I recently spent time at the new National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, GA. The statue above is set outside as you enter the museum. A little history for you:
It was created in 1959 by two soldiers, Private First Class Manfred Bass, sculptor and designer, and Private First Class Karl H. Van Krog, his assistant. The model for the statue was Eugene Wyles, an officer candidate and ten-year Army veteran. It depicts a 1950s-era infantry soldier charging forward and gesturing for others to follow. Originally called The Infantryman, the statue was installed on Eubanks Field on May 3, 1960. In 1964, it was renamed Follow Me and moved in front of Infantry Hall. In 2004, a new bronze version was cast and the original statue was moved to the front of the National Infantry Museum. “Follow Me!” is also the US Army Infantry motto.
The Infantry Creed ends with, “Follow Me.” These military leaders lead the way while bringing others along with them. In the face of danger, “Follow Me.” In the face of uncertainty, “Follow Me.” In the face of battle, “Follow Me.” In the face of death, “Follow Me.” In the face of victory, “Follow Me.”
Soldiers did.
As leaders in our various organizations and churches, is “Follow Me” a motto we embrace? Maybe the answer is found when we turn around to see who is following our leadership.
People are being forced to transition during our economic downturn. For others, they are discontent with their current job, and voluntarily choosing a job transition.
What can you do to promise a more successful transition? Here are the top ten lessons I have personally learned and learned from others along the way:
- Learn the organization: the culture, the values, the processes, the politics, the people.
- Be patient and do not exceed the speed limit, but do not move to slowly.
- Prioritize your to-do and to-know list.
- Construct a strategic plan to include a clear vision and communicate it frequently.
- Build a healthy team to include both current team members and those possibly outside the organization.
- Establish what needs to happen right now that is foundational for future construction.
- Secure early wins to generate momentum and establish credibility.
- Build alliances with other team members who can help be a voice for your plan.
- Enter with sustained humility.
- Add value to what other team members are currently doing.
What would you add to this list?
I was reading the most recent issue of Time magazine last night when I came across an interview with the creator and director of Avatar, James Cameron.
He was asked, “Do you have a formula for creating a blockbuster film?”
Cameron’s reply:
“I have principles, not a formula. You create interesting characters. You put them in a story that has a number of dilemmas. Once you have the audience on the character’s side, you challenge that character. You try to create one or more emotional, epiphanous moments within a film. And you provide great visuals.”
I read his reply ten times. Why?
As a speaker, I think there is something I can learn from him. If people engage in movies that include these elements, I wonder what elements I could include in my message that would increase engagement. I am not saying I would take anything away from the Biblical truth. I am speaking more of style and elements. Just thinking out loud.
