True North
The Leader of the Band is gone. Having stood at the helm of my family for over seventy years, Dad abdicated his role as Patriarch last Saturday. As I look left and right in the ensuing fog, I see no one. It appears the helm is mine.
This battlefield promotion was never considered. As a young boy, I looked to my Father in awe, certain in my knowledge that he was certain in his. As I take the reins, I now know that uncertainty rules most days. As leaders, we never really know for sure.
Thankfully, my Dad spent years demonstrating the tools essential for navigating uncertainty. Wisdom, Conviction, Honesty, Responsibility, Compassion, to name but a few. In this crazy world where information inundates and confuses, core values clarify. When in doubt, having confidence in what is right is the greatest navigational tool we have. True North.
I was fortunate to have studied under one of the greatest. He led by example calmly navigating the waters of life. I learned that whispered disappointment was more effective than shouted disparagement. I learned that by giving we receive. That patience truly is a virtue. That kind words might be remembered and unkind words may never be forgotten.
He said the same Prayer every night before dinner. The last line of which was a hopeful request that "we might feast in Paradise with Thee". I take comfort knowing that his place at the table is well deserved.
I choose to see him there.
Vice President, Investments
7 年Sad to hear the news. After the fog clears, I know that you can handle the roll.
Experienced Finance and Operations Leader
7 年Sorry to hear, Greg. Nicely written.
Freedom for Families
7 年I'm on the opposite end here but with the same conclusion. We lost our son at 27 to cancer. Mark had a "true north" compass that I envied. He knew what was right and followed it strictly. This structure and courage led him to help, support, encourage, and change people lives. Now I continue to follow his example.
Account Manager / Senior Contract Recruiter at Parallel Software
7 年Rob, I am sorry to hear about your dad. I had not met him, but I can tell much about him by the man you have become. May your bearing like his be always true North. John
Client Focused Collaborator Helping to Attract, Develop, & Retain Talent | Tailoring Solutions for Talent Strategy
7 年Dear Greg, I am truly sorry for your loss. I too have recently lost my guide, my architect, my model, my champion, my very first and only real hero. It is an odd feeling to be a leader for my own family, and now assume the reins of a person that quite frankly, is the best and greatest to ever grasp a hold of those reins. At the company I work with my leadership is patience, it is intent listening, delicate guidance, it is tactical, carried out with calmness, and yet passionate challenge, simultaneously. As time roles on, I find myself often wondering how my father would have handled a matter that requires his unique method of acceptance and open-handedness. I have resolved myself to just be the best that I can be. Ultimately, we have been blessed to have watched and been educated by the best. In closing and in the spirit of my father, I submit to you: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams