Logistics, Teamwork & Celebrating Our Veterans
A few years ago, my husband and I were at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia, watching the NY Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies. It was a warm sunny Saturday, and it was the 4th of July. As the game began, I made a comment to my husband about how wonderful it was to be in Philadelphia on the 4th of July, watching America's game.
Then, the most amazing thing happened.
The announcer asked all current military members and veterans to stand, and the audience began to roar and applaud like nothing I've ever heard before. I've always been proud of my Naval Reserve service, but this was a beautiful moment in time to share that same pride with so many others who have done so before me, and still do so willingly and selflessly.
Having married into a military family as well, I am so thankful for the ties that bind those who serve, and those who support those who serve. It's not easy, but the dedication and patriotism is just as strong for the families as it is for those who guard our freedom on a daily basis.
As we sat back down, I thought about all of the teamwork it takes to manage military home life, and the logistics involved in ensuring our military can function on a daily basis in the 21st Century. I also realized that our logistics challenges today are so different from those faced in 1776, when food, water, shelter and health care for an army was not as easy as picking up a phone or browsing the internet.
Although centuries of modernization has made moving and sustaining military units easier, the teamwork needed to keep it together is still just as important today as it was then.
Effective teamwork, whether in business, the military, or in your personal life, is the cornerstone of moving toward and achieving goals. As a leader, your job is not to Do; every cog in the Wheel of Progress has a function to perform. Your function as a leader is to ensure your team works well together, has the resources they need, and stays focused on the goal.
Just as our military units work cohesively, your team must too in order to be effective.
In closing, it's Fleet Week in NYC, and I am always so glad to participate in this event that showcases the past, present and future of naval service. If you are in the NYC area, check it out. If not, during this Memorial Day weekend, I hope you have the opportunity to thank a veteran or a currently serving military member and their family.
And, remember; great teamwork always gets the job done.
