I think in this society remembrance should be part of business leadership. We live in one of the top free, socio-economic, political and capitalist society in the world with a balance of social conscience and the aspiration to improve. A society gifted by the brave men and women who served, showed leadership and valor under extreme circumstances. It is easy to forget when you
were not around to participate. Even more concerning is that remembrance can be a fleeting thought in the modern world of strategic leadership. So I ask, what can you do to ensure that remembrance is an honored part of your business strategy, leadership team and with the people around you.
Here are seven remembrance leadership ideas to embrace this week to create a long term and lasting impression within your organization and the people you serve.
- Always wear the poppy during Remembrance week. Include it as part of your daily routines. It can be attached to any clothing or business article.
- Make the symbol of remembrance available to your staff. It would not take much to have a box of poppies at your reception area or desk that you can gift freely.
- Take a moment with your staff, if you are open for business on Remembrance Day, to pause and embrace the importance of remembrance. From the Great Wars to events more recent. You cannot go through life without something or someone to remember.
- Go to a remembrance event that is close to you. Deadlines will always be looming. Put a pause in your day and break the routine to share an important ceremony near you.
- Think about the worst point in your career and business. Now put it into perspective with what a veteran experiences. Share the thought. Maybe it was not that bad after all.
- Pull a Trudeau, and take the bus to work or a Remembrance event. Invite others in your office to join you so you can go as a team. Military personnel survive with their team. Create a shared experience.
- Embrace remembrance leadership as part of your overall business strategy. Include it as part of your yearly functions. Build points where people can pause and see the way they serve the world in which you exist. Show respect for those who have gone or fallen before you.
It is not always easy to step up and serve, embrace the difficult, to dedicate and give your life to what is going on in the world around you. Ask any military personnel about the challenges of leadership and combat and they will tell you stories of heroes and lost souls. As part of strategic leadership it is imperative that we embrace remembrance for those that have given of themselves so that we can have the life and business freedoms we enjoy.
Take the time; embrace remembrance leadership – “lest we forget”.
