The Power of Checking on Your People
Leadership is a journey laden with challenges—some expected, others unforeseen. Yet, it is in those challenging moments that true leadership reveals itself. By embracing the trials and finding the lessons within them, leaders not only overcome adversity but turn it into an opportunity for growth and connection. This is a story of such a moment and the profound lesson it brought.
When the Unexpected Call Comes
It was 1 a.m. when the phone rang—a time when most would be fast asleep. For me, perhaps subconsciously, I always keep my phone on vibrate for moments like this. The call brought devastating news: another brother-in-arms had lost his battle with inner demons. As a veteran, this was a dreaded yet painfully familiar call, a stark reminder of the statistic that 22 veterans a day succumb to such struggles. In the quiet of that early morning, I processed the news. Then, instincts honed from years of service kicked in. In combat, when a man goes down, immediate action is taken. Procedures are set into motion to control what can be controlled while remaining vigilant of factors beyond control. This was one of those moments—a call to action.
Reconnecting the Brotherhood
The first step was radio checks—reaching out to others who would understand the weight of this loss. Within three days, I reconnected with warriors I hadn’t spoken to since our days fighting side by side in Marjah, Afghanistan. The coordination was seamless; the bond unbroken. By day five, 23 Marines gathered in a small beach house in Topsail Island, North Carolina, sharing laughter, memories, and a sense of belonging. But just as we began to reconnect, another call came. It was from a fellow Marine in our platoon—a voice filled with urgency. The mission was clear: make another call - perform another radio check. What followed was a moment that would define the power of simply checking in.
A Life Saved by a Check-In
After a few blips on FaceTime, the Marine answered. His tear-streaked face and defeated demeanor spoke volumes—he was on the brink of making the same irreversible decision as our lost brother. But seeing a familiar face brought a visible shift in him, an energy that pierced through the despair. With a brief conversation and encouragement, he made an immediate decision to join us. He rode his Harley nine hours straight from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Over the next three days, surrounded by his brothers, the light returned to his eyes. The camaraderie, laughter, and shared stories became a powerful medicine. One simple check-in had saved a life.
The Lesson in Leadership
This experience reinforced a vital truth about leadership: never underestimate the power of checking in on your people. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation, a moment of connection, to change the trajectory of someone’s life. While not every leader will face challenges as profound as this one, the opportunity to lift others up and inspire them to their highest potential is universal.
Building Trust and Purpose Through Connection
Authentic leadership requires understanding human responses to pressure and cultivating deep connections with your team. Just as muscles grow stronger through stretching and micro-tears, teams grow through challenges. Leaders must establish a baseline for their organization, recognize shifts, and adapt boldly. By fostering connections, leaders build trust. And when trust is paired with a sense of purpose, the potential of any team is limitless.
End of Transmission
Leadership is not just about achieving goals—it’s about empowering people. Whether it’s through a life-saving check-in or a simple word of encouragement, leaders have the power to create a profound impact. So, as you navigate your own challenges, remember this: your greatest strength as a leader lies in your ability to connect with and uplift those around you.
