Can Veterans Day Teach Us How to Be Better Leaders?
Being the youngest in a family of military men, Veterans Day holds special significance for me. My father and three elder brothers, Johnny, Bill, and Michael, proudly served our nation with honor and dedication. While the draft had been discontinued when I turned 18, a recruiter saw a different path for me and advised me to continue my college journey. Although I didn’t experience military life firsthand, the stories, teachings, and values shared by my family profoundly shaped my perspective.
While I don’t claim to understand the intricacies of military life fully, I carry immense pride for my family’s service and deep gratitude for all who have served. Conversations with Johnny, Bill, Michael, and Dad have provided me with invaluable principles that have greatly influenced my leadership and management roles over the past 45 years. This article highlights the lessons I have learned from the wisdom of the veterans in my life. To my family: thank you for your service, your stories, and the lasting impact you have had on my journey. I love you all!
Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by military service members and their commitment to the values of honor, courage, and selfless service. It serves as a powerful reminder of the principles that drive exceptional leadership.
Leadership Lessons from Veterans Day
As we commemorate Veterans Day, let's pause and reflect on five significant leadership lessons we can learn from our courageous military service members. This leads us to the question: Can Veterans Day teach us how to be better leaders? I believe that it can, and here’s how:
Service Before Self: At the core of every veteran’s commitment is the principle of prioritizing the needs of others and the mission above personal interests. As leaders, when we prioritize the collective good over individual gain, we cultivate trust and foster collaboration.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Veterans understand that setbacks and challenges are inevitable in any mission. Their ability to persevere, adapt, and overcome obstacles is a testament to their resilience. In leadership, facing difficulties with a problem-solving mindset and demonstrating tenacity can inspire teams to push boundaries.
Leading by Example: Military leaders know that actions speak louder than words. They lead from the front, setting the standard for conduct, discipline, and commitment. In any leadership role, embodying your values ensures credibility and motivates others to follow suit.
Empowering Others: Effective military leaders recognize the potential in their subordinates and provide growth opportunities. They understand that the strength of their team lies in the collective abilities of its members. Similarly, great leaders empower and uplift those around them, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
Moral Integrity: The military instills a robust code of ethics in its members. Honesty, honor, and doing what’s right even when no one is looking are the hallmarks of outstanding leadership. Integrity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of strong teams and successful organizations.
As we honor our veterans, let’s internalize the leadership lessons they embody. Their dedication, commitment, and values serve as a guiding light for all of us, reminding us of the qualities that make exceptional leaders. Today and every Day, we thank our veterans for their service and the leadership lessons they impart.
Remember that your freedom to pursue your dreams and aspirations was made possible because of them. Once again, thank you, Dad, Johnny, Bill, and Michael!
"Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders" by L. David Marquet
Dive into the remarkable narrative of "Turn the Ship Around!" by L. David Marquet, a tale of true transformation that redefines the essence of leadership. This isn't just a book; it's a journey alongside Captain Marquet as he takes command of the USS Santa Fe and steers a struggling crew to unprecedented success.
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This book is an invitation to witness the power of trusting your team, championing their growth, and embracing the resilience learned from those who've served our nation. For anyone hungry for leadership literature that teaches and transforms, "Turn the Ship Around!" is a compass pointing toward your true north.
Boost your collection of leadership resources and infuse your values with the empowering spirit. Purchase "Turn the Ship Around!" today, and while you're charting courses to new horizons, don't forget to subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter—your anchor to continuous growth and inspiration!
