Memorial Day

This is a gimme, isn't it? It's Memorial Day, the day we remember those who sacrificed (some call it the ultimate sacrifice) for our country, our freedom. Service, it's about service.

I guess what I want to remember during times like these are the really special soldiers. You don't know what I mean, do you?

Well, even though it only lasted 10 years, I was a career Army officer. I made a commitment when I gave my oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Soldiers like I was, those who volunteered, the ones who thought (even though they probably had no idea about how big the sacrifice) that they would be willing to do whatever was asked, well, they are definitely to be commended and lauded.

The special soldiers, though, the special soldiers to me are the ones who didn't want to go, may even have tried to get out of going into harm's way, but ended up going anyway....and then gave all they had. To me, those men and women, they are the special soldiers even more deserving of our recognition.

So, today, remember those not only who volunteered and looked for opportunities to sacrifice, but those great many who did their utmost, regardless of how they felt, because their efforts meant something.

Leaders LEAD

This title is extremely important for leaders. Take a look at a few lines from "Fort Apache", the Henry Fonda, John Wayne Western from 1948. In this section...

[Yorke has ridden in to save the colonel, but Thursday has decided to die with his men rather than face disgrace]

Lt. Col. Thursday: Trouble you for your sabre, Captain.

Captain Yorke: My sabre?

Lt. Col. Thursday: I must rejoin my command.

Captain Yorke: The command is wiped out, sir, and there's nothing we can do about it.

Lt. Col. Thursday: I'm not asking your opinion, Capt. Yorke! When you command this regiment - and you probably will - command it! Your sabre, sir.

[Capt. Yorke hands him his sabre]

Lt. Col. Thursday: Any questions, Captain?

[Capt. Yorke watches as Col. Thursday rides off to rejoin the battle]

Captain Yorke: No questions.

Did you see what Colonel Thursday said? "When you command this regiment...command it!"

That is one shortcoming many leaders experience...the lack of "command". I'm not talking about being a martinette or some kind of crazy hard core leader. I'm talking about you and everyone else knowing that you are the person in charge, the tough decisions are yours to make, and you will make them.

It's fine to have as much concensus within the group as appropriate when things are running smoothly. It's a totally another thing to try to have concensus when a crisis is at hand. Your people need to know, when it comes to crunch time, there is one go-to person who will take charge and see the team or organization through whatever the urgent matter may be.

Another point is that, as human beings, we want to be lead. We look for a strong leader, one who is fair and even-handed. It's ok if the leader is firm as long as he or she is consistent.

So, what am I saying again? Leaders LEAD!

What's my focus?

So I want to focus my attentions in this blog on service and leadership, two things about which I am most passionate. The problem is that I made the mistake of sharing my thoughts with my lovely wife, Lisa.

Maybe the problem wasn't that I shared my thoughts with Lisa, but that it was just after I ranted about someone who was annoying me...a family member...(ok, family members, don't wonder which of you it was because you all annoy me...that's what make this all so perfect).

How can I write about service to others, making another person's day, leadership (which is all about service, in my opinion) and other stuff when I can't even practice it with my own family?

Whew. This is tough. Lisa is as wise as she is short (5'0"). I've got to think more about this.

I'll get back to you.

My first post

This is my first post of my new blog. I guess it's exciting...I'm not really sure. The hardest thing for me to figure out is why I'm doing this. I figure I have something to say...I know I'm a decent writer (from a construct perspective, anyway).

What will I write about? Not sure. I know I have strong opinions about how people ought to live and ought to serve....service...ahhh, that's the key. It's more than about me...it's more than about self. I think I'll hit on that later.

Anyway, I'll be back because I'm a disciplined person and I am making a commitment.

If anyone ever reads this, I'll be amazed, but wonders never cease.

What was I thinking? I can't imagine, but I will.