“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
I delivered a keynote speech once focused on military transition. After it was over an older man approached me with his wife. He wanted to thank me and offer
his compliments. In the speech I shared a story from Afghanistan. He told me he
had served in Vietnam. I placed my hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eye
and thanked him. He began to cry. I’m not sure he was ever thanked before.
Vietnam veterans were not thanked for what they did and I have always
considered that a national shame. I wanted to do my part and right that wrong. I
told him that what he did mattered. He mattered and his nation was grateful – I was grateful It was a moving moment for both of us sharing the bond of military and combat service.
People in your care may not give the full devotion of their life to a task or project as a soldier might, but their commitment, passion, and sacrifice means the same. Our job as leaders is to recognize this commitment. It is not always easy to see. That is
why we must understand the significance of the task or project to a person and
how much of their energy and passion was given on its behalf. It may have been
one of the hardest things they have done in their lives and their family may
have been affected by the stress they carried while completing it…
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