Embracing Leadership: Lessons From Memorial Day Weekend

Good afternoon everyone,

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, many of us look forward to a well-deserved break, time with family, and maybe even a BBQ or two. But Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This holiday offers us a unique opportunity to think about leadership in a deeper, more meaningful way. This week, we will cover some of those lessons and share a unique and simple way always to remember them.

The Heart of Leadership: Service

One of the most profound insights we can draw from Memorial Day is the essence of service. True leadership is not about power; it's about serving others. Services come in different shapes and forms. This is the most forgotten thing in leadership, from my perspective. Some leaders forget about their purpose for various reasons. It could be because of who they are or simply because many disruptions in the world put leadership at risk.

This past week, I attended a 1st-grade concert with my daughter, and other than her singing, which was precious, the thing that stuck in my mind was their music teacher, the conductor leading the group of kids, guiding each to create a harmonious symphony. This is exactly what a greater leader should do. They should coordinate and support their team to achieve a collective masterpiece. So, This weekend, we should all take a moment to appreciate the selflessness of those who served and think about how we can embody that spirit in our leadership roles.

The heart of leadership is service; at its core, a deep sense of gratitude should exist. Memorial Day is a solid reminder of the importance of gratitude. Taking a moment to remember and appreciate the sacrifices of others can help us stay grounded and focused. In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in life and forget to be grateful for the people and opportunities that have shaped us.

Gratitude is a powerful tool in leadership. When we take the time to recognize and appreciate everyone's efforts, we build stronger, more cohesive teams.

The SERVE Principle:

Now, let me share a simple framework I've developed called the SERVE Principle. This framework can help guide us in becoming better leaders by focusing on five key aspects:

Support: Be the backbone of your team. Provide the resources, encouragement, and assistance they need to succeed. Those who know me very well know my love for coffee; with that, think about the barista in a busy coffee shop, ensuring every cup is perfect regardless of the chaos that usually exists behind the counter. You probably noticed them supporting their team by stepping in wherever needed, ensuring the smooth running of the shop. Your goal is to be that dependable figure who keeps everything on track.

Empathy: Understand and share the feelings of others. Walk in their shoes. Empathy builds trust and strengthens relationships. An Arabic proverb says, "If you have much, give your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. I would use teachers as an example. I always wondered why someone would want to be one of the pay is not the greatest compared to everything they have to do to get to the topic, but the secret is in the heart. Teachers adapt their methods to each student’s needs, recognizing that each child learns differently. This level of understanding transforms a classroom into a thriving learning environment.

Resilience: Encourage a spirit of resilience. Life and work are full of challenges, but we can bounce back that defines us. Have you ever watched one of those cooking competition shows like Hell’s Kitchen? Think of those chefs in their busy kitchens who quickly adapt and create something even better despite a dish going wrong. Resilience isn't about never failing; it's about using setbacks as a springboard for innovation and improvement.

Vision: Inspire with a clear and compelling vision. Just as those we honor this weekend fought for a vision of a better future, we, too, must have a vision that motivates and guides our team. We all have many favorite movies. The secret behind those is the filmmaker who envisions a story and brings together a diverse cast and crew to bring that vision to life. Your vision should unite and inspire your team towards a common goal, making every member feel like a vital part of the narrative.

Engagement: another simple one, but yet the hardest. At the end of the day, we are dealing with people, their needs, and a work environment. We need to foster a place where everyone feels included and valued. Engage your team meaningfully, listen to their ideas, and celebrate their successes. In my previous life, I have worked with a nonprofit to provide their client with employment opportunities. The heroes in the background of those organizations are the case managers or community outreach leaders who bring people together to create change, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. Engagement is about creating a sense of belonging and purpose within your team.

Regardless of where you are in your career and life, always remember that it’s never too late to Reflect and Act.

To end, I leave you with another Arabic proverb, "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." As leaders and humans, we provide hope for the world and each other. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend, let's honor the past by shaping a better future through our actions and leadership. Let's SERVE with heart and purpose, like the barista, the teacher, the chef, the filmmaker, the case manager, and the community organizer.

I wish you all a reflective and inspiring week ahead of Memorial Day.

Regards,

Mohsine Gdid

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