Sometimes analogies create lasting impressions. Twenty-five years ago I was sitting in an Officer Professional Development session in Kosovo hosted by our brigade commander. During the session, a fellow officer lamented about a recent Army decision that was unpopular. Our brigade commander delivered a response that has stuck with me to this day. He said that we were like ships moving on open water. We cannot change what is in front of us, yet our movement across the water creates a wake and that wake gets increasingly larger as it emanates outward. Like that ship moving, often we do not have the power to change what is in front of us, but we do have considerable influence on those who we train, coach, teach, mentor and lead. This is a true ripple effect and this is how we affect change.
Oftentimes when we talk of loyalty, we speak to loyalty to the powers that be – government, parents, schoolteachers, coaches, scoutmaster, senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, etc. We are reminded that loyalty is a two-way street and we should also be loyal to those we lead. This means presence and investment in training, counseling, feedback, and assurances, as well as providing the necessities for success.
It is important to be aware of events happening around you, but I submit that stressing about things one cannot control is not healthy. Instead, one should focus on what he or she can control and make positive change. When in a leadership position, this includes putting those who you lead above yourself and ensuring they are developed to make right and ethical decisions and become positive influences themselves. This is how the world becomes a better place.
A Scout is Loyal.