“Passion is contagious and when you have the courage to share your passion for life with those around you it can inspire others to find the path to their dreams!”
~Michele DeVille

I’m sure you’ve seen this scenario play out many times: One person’s positive thought becomes a spark of inspiration which ignites nearby hearts and minds. Now consider what happens when hundreds of inspired minds come together… In Live Inspired, author Michelle Sedas draws upon the inspiration from passionate thinkers across the globe as she calls us to Awaken, Explore, Dream, and Listen to the world around us. Sprinkled throughout her collection of uplifting and touching stories, you’ll find sentiments from community members who are creating their own sparks of inspiration. This powerful collaboration is the perfect kindling to ignite your internal flame. Let Live Inspired give you the courage to share your passion with others as you live the life you’ve always imagined. Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be encouraged to Live Inspired.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com

“Living inspired is born in the awareness that this is it! We have one chance at life.
And the wonderful gift we are given every morning is the choice of
how we are going to live that moment, that day.”
~Sally Cofer-Lindberg
Modesto, California

Dance

On that fateful day, my husband and I were staying in a hotel in Portland, Oregon, our “home” for six weeks. After the early morning phone call alerting us to the tragedy, we sat, as those all over the world, in shock as we watched the events unfolding before us on the morning of September 11, 2001. Alone in a new city, trying to gather our bearings, we lived the next few days in a fog. I felt guilty for laughing. After all, “How could I be happy when so much sadness had befallen my fellow Americans?”

Alone during the day while my husband worked, I navigated this new city by myself. The city was nice enough, but it was not my city. The people were friendly enough, but these were not my people. I was in a different place, surrounded by strangers, as questions of security, stability, and the meaning of life flooded my mind. In this adopted city, shows of patriotism were overwhelming. Flags were hung outside of buildings. People gathered for candlelight vigils. As a group, we were searching for meaning as the events replayed over and over in our minds. Adults all over the city were concerned. A change had taken place. Times were now different.

One afternoon, as I was walking around the city, I sat on a park bench. The somber mood of the city, and of the entire nation, weighted heavily on my mind. Holding my head in my hands, I began to cry for those lost. When I opened my eyes, I saw her. A young girl, probably five or six, dancing in an outdoor fountain. Seeing the smile on her face, the joy in her movements, my heart began to gladden. I was filled with a sense of calm, of well-being, of knowing that things would be okay. Here, this darling child before me was not burdened. She did not worry for her safety. She was not overwhelmed with sadness. Instead, with her childlike wonder, she was laughing, and dancing, basking in the beautiful day. This was the moment when I saw hope. Hope for our lives and for our nation.

It’s possible that when you’re feeling free and unburdened, your first reaction isn’t to dance. But picture a time when you’ve felt like this precious child dancing in the fountain; when you’ve felt light, uninhibited, inspired. I want you to describe that feeling. There is a Hopi Indian saying that says, “To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.” When you “dance,” what does your heart say?

“I wake up every morning and I say, “Yes!” to life, for the air is crisp, the flowers are fresh, and the birds are singing. The same power which enlivens those beautiful creatures can empower me today. For the same power which gives breath to men and a song to the birds will give me the power to achieve. This inspires me day after day…after day, to reach for the future, with hope.”
~Judith Brown-Foster
St. Catherine, Jamaica

“The greatest accomplishments in life are not achieved by individuals alone, but by proactive people pulling together for a common good.”
~John J. Murphy

It’s easy for organizations to say, “We value teamwork.” However, saying it versus committing to the principles to grow it can be two different things. And that’s what Pulling Together is all about! Author John Murphy presents the ten rules for high performance teams in a way that every person in your organization can understand. John is a highly recognized author, speaker and management consultant who has helped some of the world’s leading organizations create environments that value and reward teamwork. Today, I’d like to share an excerpt from Pulling Together called Lessons From the Geese. Enjoy!

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired to create high performance teams.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com

It’s easy for any organization to say….”we value teamwork.” However, saying it, versus committing to the principles to grow it, can be 2 different things. And that’s what Pulling Together is all about!

Consistent application of the 10 rules of high performance teamwork ultimately generates trust, respect, unity and power within any team. Conversely, consistent violation of any one rule destroys this bond. While the author of the following is unknown, “Lessons From the Geese” is a powerful illustration from nature of the rules of high performance teamwork. As you read about the natural unity that exists among this species remember — this same unity can exist in your organization!

As geese flap their wings, they create an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if any bird were to fly alone. If we share a common direction and a sense of community, we can get where we are going more quickly and easily because we are traveling on the thrust of one another!

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go, and we will be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the point position. If we take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership as with the geese, we become interdependent with one another. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. If we “honk,” we need to make sure it is positive and encouraging.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or is shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out on their own, with another formation or catch up with the flock. If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong. Let us all try to fly in formation and remember to drop back to help those who might need it!

BEHOLD THE POWER OF TEAMWORK

The greatest accomplishments in life are not achieved by individuals alone, but by proactive people pulling together for a common good. Look behind every winner and you will find a great coach. Look out in front of every superstar and you will see a positive role model. Look alongside every great achiever and you will find caring people offering encouragement, support and able assistance. Rising to this level of interdependent thinking can be challenging and difficult. Looking beyond oneself, asking for help or accepting help can feel risky. But people are not given life to simply take from one another. We are here to give. Our mission in life is to offer our gifts to benefit one another, to create mutual gain in the world. This is called teamwork, a win/win mindset stemming from a genuine commitment to the rules that allow it to happen.

Copyright Simple Truths, LLC, all rights reserved and reprinted with permission.

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired to communicate for success.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com
Questions? 888.822.9255

Contains all the communication Passports To Success books in a  convenient 4 pak! Get everything you need to communicate and converse more effectively with these unique guides.

• What motivates me?
• What gets in the way of my communicating well?
• How do I like to receive information?
• When do I have trouble understanding others?

Determine your true communication style before you determine another’s. It will save you both a lot of energy and headaches.

Say It Right
People often say words before they think. Nothing is worse than hearing ill-chosen words coming from one’s mouth. If at all possible, before you speak, take a moment and ask yourself:

• Do I really need to say anything right how?
• What would be the most helpful response?
• Do I have all the information before replying?
• What would the best conversationalist I know say at this time?

Speak To Success
The world’s best speakers are known for telling stories. Stories make speeches come alive and make your speeches more memorable and powerful. Practice telling stories that:

• Are personal, true and heartfelt.
• Credit others and aren’t over-told.
• Are clear and concise.
• Show a beginning, middle, and end.
• Enable you to pause and keep the listener involved.

Be a Newsmaker
Even people who speak for a living (e.g., attorneys, pastors, and salespeople) don’t always shine when interviewed by the news media. It’s because reporters are looking for short, succinct answers that pack a punch. You can prepare for news interviews by:

• Watching TV newscasts — both local and national.
• Reading news interviews — in papers, in magazines and on the internet.
• Creating a list of suggested questions a reporter might ask you.
• Thinking about how you would respond to both hard and easy questions.
• Writing out and then recording your answers to potential questions.

Twyman Towery, Ph.D., a professional speaker and consultant who studied the lessons of leadership in nature, has captured them in a new book called Wisdom of Wolves. Twyman shares the parallels between the wolf pack and human behavior…in business life, family life, and personal life. Today, I’d like to share a chapter from Wisdom of Wolves, where we’re reminded of the benefits of respecting and encouraging the uniqueness of others.

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired by the Wisdom of Wolves.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com
Questions? 888.822.9255

PS: This would be a perfect book for you and all of the members of your “pack.”

by Twyman Towery

Nature’s lessons in leadership, applied to your business, family and personal life. Wisdom of Wolves is one of the most fascinating books you will ever read and the images of wolves captured in this book will take your breath away.

Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.

There is not a more eerie, mournful, frightening or beautiful sound at night than the musical extravaganza of a howling wolf pack. Campers and hunters who have heard this chorus are filled with wonder but are also usually immobilized by fear. Because of the melody of voices, it often sounds like they are surrounded by scores of wolves.

In truth, there are usually no more than five to eight wolves howling in a pack. The secret is that the wolves are always careful not to duplicate each other. Each wolf assumes a unique pitch, respecting the distinctiveness of the other members of the pack. While the notes may change, as in any beautiful song, one wolf will not copy the pitch of another.

Interestingly, this respect for the individual only emphasizes the true unity of the group. They are one, but they are individuals, each contributing to the organization in their own unique way. Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.

While no one knows for sure why wolves sing, nature has blessed them with a talent they have perfected through the generations. However, we can make some educated guesses about the phenomenon; they are happy, excited, playful, territorial, and sorrowful. They may be simply reaffirming the spirit and unity of their pack. After all, why do birds sing? Why do we?

An additional reason that wolves may howl is that it provides a time, a place and an event for all social barriers to be broken. Wolves have a strong social order, with each member understanding its role and place. When we observe wolves eating together, we see what seems to be curtsies, bows, whines and hugs—all according to each member’s “place” in the organization. But when wolves howl together, all barriers are dropped, as if to say, “We are one, but we are all unique, so don’t tread on us.” As anyone who has ever listened to this magical howling choir will testify, its message is heard.

The wolf symphony makes the pack appear a much more formidable foe than would be the case if they all sounded the same. No wonder intruders become confused and frightened at what they assume to be an army of wolves.

So, too, are human organizations and families more formidable when the awareness of each individual is celebrated rather than stifled. Each person assumes his share of responsibility for the group by employing his special talents and strengths. By members expressing their own uniqueness and respecting and encouraging the uniqueness of others, the unit becomes a strong, formidable one.

“Over the years I’ve learned a lot about coaching staffs and one piece of advice I would pass along to a young head coach—or a corporate executive, or even a bank president—is this: Don’t make them in your image. Don’t even try. My assistants don’t look alike, think alike, or have the same personalities. And I sure don’t want them thinking like I do. You don’t strive for sameness, you strive for balance.”
~Bear Bryant

Questions to Ponder:

Business
Interdepartmental teams (TQM, CQI, focus groups, etc.) are now utilized worldwide to constantly improve products, services and customer awareness. Unfortunately, these teams are often formed without regard to the psychological makeup of the team members. Outstanding teams consist of individuals with differing gifts. There are several ways to enhance team selection, such as the use of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which I frequently administer to groups. How do you make sure your team members will bring out the best in each other?

Family
Do you believe in birth order difference among children? Is it true that most people are tougher on their first born, more indecisive with middle children, and easiest on the baby? Do you respect and enjoy your family members’ differences, or do you try to force them to fit your preconceived mold?

Personal
We all possess unique gifts. We can either contribute these gifts toward the success of our work team and family, or we can use our uniqueness as an excuse to remain aloof and weaken the unit. What are your special contributions? How are you using them?

Copyright Simple Truths, LLC, all rights reserved and reprinted with permission.

Twyman Towery, Ph.D., a professional speaker and consultant who studied the lessons of leadership in nature, has captured them in a new book called Wisdom of Wolves. Twyman shares the parallels between the wolf pack and human behavior…in business life, family life, and personal life. Today, I’d like to share a chapter from Wisdom of Wolves, where we’re reminded of the benefits of respecting and encouraging the uniqueness of others.

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired by the Wisdom of Wolves.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com
Questions? 888.822.9255

PS: This would be a perfect book for you and all of the members of your “pack.”

by Twyman Towery

Nature’s lessons in leadership, applied to your business, family and personal life. Wisdom of Wolves is one of the most fascinating books you will ever read and the images of wolves captured in this book will take your breath away.

Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.

There is not a more eerie, mournful, frightening or beautiful sound at night than the musical extravaganza of a howling wolf pack. Campers and hunters who have heard this chorus are filled with wonder but are also usually immobilized by fear. Because of the melody of voices, it often sounds like they are surrounded by scores of wolves.

In truth, there are usually no more than five to eight wolves howling in a pack. The secret is that the wolves are always careful not to duplicate each other. Each wolf assumes a unique pitch, respecting the distinctiveness of the other members of the pack. While the notes may change, as in any beautiful song, one wolf will not copy the pitch of another.

Interestingly, this respect for the individual only emphasizes the true unity of the group. They are one, but they are individuals, each contributing to the organization in their own unique way. Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.

While no one knows for sure why wolves sing, nature has blessed them with a talent they have perfected through the generations. However, we can make some educated guesses about the phenomenon; they are happy, excited, playful, territorial, and sorrowful. They may be simply reaffirming the spirit and unity of their pack. After all, why do birds sing? Why do we?

An additional reason that wolves may howl is that it provides a time, a place and an event for all social barriers to be broken. Wolves have a strong social order, with each member understanding its role and place. When we observe wolves eating together, we see what seems to be curtsies, bows, whines and hugs—all according to each member’s “place” in the organization. But when wolves howl together, all barriers are dropped, as if to say, “We are one, but we are all unique, so don’t tread on us.” As anyone who has ever listened to this magical howling choir will testify, its message is heard.

The wolf symphony makes the pack appear a much more formidable foe than would be the case if they all sounded the same. No wonder intruders become confused and frightened at what they assume to be an army of wolves.

So, too, are human organizations and families more formidable when the awareness of each individual is celebrated rather than stifled. Each person assumes his share of responsibility for the group by employing his special talents and strengths. By members expressing their own uniqueness and respecting and encouraging the uniqueness of others, the unit becomes a strong, formidable one.

“Over the years I’ve learned a lot about coaching staffs and one piece of advice I would pass along to a young head coach—or a corporate executive, or even a bank president—is this: Don’t make them in your image. Don’t even try. My assistants don’t look alike, think alike, or have the same personalities. And I sure don’t want them thinking like I do. You don’t strive for sameness, you strive for balance.”
~Bear Bryant

Questions to Ponder:

Business
Interdepartmental teams (TQM, CQI, focus groups, etc.) are now utilized worldwide to constantly improve products, services and customer awareness. Unfortunately, these teams are often formed without regard to the psychological makeup of the team members. Outstanding teams consist of individuals with differing gifts. There are several ways to enhance team selection, such as the use of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which I frequently administer to groups. How do you make sure your team members will bring out the best in each other?

Family
Do you believe in birth order difference among children? Is it true that most people are tougher on their first born, more indecisive with middle children, and easiest on the baby? Do you respect and enjoy your family members’ differences, or do you try to force them to fit your preconceived mold?

Personal
We all possess unique gifts. We can either contribute these gifts toward the success of our work team and family, or we can use our uniqueness as an excuse to remain aloof and weaken the unit. What are your special contributions? How are you using them?

“Tell people where they are going and they may get there; inspire them with why they are going there and they will move mountains.”
~Christopher Novak

So, here’s a question for you: Are you ready to inspire others to move mountains? If so, you’ll want to check out one of our newest books. In Inspired to Lead, author Christopher Novak writes 12 Powerful Lessons on Making a Difference. Back a few years ago, when we created The Power of Inspiration newsletter (which is designed to uplift, inspire and motivate), sharing content from this type of book was precisely what we had in mind. Through his touching stories and teachable moments, Christopher Novak clearly understands and conveys the power of inspiration. After all, as Chris writes, “Inspiration is meant to be shared, to be passed on, to be a spark that rekindles the best in us.” I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about this powerful resource. I have a feeling it will leave you feeling refreshed, empowered, and Inspired to Lead!

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired. You never know what spark may kindle greatness!

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com
Questions? 888.822.9255

They played one of the most memorable high school football games in history in the fall of 2008 in Grapevine, Texas. It was Grapevine Faith vs. Gainesville State School and everything about it was upside down. For instance, when Gainesville State came out to take the field, the Grapevine Faith fans made a 40-yard spirit line for them to run through. That’s right, hometown fans made a spirit line for the visiting team.

The Grapevine fans even made a banner for Gainesville players to crash through at the end. It said, “Go Tornadoes!” Which is also weird, because Faith is the Lions. More than 200 Faith fans sat on the Gainesville side and kept cheering the Gainesville players on—by name.

“I never in my life thought I’d hear people cheering for us,” recalls Gainesville’s QB and middle linebacker, Isaiah.

And even though Faith walloped Gainesville, 33-14, the Gainesville kids were so happy that after the game they gave their head coach, Mark Williams, a sideline squirt-bottle shower like he’d just won a state title. It has to be the first Gatorade bath in history for a coach with a 0-9 record.

But with the game over, everyone could see 12 uniformed officers escorting 14 Gainesville players off the field. They lined the players up in groups of five—handcuffs ready in their back pockets—and marched them to the team bus. That’s because Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas. Every game it plays is on the road.

This all started when Faith’s head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something kind for the Gainesville team. Faith had never played Gainesville, but he already knew the score. Faith was 7-2 going into the game, Gainesville 0-8 with 2 touchdowns all year. Faith has 70 kids on the roster, 11 coaches, the latest equipment and involved parents. Gainesville has a lot of kids with convictions for drugs, assault and robbery—many of whose families had disowned them—wearing 7 year-old shoulder pads and ancient helmets.

So Hogan had this idea. What if half of our fans—for one night only—cheered for the other team? He sent out an email asking people to do just that. “Here’s the message I want you to send:” Hogan wrote.

“You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth.”

Lessons For Leaders:

“You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth.”

The leadership lessons in that one statement are as profound as any we might encounter in a dozen best-selling business books. Perhaps more so, because the intended recipients of that message were young men who before this game may never have experienced that sense of value or even believed in their own self-worth. Certainly, they were a group that had never received so valuable a gift from complete strangers.

But one man’s leadership sparked actions that led an entire community to rally behind kids who no one had ever supported; the leader of one team became the model for every team.

How powerful a message do we send as leaders when we proclaim the intrinsic value of every member of our team? And how much greater is that message when we extend that believe even to those we oppose with respect.

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com
Questions? 888.822.9255

by Linda Ellis

From the author of the best selling book, The Dash, Linda Ellis comes through again with a wonderful collection of poems, quotes and stories that remind us of what is important in life.

Please post a comment below and let us know if and how the following story inspires you.

My poem “The Dash” was the subject of a gift book, co-authored by Mac Anderson. The poem is based on that little line on a tombstone, between the dates of birth and death. Ultimately, that dash is a symbol which represents every day we’ve spent alive on earth. Therefore, how you spend your “dash” is all that really matters. Following is an amazing story about someone whose dash truly made a difference…

Recently I heard about a little girl named Hope Stout. After learning more about her life, I couldn’t help but feel it was not by coincidence, nor happenstance, that she had been named “Hope.” It had to be attributed to fate. The compassion and generosity housed in her young heart made a lasting impression on me and countless others, and her legacy of love continues to bless lives every day. Though I never had the opportunity to meet her, I wish I had. It seems as though she was wise beyond her tender years and very, very special. When I tell people her story, I always say, “if this doesn’t inspire you I don’t think there’s much that could…”

Hope was a twelve-year-old girl who was offered a “wish” in early December 2003 by the “Make-A-Wish” Foundation after being informed that she had a rare type of bone cancer. However, when she found out that more than 150 children in her area were waiting for their wishes to be granted, she unselfishly used her wish to ask that those children have their wishes granted. She also asked that it be done by January 16, 2004. Unfortunately, however, the organization informed her that her noble request could not be granted as the funds were simply unavailable. They calculated that they would need to raise more than one million dollars in thirty days in order to grant her wish. Disappointed, but not discouraged, she turned her dismay into an enthusiasm that inspired caring individuals to spearhead fund raising to help grant the wishes of the other children, and eventually hers as well. Newspaper columnists and reporters for radio and TV stations shared the story of this caring young girl who had touched the hearts of so many and as word spread, the community was challenged. Committees were formed and schools, corporations and various organizations assisted in raising money to bring Hope’s dream to fruition.

Though she lost her battle in 2004, knowing that her wish was going to come true, Hope lives on. Her heartfelt efforts were not in vain as they continue to help others, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. At the initial fundraiser and gathering to celebrate her life, “A Celebration of Hope” on January 16, 2004, the announcement was made that they had indeed received donations totaling more than one million dollars on behalf of Hope Stout. Her wish had been granted!

Copyright Simple Truths, LLC, all rights reserved and reprinted with permission.

By Will Glennon

In Best Things Fathers Do, Glennon not only celebrates fatherhood, but gives dads the tools to build close, powerful emotional bonds with their children.

One of the secrets about good fathering is that it is primarily about feelings. His child’s infancy is the time in a man’s life when he is given the opportunity to return, fully and completely, to his heart. After spending much of the previous two or three decades learning how to conquer and control our feelings in order to operate effectively in the world, fatherhood presents us with the sudden and scary opportunity to become reacquainted with that inner part of ourselves.

This book will hopefully give fathers some concrete tools (yeah, we love tools!) to build a close and powerful emotional connection that flows like a current of electricity between father and child. It is a most powerful thing and a most fragile one. It can be lost or interrupted abruptly, or it can persist over vast distances and time.

When we look to the great minds of the past, we find insights which can be applied to our lives today. In The Ten Golden Rules, timeless wisdom has been condensed into ten memorable and easy-to-understand rules that, if lived by, can enable us to have rich, meaningful lives. This book speaks to the mind and the heart with rules such as:

• Examine Life
• Worry Only About Things You Can Control and
• Treasure Friendship

In The Ten Golden Rules, you can learn from great teachers on how to live the good life.

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President

Living the good life doesn’t require a lot of money or even any faith. The Ten Golden Rules condenses the wisdom of the ancient Greeks into 10 memorable and easy-to-understand rules that, if lived by, can enable modern readers to have rich, meaningful lives.

Worry only about the things under your control, the things that can be influenced and changed by your actions, not about the things that are beyond your capacity to direct or alter. This rule summarizes several important features of ancient Stoic wisdom—features that remain powerfully suggestive for modern times. Most notable is the belief in an ultimately rational order operating in the universe, reflecting a benign providence that ensures proper outcomes in life.

Friendship is a reciprocal attachment that fills the need for affiliation. Friendship cannot be acquired in the marketplace, but must be nurtured and treasured in relations imbued with trust and amity. Friendship is a near sacred bond between individuals, a mutual nobility that requires duty, obligation, commitment, and sacrifice, a difficult and challenging standard seldom found in the majority of relationships experienced in life. Yet, when on some rare occasions we are fortunate enough to forge such a relationship, our entire life is changed. All that we experience takes on a new meaning when we are in a position to share completely with a person who has become “another self.” No amount of power, money, or status can substitute for the precious joys of a true friend.

In A Tender Warrior, Lieutenant General Hal Moore, military hero, accomplished author, and national speaker on leadership, shares his letters to America. Told with the passion and wisdom that only someone who has truly lived can convey, General Moore’s letters are timeless treasures that will be priceless to future generations. As Memorial Day approaches here in the United States, now is a wonderful time to be inspired by a message that will be sure to fuel our patriotism and confidence in this great country.

Please pass this along to others so that they, too, can be inspired by this tender warrior.

To Your Success,

Eric Harvey
Founder and President
WalkTheTalk.com
Questions? 888.822.9255

by Mac Anderson

Lt. General Hal Moore is one of America’s greatest Generals and military leaders of all time. But, it’s his profound love of humanity that radiates from his soul. In this very special book, General Moore, shares five very special letters to America on the true meaning of leadership.

An unequalled pledge of sacred honor took place on April 9, 1865. Before General Lee surrendered his whole Army to General Grant, all communications between the two leaders leading up to the surrender ended with, “Your obedient servant.” It was a closing used by many great American leaders and presidents. But somehow, it became less important to emphasize civility in communications as America became more sophisticated and technology rooted.

America used to be the proud home of civility. We can be again. Seldom does civility stand alone. It is seldom a one-time act. It invites compassion and sacred honor as sister pillars. It serves others and strengthens the bond in relationships.

As Lee rode “Traveller” to surrender to Grant at Appomattox, Grant formed his Union troops in two lines. They stood with their swords at attention as Lee, with great dignity, progressed the final yards to the farmhouse, riding between the “formed lines of respect.” With the slow, high-lifting discipline of each hoof, leader was preparing to meet leader at his and America’s best – in the worst of times.

During the surrender, a personal movement of appreciated civility occurred. “General Lee removed his sword and handed it to General Grant, and Grant handed it back.” After the surrender, as general Lee mounted his horse to depart, General Grant stepped down from the porch, and, moving toward Lee, saluted him by raising his hat. All officers present followed him in this act of civility, compassion and honor. Lee raised his hat respectfully, and rode off in great dignity…loving America still.

Although both were West Point graduates, they had met only briefly once before. During the surrender, from their letters in the beginning through the raising of hats at the end, the “good-by” was a leadership exhibition in civility for all. It took the two of them to teach the soldiers present why, and how, we should serve one another – even during military surrender.

The surrender had been elevated to a moment of grace. That is what civility, compassion and sacred honor produce when the servant heart leads the best of leaders. They paved the way for future leaders to emerge in history by leading through authentic practices of civility.

Such leadership moments are never lost in history. Whether signing the Declaration of Independence, leading a platoon into battle, or surrendering to one another, there are two duties of a leader at all times: He or she is in that role to serve others first and concurrently to lead them to an objective. A crucial and delicate balance is required. To achieve this, to serve well, he or she must serve with honor and lead with civility.

Copyright Simple Truths, LLC, all rights reserved and reprinted with permission.