So Others May Live
Categories Leadership, Management Articles, Motivation, Other Products and Services, Resource Reviews, Training and Coaching
Estimated Reading Time 2 Minutes
So Others May Live – “It’s the creed of the aviation rescue swimmer community and a promise to those in danger that when a Coast Guard rescue swimmer enters the water, she or he will do everything in their power – including risk their own life – to save you.”
I stumbled upon the 2006 movie The Guardian starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher this week. It’s a powerful movie and it got me thinking about occupations where people put their personal safety at risk for total strangers. It’s humbling to consider. I couldn’t help but think of our profession as managers and what we’re willing to do for others. What kind of commitment are we willing to make when we “enter the water” or walk through the front door of our office? The faces we see everyday are anything but strangers. How much more should that inspire our commitment?
The first group of faces I thought of were those men and women who gave us the opportunity that we have. These are the people who have their money at risk that create a job for you and I. They deserve our commitment. I’ve had a chance to get to know a number of owners over the years in small and medium-sized businesses. I was fortunate enough to have been given an opportunity to participate in those businesses and I am in awe at what they had at risk. If the business didn’t work out, I could find another job but they would lose everything, including in many cases, their family’s financial future. If you haven’t reached out to them lately, you need to do so. Thank them and let them know you appreciate the opportunity. Then work like you mean it.
The second group to consider are those men and women who show up everyday and look to you for leadership and guidance. They chose to do that because they trust you and believe you have their best interest at heart. If they didn’t, they would leave and go find another job. What are you doing to honor their commitment and trust? Do you show by your actions that your passion is for their success? Does your demeanor say that you are willing to do whatever it takes to insure they are successful?
Maybe we should as managers have a creed like the aviation rescue swimmers. How much better and different would things be if we treated our opportunity like that?
Transformational Exercise
Find a copy of The Guardian and watch it this week!
