President John F. Kennedy
once stated that “to be courageous is sooner or later an opportunity this is
presented to all of us.” Like many people, the date of 9/11 stirs up many
emotions in me. Sadness for those who lost so much that day and continue to do
so. Anger at those who perpetuated those acts of pure evil and barbarism.
Disappointment in those that now want to minimize the events of that fateful
day in order to meet some cynical political or social
agenda. But as I think out loud about it, what I mostly I feel immense pride.
Pride in how so many “ordinary” people became extraordinary that day and many
days after.
"To be courageous is sooner or later an opportunity this is presented to all of us." - President John F. Kennedy
We have all heard the
stories but it is important to remind ourselves now more than ever how police
officers, firefighters, and other first responders (previously viewed as a
mundane profession by many) became something much more that day. How members of
the military answered the nation’s call and reassured us they did then and
continue now to “stand watch” over all of us. Finally, pride in acts of
incredible sacrifice and courage by “ordinary” citizens.
You see, if the history of
this event teaches us anything, it is that EVERYONE and ANYONE has the
opportunity to be extraordinary. Just think about how many millions of hours of
service to others have been inspired by the events of 9/11! How many lemonade
stands to high profile foundations were created with the intention to make
things better for those directly impacted. How many young people entered their professions
as a result of a selfless sense of duty. All of this has moved millions of
people from the ordinary to the extraordinary category. I bet you
are one of them!
So how can we continue to
honor both the event and subsequent response to 9/11 and continue to be
extraordinary? I suggest that as leaders, we make the following commitments:
- Commit to lifting up others who need our help
- Commit to supporting those in professions that protect us and ensure our freedoms
- Commit to acting on your beliefs even when unpopular to do so (many of paid the ultimate price for your ability to do so!)
- Commit to believing that you a more than “just a” but you are “the” in life of someone else
Finally, commit to leading
out loud NOW and not delay doing the important thing, the noble thing, the inspiring
thing . . . the thing that moves others to want to join you!
As always if I can help you and the
people you associate with Get Better, Be Ready and LEAD OUT LOUD, I would
invite you to email me or to visit my website below and see if any of the
training or coaching experiences I offer can provide an impact! Also, as a
bonus, if you go to my Out Loud Strategies website (www.outloudinc.com) and enter your contact information, I will
send you a FREE guide to establishing a mentoring initiative program in your
organization! Such an initiative would be critical in order to add value to
your organization!
Yours in Leadership,
Bill Faulkner
Principal Consultant –
Out Loud Strategies
Independent Coach, Speaker,
and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team TM
Email = bill@outloudinc.com
Visit our website
at: www.outloudinc.com
Feel free to “LIKE” our FB Page www.facebook.com/outloudinc
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