly stern way of support and confirmation, I heard those very same words: "...4 (as he called in my position)...thanks for coming to work today..."

I grew to understand that each of these leaders had followed the service leadership example of a man who silently and quietly blazed many paths. As a young military officer, I would have never imagined Fathering an angelic Autistic/Down little boy. Yet, Here I am, twenty-five years later, benefiting from the work accomplished under the Executive leadership of George H.W. Bush. Care options and programs are available from the leadership so many years prior.

Why do we use the internet, and fabrications to grossly attack and sensationalize a position? Those moments are fleeting. The real impact comes from quiet, strong and compassionate servant leadership. As corporate leaders in your organizations, how much effort does it really take to offer a smile, hello or phrase such as: "...thanks for coming to work today..."

I am taking a chance in writing this piece with emotion and raw thought. I could continue for pages, but I will not. I will leave my writing with a simple statement for each of you today: "...thanks for coming to work today..."

Please enjoy additional notable quotes as we remember this great leader and compassionate man:

1. "I have opinions of my own -- strong opinions -- but I don't always agree with them."

George Bush Sr. really says something profound here. He stresses the need to be self-aware and disciplined of the opinions you have. Keep your ego in check and stay humble.  

2. "Think about every problem, every challenge, we face. The solution to each starts with education."

For anyone embarking down a startup path, your true weapon is knowledge. In educating yourself about the market, the opportunity, the solution, etc., you become effectively prepared to make actionable decisions.  

3. "I was offered a job on Wall Street by my uncle. But I wanted to get out. Make-it-on-my-own kind of thing."

Forge your own path. Define what success looks like for you and own it, wherever that may be.

4. "I think the spirit of America, one American wanting to make another American's life better, or internationally our desire to see countries do better, or people in countries do better, coming from this concept of volunteerism is a very valid and important part of our internal being."

Whether your passion is in nonprofit or for-profit work, create core values that strive to make an impact on those around you. Or become more activated within your community and give back with the knowledge you've gained on your journey so far. 

5. "The American Dream means giving it your all, trying your hardest, accomplishing something. And then I'd add to that, giving something back. No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others."