Today is Memorial Day, a federal holiday in the United States that honors and mourns the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In recognition of those who gave all to their country, a grateful nation says, “Thank You.”
Service and sacrifice. Service to others, to shared values, to the nation. Sacrifice of time, resources, personal gain, and more. Service and sacrifice require selflessness, setting aside personal interest for the common good, focusing on the well-being of others, and on this day, defending the principles of democracy.
Selflessness not Selfishness.
As a reminder to those currently in positions of power, those who are not demonstrating service or sacrifice.
Cruelty is not kindness. Corruption is not a virtue. Immorality is not a badge of honor. Arrogance is not a superpower. Hate is not love.
To those wondering if selfishness and toxic leadership are the new normal.
No, they are not. Toxic leaders should not be tolerated or deified. Authoritarians always fail.
Fear, subjugation, deceit, injustice, lies, scapegoating, and exclusion are not hallmarks of a just society. Do not accept the current condition as the status quo. Do not give in. Do not give up. Do not become apathetic.
The role of a leader is to serve the people, meet their needs, and make life better.
Service and Sacrifice.
For those ready to lead, know that ethical leadership is a necessity for a free society.
Integrity matters. Caring for others is not a weakness. Collective action against tyranny is patriotic. Inclusion is a moral imperative.
Leaders need an ethical framework to demonstrate service, sacrifice, and selflessness. Benevolent Compassionate Leadership (BCL) provides that framework. Benevolent compassionate leaders are focused on doing good; demonstrate care and empathy; engage with people, processes, and programs effectively, responsibly, and ethically to achieve organizational, team, or individual goals; and they attain their dreams while maintaining their dignity and the dignity of others. [i] Benevolent Compassionate Leaders know that integrity matters.
To those holding on to hope for better days. Keep hope alive, but recognize that change requires more than hope. It requires intentionality, purpose, preparation, collaboration, (positive) action, and commitment. Positive outcomes require a focus on caring about the journey as much as you do about the outcome.
On this Memorial Day, a grateful nation recognizes and appreciates the selflessness of those who sacrificed all in defense of democracy. Let our individual actions demonstrate our gratefulness and remind our leaders to be selfless and ethical in their service.
[i] Davis, Russell. “Reclaiming Ethical Leadership” Russell L, Davis; September 22, 2024, p. 32