Memorial Day weekend is an American tradition that includes annual cookouts and time for reflections. Flags are hung and celebrated. Soldiers are acknowledged. The nation pauses to remember. It is a time to thank those leaders who have made great sacrifices in the armed services.
Taking a step back I realize that they have been allowed to stand up and take the lead. While most of us have sat perched in safety, they have stepped in harm’s way to protect others. I would like to think that we all take time out to reflect all the ways that those in the armed forces are remembered.
In my family, it means acknowledging those who served in World War II and later in Vietnam. To me, it also is also about acknowledging those freedom fighters in the civil rights and women’s movement. Here are a few ways to appreciate the contributions of leaders in the United States Armed Services.
1. Leading with courage.
2. Leading in the absence of leadership.
3. Leading with creativity.
4. Leading using talents and strengths.
5. Leading despite ambiguity.
6. Leading with vision.
7. Leading leaving a legacy.
If we just take a few minutes to think about the ways that these leaders have taken great strides to protect and serve then we can appreciate that the list could be endless.
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
