As Memorial Day approaches, I want to pay my respect to all the serviceman and women who gave their lives for our country. I also want to pay respect to two fellow Legionnaires who we lost recently who were my friends, mentors, and amazing leaders.
Harry Ackley was a U.S. Navy veteran and a retired fire Captain in my Town of Fairfield CT.
Tom Quinn was a U.S. Army veteran and a retired businessman.
Both were successful leaders in their individual careers, but after they retired from their professions, they led in other ways. They were the epitome of leadership at any level. They led at our American Legion Post as officers and also volunteered in our Town in other ways. They led mostly without formal titles, but with the innate skill of setting an example. Doing what they knew was right and doing it for no other reason than to accomplish their goals and help others.
They are missed by their families, their friends and the community that they so lovingly dedicated themselves to.
As leaders we should never forget that our people and others watch what we do and what example we set as leaders. While we can always tell others to do the right thing, nothing is more positive than showing others the right thing.
So how can we as leaders, lead by example?
– Volunteer in our communities (leadership does not only need to be shown at work)
– Take on other tasks for the team (just because you lead a team does not mean you can’t help with other work)
– Encourage others to take on leadership roles (let your team members lead with you as a subordinate)
The bottom line; I miss my friends. The greatest tribute we can give to such outstanding leaders is to carry on their selfless efforts.