So many of us get placed into situations that scare us. We are asked to brief the boss on a plan or a problem. We are asked to take over a shop that is failing. We are asked to supervise an amazing team. Change and the unknown scare the crap out of us. However, I bet if we all looked back on similar moments in our past, there were other times like this. Each time we did survive and we learned something valuable. Give it a go and be confident you will survive!
I agree and disagree with this one. Agree: if we want to be respected and be the leader others want to follow, we have to be respectful and earn their hearts. Disagree: there are many superiors in my past who I could not stand and hoped they would stub their toe often; however, I complied with their direction. I respected their position, not the person. We all have the option of being respected based on the stripes on our sleeves or based on the quality of our character. Which do you choose?
We are meant for great things. However, when the finish line of the race is designed to edify ourselves, we are missing the point. We have the gifts and talents that we do to further a cause or an ideal. We will all be pushing posies at one point, but the causes we champion will continue on. I already know you are a legend, no need to prove it to anyone else. Further someone or something and your work will live on forever.
I love this picture and this generation. They did their job broke new grounds in how we fight wars and forged the reputation of the American Professional in Arms. Thank you to those of the greatest generation for laying our foundation. May we continue to build upon it.
Our whole lives we are told we are pretty snowflakes. We are unique and none other like us. However, we are told this as we are being poked and prodded to be just like everyone else. Mocked for wearing the wrong clothes, called names for not liking the popular movies or shows, and singled out if we act unique in anyway. Just be you.
Ever see those people who have something to say at every meeting? Most of the time they are not adding an ounce of value and usually derailing the conversation. Why? So often we feel the need to chime in because we want to contribute. Next time you are about to speak out, think about if the group could still succeed without that comment. If they can, no need to say anything.
I wish I was strong enough to never have negative thoughts about my own abilities. If I were, I would be writing and mentoring others full time. Our thoughts control our attitude and our attitude controls our actions. Driving negative thoughts from our mind is much harder than most of us would like it to be. However, we all know the other side of the coin is much shinier.
The moment I stopped worrying about what others thought of me and focused on helping young NCOs build confidence in their own abilities is the moment I realized I could have an impact.
When was the last time you read a book or watched a video and learned something very interesting? You couldn’t wait to work it into the next possible conversation that you had. Then you realized you were not an expert or received some great questions and continued to dive deeper into the topic. Soon you were quite smart on the subject. When we learn new things, we tend to share them. When we share, we grow. Continue learning and continue sharing…you are making everyone around you better.
