Speaking of Leadership
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May
30
Memorial Day: Leadership, sacrifice and recognition
Filed Under Uncategorized
Friends,
Consider two stories about teamwork, recognition and leadership. My former business partner and I ran a course called “Real Leadership” and invited our participants to bring in an object that was special to them and related to their leadership. One fellow talked about how he had worked part time through college and law school at the Joe Louis Arena (or “the Joe” as it’s called) where the Detroit Red Wings play. He sold beer at games. He talked about his feelings of embarrassment when his law school classmates teased him about the menial work he was doing. He talked about how awkward he felt when he was recognized by them or by local lawyers or judges at games.
Then he talked about what it was like after the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup as champions of the National Hockey League, and the team’s owner Mike Ilitch minted and presented a replica Stanley Cup ring to every employee of the Red Wings and the Joe. With a shaking voice and teary eyes, he showed us his ring, his pride, and his undying sense of gratitude to the Ilitch family.
I was thinking about that story on Memorial Day. As Governor, my wife issued a proclamation in December of 2003 that flags throughout the state of Michigan be flown half-staff on the day of the funeral of any soldier from Michigan killed in service to country. Sixty-six men and one woman have been so honored in that time. On Thursday morning we hosted the families of these fallen heroes at the Governor’s residence. The names of the deceased were read. Their families stood. It was striking to hear over and over. “22 years old.” “21 years old.” “23 years old.” Sometimes “35 years old.” Who wasn’t wondering, “What might they have become?” The bible says, “No greater love hath any man than to lay down his life for his friends.”
Some have suggested that flying the flag at half-staff should be reserved for heads of state or other “great” American heroes. I don’t agree. I wonder what Mike Ilitch’s take might be. And I wonder what the guy who sold beer at the Joe would think. But most of all I wonder about the families of those fallen soldiers, and about the soldiers who continue to put their lives on the line for our flag and our country every day.
It’s worth pondering who is really “great” on your team. Who sacrifices? Who matters? Who is a leader? Perhaps some of those who lead best, lead without title, attention or accolades. How do you show that you recognize their leadership and their sacrifice?
Let’s remember today, those who lead with their whole self,
Dan
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