JS Tip 547: Engage

Leaders lead.

We are all leaders. 

This tip is a call to engage.  

The Challenge

In 1919, the Irish poet W. B. Yeats, weary of a world war and an Irish rebellion, writes The Second Coming. Some lines—

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

“The best lack all conviction.” 

A Response 

On June 6th, 1944, in the carnage of Omaha Beach, as the American troops are pinned down, bleeding, and dying under enemy fire, Brigadier General Norman Cota stands up and walks from isolated group to isolated group. He shouts to one group— 

“What outfit is this?”
“Fifth Ranger Battalion, Sir!”
“Well, . . . if you’re Rangers, lead the way!”  

“Lead the way.” 

Engage. Care. Converse. Listen. Ask questions. Ask for specifics. Examine facts. Be polite and respectful. Always be polite and respectful. 

But engage. Participate. Get involved.  

If we do nothing, we are responsible.

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