SIX SECONDS

In the continuing loyal spirit of our leadership discussions, I pontificated all week, seeking inspiration for the "perfect" business leadership topic. It was an unusually eclectic week for many reasons, and frustratingly, there was no single apparent path of inspiration. As I sat in meetings evaluating an array of opportunities, from the chance to rejoin with a former Indycar team, and drive the Freedom 100 at Indy this year, to a plethora of new and exciting business options; one question kept presenting itself: "...you were a Marine, right." And then the follow up question: "... what makes a Marine different?" "Do Marines have any FEAR?"

Most follow up comments were in the manner of: "... if we could teach the same leadership and team based principles in business....."

I was caught off guard hearing this question; then... answering it in a near embarrassing, and at times stumbling manor. Perhaps it is uncomfortable, or perhaps it is for the reason I am posting this article. The answer is so amazingly complex, that it becomes difficult to describe in words. I was frustrated with my unusually unfocused thoughts, and sought this article, written by one of the most influential mentors in my life: Colonel, now General John Kelly, our current White House Chief of Staff: Six Seconds to Live. The article was presented in Business Insider.

As a thought provoker, I found myself humbled and uniquely blank in trying to describe my own feelings about the character of a United States Marine. For any business leader, hiring manager, or general leader of personnel, this article is a must read, and it is the reason I humbly defer "my" contribution to compose an article, and past week's answers, to one of the most eloquent views inside the "MIND" of a United States Marine and Leadership 101:

https://www.businessinsider.com/john-kellys-speech-about-marines-in-ramadi-2013-6

This is worth seven minutes of your time, and may serve as your inspiration for the week.

Then ask yourself: "What would I do with the last six (6) seconds of my life."

Maybe this should be a standard interview question.

Thank you to all of our service members protecting us and our freedoms!