In the opening days of the US entrance into WWII, my grandfather left the mountains of West Virginia, a wife, and three young children to travel half way around the world to serve as a SeaBee in World War II. Sixty years later, my daughters were born on Veterans Day and I often wonder if I would have the same fortitude he did.
What would make a person do that? What would make it possible for a person to do that?
Purpose.
Those that faced the horrors of WWII could only withstand them by fulfilling a purpose.
Leaders are called to serve in many ways--in the community, in business, academia, medicine and so many others including the police and the military. Why would a physician put in the unbelievable hours and deal with the incredible stress of healthcare today? Why do academic leaders take on some of the most difficult and less-remunerated jobs in leadership? Why do business CEOs sign up for a nearly intolerable level of stress?
Purpose.
I am blessed to work with leaders from around the country, including many great leaders in the great state of North Carolina. Western North Carolina was ravaged in the recent hurricane and many people in western North Carolina have still not been able to return to their homes. Today is Veterans Day and in today's Washington Post, there is an article about veterans finding purpose again by serving the victims of Helene in Western North Carolina.
In her WashPo article, guest columnist Allison Joyce says "For countless veterans, the transition from military to civilian life is a challenge as they struggle to find the same purpose and camaraderie they had in the service. Many joined the military with a single, unshakable purpose: to protect their fellow Americans.” When our pupose is that clear, it is hard to walk away from.
Many joined the military with a single, unshakable purpose
Can you clearly state the purpose of your organization? Do those you lead know the purpose of your organization? Is that purpose so clear that it not only drives them, but they would have a hard time walking away from it?
Twenty years ago I took my grandfather to the Navy Memorial Visitors Center to look up his old ships and retrace his five tours of duty. Even at his age and 50 years on, he could recount to me with great clarity why he did what he did. Will those that work for us have that same clarity in retirement?
Today is Veterans Day. Let’s honor those who honored their purpose by serving our country. And let’s be sure that those who work for us have that same clarity of purpose.
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