In honor of Veterans’ Day, I’m sharing an article a former colleague, who was a retired Army Colonel, wrote for me a long time ago. It’s heartwarming, and is still true today!
With our world in chaos sometimes, maybe we can all use a refresher course in what it means to be a leader? You can be a leader anywhere – not just in business, but in a volunteer group, a family, a classroom, a play group! Colonel Bill once said turning to the US military training in turbulent times is often a good place to start remedial training.
With this in mind, read what the U.S. Army says about leadership in relation to its own value system, and then think how this might relate to the civilian world. And then, ask the more important question, “How well could I measure up?”
Enjoy the following!
DUTY
- Fulfill obligations—professional, legal and moral.
- Carry out mission requirements.
- Meet professional standards.
- Set the example.
- Comply with policies and directives.
- Continually pursue excellence.
RESPECT
- Treat people as they should be treated.
- Create a climate of fairness and equal opportunity.
- Be discreet and tactful when correcting or questioning others.
- Show concern for and make an effort to check on the safety and well-being of others.
- Be courteous.
- Don’t take advantage of positions of authority.
SELFLESS SERVICE
- Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and subordinates before your own.
- Sustain team morale.
- Share subordinates’ hardships.
- Give credit for success to others and accept responsibility for failure yourself.
LOYALTY
- Bear true faith and allegiance in the correct order to the Constitution, the Army, and the organization.
- Observe higher headquarters’ priorities.
- Work within the system without manipulating it for personal gain.
HONOR
- Live up to Army values.
- Don’t lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those actions by others.
INTEGRITY
- Do what is right legally and morally.
- Possess high personal moral standards.
- Be honest in word and deed.
- Show consistently good moral judgment and behavior.
- Put being right ahead of being popular.
PERSONAL COURAGE
- Show physical and moral bravery.
- Take responsibility for decisions and actions.
- Accept responsibility for mistakes and shortcomings.
Think about it! And while you are thinking about it, thank a veteran for their service!
To Your Vitality!
