In Memoriam

Only by acknowledging the success and sacrifice made by those who came before us can we fully understand what we must do to ensure the liberty of those who will succeed us.? – Yvette Clarke?

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One of my older brothers was a huge student of World War II.? He not only read books about it but would even purchase games that were re-enacted battles in the war.? He was so good at the games that he would beat me no matter which side of the battle he chose.? Granted, I was five years younger than him, but as I got older, I realized how skilled he was.? These are but games, but they told a story about something that was near and dear to both of us particularly since our father served in the military during that era.?

Reflecting on Memorial Day is a customary practice.? While many just note it as a history lesson, many of us had family members who served in these or other wars.? Those who did not make it back are the reason we honor and remember them on this day.? The things that my father and brother taught me about the war and correlating it with honoring our fallen heroes, it gave me a thought on how they relate to the importance of leadership.? While it is easy to understand, we may often lose its relevancy to our day-to-day activities.? As such, I thought it would be valuable to share a few things we as leaders can ponder on as think about those who gave in service to others.

Setting Clear Goals?

Many who went into battle did so understanding what the mission was.? For D-Day at Normandy, it was to establish a foothold in France to advance against the Nazi occupation in Europe.? Needless to say, the leaders understood the casualties would be considerable as would the soldiers who would land on the beach.? However, everyone from the highest up and command to the foot soldier understood what the goal was.? The success of the war in Europe was at stake, and all who looked to set foot on the beach knew their lives were at stake.? Whether we have an initiative or are putting together a new job role, make sure that the goals are clear to all involved.? Failure to do so will lead to lack of buy in and potentially undermine the purpose behind the project/role. Furthermore, no one wants to waste their time and energy on something that turned out to be useless.

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Realize Your Decisions Are Bigger Than You?

Like D-Day, there were hundreds of tactical decisions made on winning the war.? Some were small and others required hundreds of thousands of men.? Thinking of those who went into battle had to be taken into consideration, realizing there was something bigger at stake.? The sacrifice of each serviceman went beyond the generations ahead of them.? As leaders, our decisions are made for things much smaller than their ultimate sacrifice, but it does not mean they are not important.? Poor decisions impact tens, hundreds, and even thousands of people.? Do not make those decisions focusing on what is in it for yourself.? Focus on the greater good and realize that our decisions impact more than just one person.? Even a tough decision to let one person go has an impact on many.? Remember all our actions have a bearing on others.?

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Appreciate Those Around You?

Memorial Day is a somber day that we pause and reflect on those who went into battle and never made it home.? Theirs was a sacrifice of love for country and their fellow men.? The best leaders realize there is value in all members of the organization.? Whether it is a senior Vice President or the janitor taking out the trash, everyone has value.? We should grow to appreciate all who are part of the team both directly and indirectly.? The best leaders are the ones who make even the entry level person feel like they matter to the organization and to them.? Appreciate people whether they report to you or are just preparing lunch.?

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Endure?

Something that I have read about is how the difference between success and failure of missions is a willingness to endure.? One of the most famous battles of World War II was called the Battle of the Bulge, where the Americans and their allied forces had to turn away the last major German offensive of the war.? The key moment of the battle required the Allied forces to hold a city called Bastogne.? The leader of the allied forces was Gen. Anthony McAuliffe.? Being outnumbered, German forces sent a messenger to ask him to surrender.? His response was simply, “Nuts,” and thus became the rallying cry for McAuliffe and the rest of the Army.? While the Allies lost over 75,000 men, they were able to hold and push back the offensive.? If we believe in something, we must be willing to inspire and lead not only at the beginning or the end when it is easiest but also in the middle when it seems most challenging.? Do not be discouraged either when things get tough, or things are not breaking in your favor.? Learn to endure hardships.? Think of how you have overcome obstacles and fought through them.? Your teams are dependent on it.?

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Memorial Day is not just about somber memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.? It is also about appreciating the opportunity that their sacrifice allowed for.? Hopefully, you took time yesterday to reflect on those things that make the day special, and furthermore, honor those by making the most of the days, weeks, and months ahead.? Let’s be grateful for the opportunity we must lead others.? In memoriam.?