Who are your people

I just heard the news this morning that one of my friends is beginning a battle with cancer. She will literally be fighting for her life in the next few months. All I can think is that I’m so very glad she is surrounded by a strong community of family and friends to support her, and that’s what will make all the difference in winning this fight.

You might be wondering how this relates to corporate or business conversations about leadership. I believe my friend’s battle with cancer has everything to do with it. WE ARE HUMAN. Humans survive and thrive as relational beings. The only definition of leadership that really matters is how we connect and take care of each other and how we succeed together. My friend has been a leader all her life. She has built trust and relationships in how she cares for her family, friends, co-workers, and communities without expecting anything in return. And now, when she needs her tribe, we will find a way to be there for her in whatever way we can.

Last week I heard Simon Sinek’s keynote talk based on his book “Leaders Eat Last”. I think this story best sums up the dynamic that evolves between a true leader and their people…

“I heard a story of some Marines who were out in theater, and as is the Marine custom, the officer ate last, and he let his men eat first, and when they were done, there was no food left for him. And when they went back out in the field, his men brought him some of their food so that he may eat, because that’s what happens. We call them leaders because they go first. We call them leaders because they take the risk before anybody else does. We call them leaders because they will choose to sacrifice so that their people may be safe and protected and so their people may gain, and when we do, the natural response is that our people will sacrifice for us. They will give us their blood and sweat and tears to see that their leader’s vision comes to life, and when we ask them, “Why would you do that? Why would you give your blood and sweat and tears for that person?” they all say the same thing: “Because they would have done it for me.” Simon Sinek, “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe” TED2014

So, I hope you can find 5 minutes today to think about your people, your tribes. Reflect on these questions, and as you do, know that you are taking time to be human and you are choosing to be a leader. Your life is so precious. Who you are in relationship with, how you relate to them, and what you accomplish together are truly the most important measures of your life’s success.

• Who are your people? What relationships matter most to you? What communities and tribes do you belong
  to? Who do you lead?
• How are you caring for your people? What risks are you taking to protect them? How are you putting your people
  first?
• Let’s be honest… Where have you played it safe, overcommitted, gotten distracted, or let your tribe fend for
  themselves?
• What is one thing you can do now, today, this weekend, next week to build a stronger relationship with someone in
  your tribe?

I’m sending you many blessings for the courage to take big risks for the sake of the people you love.

Be well and thanks for being part of my tribe.

Barb