This week, at the church where I am on staff, we are taking the entire week to celebrate members of our congregation who are in the Armed Forces, both active duty and veterans. Last week, I found myself texting one of our members, Tim Timmer, United States Marine Corp (RET). Tim, a personal hero, was a Marine officer for 32 years, quite a feat.
In our messages back and forth, he referred to his wife, Jo, several times. Tim and Jo have built an amazing life, marriage and family over the course of decades. I asked him what the secret to a good marriage is. He responded with three lessons he learned from his wife. I asked his permission to share these lessons with you. While these lessons are not profound, they are keys to successful leadership (and life!):
- Your ego is not your amigo.
- The humble don’t stumble.
- You can be right or you can be happy.
He added, “These apply in all situations.”
No explanation from me needed. These quips from a retired Marine speak for themselves.
Take heed and succeed.
Finally, from one veteran to every other veteran, Happy Veteran’s Day! It was an honor to serve. I remain eternally grateful for the men and women who continue to serve our great nation. It is because of their – and their family’s – sacrifice that we are able to live free.
“Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you should be.” ~ Douglas MacArthur
The Leadership Playbook 