Love the one you're with
"The first job of leadership is to love people. Leadership without love is manipulation." Rick Warren
It was customary in the Army to move from unit to unit - each one with its own rich history, identifying patch, and motto. We would 'soldier' in each one of them - 'soldier' meaning to do the rigorous work morning and night, laboring and sweating, and challenging oneself and others to be their very best in the name of the unit. We committed ourselves fully to each of these units we were in, repeating their motto and singing their song - "Oh yea, I was in the 505th! H-minus!"
It is quite remarkable and unique to military service. Any business would pay large sums to possess that level of camaraderie and loyalty among its members. A veteran friend of mine and I were jokingly making the comparison once - "Oh yea, I used to work in the ABC Company - Better Products For Your Home or Office!" Not!
As soldiers we would often find ourselves back together as individuals in different units. For instance, I might bump into Larry who served with me in the 505th yet now we might be serving in the (pick a number) unit. Larry might look at me in bewilderment as if I were betraying our alma mater and utter its motto. "Love the one you're with," I'd reply. This line, from the famous song by folk rock musician Steven Stills meant to pour that same level of dedication, love, and loyalty into the unit we were currently in, even though Larry and I may yearn to be back with our brothers and sisters in the 505th.
Stills' song has its controversy. It speaks of infidelity - "your baby is so far away," "there's a girl right next to you. And she's just waitin' for something to do." Turning to leadership, the concept is not of infidelity, rather, a sound concept of embracing one's current team. If you can't be with a previous group you embraced, loved, and worked with, embrace the one you are currently with. In our upward paths, as we gain authority, 'rank' and move from one team to another, leaders should "love the one they are with." This is not to say offer fake love and affection - rather, sincerely embrace the new team, its background, mission, and any customs or culture it practices.
Leaders should "love the one they are with," faster than others. They ought to be the instant champion of their new team. They ought to refrain from bragging about 'days of old' in a previous team. Moreover, they ought to be cautious of carrying forward practices in the name of their former team - "In finance we did it this way." It is fine to bring forth lessons and good practices from a previously 'loved' organization, however, a leader ought to be sensitive not to belittle or offend his or her new team.
Love the one you are with. Be its champion. You'll find, as I did time and time again, you'll fall in love naturally. You'll soon possess the dedication, love, and loyalty the 'one you’re with' deserves.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell