Poppy Fields of Flanders
Leaders are born out of unlikely places.
Especially important to remember on November 11th.
This image represents leadership to me.
It’s the Poppy Fields of Flanders. The photo brings to mind courage and strength. It epitomizes leadership in the following ways:
Courage - Not only is it one of my core values, I believe it’s also the most important character trait in a leader. All other leadership traits originate from demonstrating courage. This summer, we witnessed gymnast Simone Biles and tennis player Naomi Osaka talking about depression. Through their pain, they demonstrated vulnerability as an act of courage.
Integrity - an essential character trait is only realized when a leader is courageous in the face of their integrity being challenged. We saw as retired United States Army lieutenant colonel Alexander Vindman and former official at the U.S. National Security Council Fiona Hill, both immigrants, leaned into discomfort as their integrity was challenged. They chose to walk the walk of their value system.
Teamwork - the men and women who fought in World War I did so as a team. They needed each other’s support and trust to do their job. Leadership is being part of a team whose members mutually SUPPORT and TRUST each other. It’s the sum of the collective. On a much lighter note, viewers of “Ted Lasso” have seen this as AFC Richmond has come together.
Greater Good - it’s to be part of something bigger. To be inspired to work towards a collective goal. The defiance of Rosa Parks speaks for itself.
Vision - wild poppies represent the men and women from different backgrounds. They came together because of a shared a common vision and value system. Because of that, ordinary men and women were able to do extraordinary things.
Here, I think of Malala Yousafzai. Maimed by the Taliban, she arguably is the most ardent and successful advocate for the education of woman internationally. As such, Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 years of age.
Timelessness - it’s how solid leadership feels. We never forget a good leader. The legacy of Mahatma Gandi, and his imploration to “Be the change you want to see in the world” lives on 70 years after he was assassinated.
Purpose - those who fought in World War One had a purpose. All good leaders articulate theirs. There is no present example greater than the duo of Dr. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci who developed Pfizer’s Covid vaccine.
Tenacity - falling, and failing, but never giving up. As we approach Thanksgiving, will Charlie Brown finally kick the football that Lucy is holding?
I help senior leaders bring out all of these traits in themselves. How may I help you?
