I recently read an article by Jessica Hagy, a contributor at Forbes.com, titled “The 6 people you need in your corner.” The article is about having those individuals in your life or on your team that push you, drive you to be better, cheer you on when you need it, or expand your reach so that you can achieve incredible things.
As I was reading, I was immediately thinking about who I have in my life and what categories they all fall into. Do I have a cheerleader? Do I want or need one? Who doesn’t want to achieve great things? To have a formula for getting there…Awesome.
What’s wrong with this line of thinking? In theory, nothing. The direct purpose of the article was to have a reader consider these very questions. But it also offers the opportunity to perform a different evaluation. One that is not stated outright, but should be considered whenever you are offered the formula for “n people you need in your life to do xyz.”
It didn’t take me long to turn the articles 180 degrees and ask myself “which one of these roles do I fill for others?” It’s all fine and good to look around and consider who you have in your corner – but who’s got you in their corner? And what is your contribution to their success?
As a leader, we can and do play many roles to many people. There is a time and a place to be a cheerleader or a challenger. When you have to have broad shoulders – to help bear a heavy burden or so they can be cried on. I would like to think that at one time or another (often in a given day), I have played all of these roles to various people in my personal and professional life.
As a leader, this article reminded me just how much the people I am responsible for need me in their corner to achieve great things.
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The Words a Smart Young Corporal
Early in my Marine Corps career I made rank very quickly. In November 1967, I was boarding an airplane that would take us to Japan. Shortly thereafter, and two additional flights later, we would be in Viet Nam. I was a slick sleeve Staff Sergeant (lacking a hash mark showing four years of service), wearing a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense ribbon.
As I boarded the Boeing 707, a young Corporal took notice of me as I came down the aisle and I took notice of him. His Silver Star and Bronze Star told me all I need to know about this young Marine. He had been there and done that before; he was going back to combat.
As I got closer he looked up at me and asked, “How in the hell are you going to survive in country?” His look changed as I answered, “I am going to find a smart Corporal like you to keep me out of trouble while I learn.” His reply was telling, “You just might make it.”
Rank, Titles, and Degrees do not mean much in combat.
Very often, individuals believe that their Rank, Title and Degrees will carry them through life; what on earth could some underling teach me?
It became very apparent to me that having a mentor, that would listen to my thought process and make corrections to my plan of action, saved me from making many costly mistakes as I climbed through the ranks.
As I became more senior, there were fewer individuals that I could turn to when faced with a difficult challenge. It was necessary for me to reflect back on years of experience and weigh the options, and trust my judgment.
And I have never forgotten the words of that young Corporal so many years ago.
You have also never forgotten to give back – you have provided that same sort of insight and mentorship to individuals at all levels throughout the years. Any Marine (or child) that was “yours” had challenges, championing, and hard-ass cheerleading like no other. No one need wonder where I get my storytelling from. Thanks Dad.