Lead From The Front and The Back

How do you lead, do you support the entire team, how might you do it better?

While watching one of the best movies to come out about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars against terrorism; “Taking Chance” I was hit with the awesome mantel of leadership & responsibility and what it means to those that serve. In a scene where Wounded Warriors are being wheeled, walked and carried into the massive C-17 cargo plane at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. These Wounded Warriors are brought through Germany for treatment and are then taken back to the US for further help.
On this day in the movie and assuredly reenacted too many times since wars have been fought, there were about 20 wounded warriors, in varying degrees of severity, heading back home. Eighteen of them were in the Army and two of them were Marines.

It was freezing outside as several medical personnel and a few other staff, stood waiting by the C-17 cargo planes that would fly them back home. There standing off to the side, outside the view of cameras was a Marine officer standing at attention. The door opened and a line of young men and women came out of the building, some of them on their own two feet, some carried on stretchers. The Marine kept his rapt attention on every Wounded Warrior. That was until one young wounded Marine approached. As he walked past, the Marine officer stepped forward, put his hand on the young Marine’s shoulder and thanked him. He also told the young Marine that he was here with him for the whole trip and repeated the sentiment for the other young Marine who followed behind. He then stepped back in line and continued his respectful vigilance.

An essential component of inspiring people to be a part of an organization greater than themselves is that you look after your own. Strangely, there was no one there from the Army. But the Marines had taken two officers out of theater for the sole purpose to escort these two wounded comrades from the front lines back to the United States. That was their entire responsibility.

The strength of an organization is easily measured by the steps it takes to look after its own. To what lengths does a company go to show its people that they matter? An organization that shows commitment to its people can expect its people to show commitment to them.

Yes leadership is about leading, standing out front. Yes leadership is about painting a picture, a vision of the future that does not yet exist. Yes leadership is about being a beacon for people to follow. But great leadership is about turning back to those that you would want to follow you on your quest to thank them, personally, for being a part of what you are, together, trying to build. The US Marine Corps does not have an amazing culture simply because of what they do out front, it’s also what they do at the back that matters. Semper fidelis, as their motto goes. Always faithful.

I urge anyone who aspires to lead to see the movie  "Taking Chance" and you’ll see what I mean. Leadership like character shines brightest when the cameras are off, the lights have dimmed and you’re one-on-one with the people that make things happen. How you treat your people when the lights are off and the press is not recording everything is who you really are.

Challenging yourself to be the beacon of hope in our crazy, overly busy, self aggrandizing world to serve others is what leadership is all about. Leading from the front is where it starts, setting the pace, and leading from behind making sure that everyone knows the mission, is prepared for every market condition helps drive revenue and a longer, more sustainable forward looking business model. And in the end, it’s the power of the collective mindset that prevails…good or bad. It's your choice to make a move that makes your people feel honored, important and valued. When that happens regularly, your people will notice and they will start to trust in the system and execute in a proactive, professional and meaningful way, day in and day out. This is when and how great brands are made.

What's Your Pyramid of Success

John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood wants everyone to experience success and the journey getting there…

When I first heard on the news that John Wooden, the quintessential coaches/coach, the Wizard of Westwood and mentor to his players, and millions of fans world-wide, was rushed to the UCLA medical center and the prognosis was not good, my heart skipped a beat and my eyes welled up with tears. The news anchors debated his prognosis and amount of time he would remain alive. Before we go any further John Wooden will live in the minds of athletes, business people and plain old ordinary people for ever. Mr. Wooden always looked at the bright side of life, the unique pleasures derived from the journey of life and emboldening those within earshot to live a life of passion filled character, faith driven dreams and 100% self responsibility.

The next day when every channel broke the news of John Wooden’s passing; again I welled up with tears and looked up as to give a silent prayer to the man upstairs, for he had given humanity a man for the ages. Just as quickly as I welled up, I thought about the time I saw Mr. Wooden at a UCLA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion. That was 5 years ago, and I remember as though it was yesterday the aura around him was special. Mr. Wooden would sit and sign autographs, shake hands and talk with anyone that approached. His shake was firm, his eyes clear and his heart filled with something I knew we all need—character, faith, hope, love and respect. That night in Pauley Pavillion at 94 years old he had more energy than most 20 something’s possess and was still the coach passing out wisdom.

I was deeply moved by what John Wooden stood for and the fact that his character and approach to life never wavered. I’ve used many of Mr. Wooden’s quotes to motivate myself, my teams and see the better side of life. A good friend of mine and fellow basketball coach Wayne McGhee gave me a copy of “John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” when I was in my mid 20’s. While I can’t say I always live up to the words and action steps on the “Pyramid of Success”, it has always been a source of inspiration and reflection. The “Pyramid of Success” always challenged me to be better; to live life as though it was on purpose and for a cause greater than my financial gain, or my next promotion.

John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” should be taught at EVERY elementary and high school in America. Many of our social problems would either disappear or drop dramatically. Promoting self-responsibility is a passion of mine and Coach Wooden often reminded me of why we are here, what we can do to make our time better, and ensure those around us are nurtured and developed. Everyone needs to take a step back and help those around us, help the team, lift up your team mates, work a little harder, take more responsibility and always have faith in yourself, and your fellow man to be “one day better.”

Below are a few of my favorite quotes from John Wooden, they are timeless, motivating and inspirational if you let them. Read, enjoy, think and apply. Spread the good news and live through the “Pyramid of Success,” I promise you will still struggle, but you’ll learn to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out”

Have you ever watched other people and how they react to situations? You’re no different, choose to make the best of what ever you’re dealt and make more informed decisions tomorrow with better research and asking the right questions.

“Be prepared and be honest”

Nothing beats preparation and the confidence it brings to any situation. Over prepare in training and bleed less in battle. I learned that from my buddy Dick Marchinko, the brain-child of modern day U.S. Navy Seals. Dick led Seal Team 6 around the globe keeping America’s enemies at bay from 1967- 1990.

“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability”

Each of us to our own abilities…you’ve heard the phrase. We all have different aptitudes and abilities. Are you living up to your ability? Are you making the contribution you’re capable of making?

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen”

I always say it’s the little steps done incrementally that makes all the difference. How many times have you stopped, and then to figure out next week, you were so close to cracking the code. Stay with it, research, ask for help, reach beyond your comfort zone and you’ll stretch much further than you ever thought possible.

“Never mistake activity for achievement”

In our crazy busy world, we often get caught up in the circle of flurry, making things harder than needed, or more layered and nuanced that necessary. Research, make decisions, move on, learn more alter course as needed. It’s the circle of life, enjoy the ride.

“There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer”

While I’m a believer in Jesus Christ as the son of GOD, you can have faith in what ever you want. I met Tony Robbins 10 years ago, one of his biggest points about achieving higher, greater enlightenment and personal performance was his charge to have faith. Faith in something bigger than you is critical to excellent performance. Faith of the team, group or something higher than that, believing in something bigger than yourself creates faith. Faith can move mountains and people to action.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It’s courage that counts”

Get up again, do it better, learn from your trials. We all make choices; we do so with the knowledge we have at the moment. Tomorrow’s insights will help us make tomorrow’s choices. We can always correct yesterday’s choices with more intel and information. To do so, you’ve got to be open minded enough to search for enlightenment.

“The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team”

Rudyard Kipling said it a little differently, “the strength of the pack is the wolf, the strength of the wolf is the pack.” Both are mutually exclusive and at the same time dependent on each other. Our life is no different, regardless if it’s a team, a family or friends. To be better, we need to be better and it all starts with your ability to be a team player. Said another way, “the strength of me is the team, the strength of the team is me.”

I challenge you to read and apply John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success.” Start small, do one point every day for a week and then add the next block, repeated for 3 months and you’ll become a person transformed and turbo-charge yourself to become a super star in what ever you choose to do. Make “one day better” part of your life and those around you will notice, and they’ll start to take responsibility for their actions, just like you.

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
"Don't let what you cannot do interfre with what you can do"
"A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment"
"It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes"
"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts"
- John Wooden(1910-2010)