Recently, I read the finest leadership article I’ve come across in five years. Joe Klein of Time Magazine wrote an incredibly inspiring article about the leadership skills of veterans who are returning from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think Klein should be considered for a Pulitzer Prize for this incredible article. To read this masterpiece in full, click here.
I am going to provide you a series of posts with the leadership quotes from the article. They will challenge and inspire you while giving you a glimpse of leadership through a completely different lens.
- “We were trained in the military never to leave a fallen comrade in the field. But do we bring them home just to leave them alone? That didn’t seem right.” – John Gallina, Co-Founder of Purple Heart Homes
- “Those Vietnam guys represent around 32% of all veterans, and they didn’t get anything like the support we get…there are so many people who need help.” – Gallina
- “They’re incredible, some of my best students. Two things set them apart: they’ve very disciplined, and they’re really, really serious about their work.” – Dr. Elaine Kamarick of the Harvard Kennnedy School of Government on returning war veterans.
- “The returning veterans are bringing skills that seem to be on the wane in American society, qualities we really need now: crisp decision-making, rigor, optimism, entrepreneurial creativity, a larger sense of purpose and real patriotism.” – Klein
- “World War I was fought by large units like battalions. World War II was fought by companies. Vietnam, by platoons. The current wars ar all about small teams who have to interact with local Iraqi and Afghan populations. That has required a different kind of soldier.” – John Nagi, Chairman of the Center For A New American Society
- “Captain Jeremiah Ellis essentially became the mayor of the town (Senjaray in Southern Afghanistan) – dealing with the local shura, providing security, asking the public about the kinds of development projects they wanted, funding those projects…It occurred to me that Ellis had developed the political skills to be the mayor of his hometown in Iowa.” – Klein
- “When we return home, we work on fixing up every piece of equipment except their brains. Had to do something about that.” – First Sergeant Jack Robison, Co-Founder of Outward Bound
- “These soldiers had to rebuild communities and make difficult decisions under pressure. They’ve had to show incredible flexibility, never knowing whether they’re going to be greeted with a handshake or a hand grenade.” – General David Petraeus
- “They’ve been exposed to experiences that are totally unique, compared with most Americans. Once they’ve seen the elephant, they surely can help rebuild Joplin. I believe they are our next great generation of leaders.” – General Petraeus
I agree with you General Petraeus. The returning veterans are our next great group of leaders. Please return tomorrow for Part 2 of this incredible series.
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