“A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.” John Stuart Mill
As I flew over the NYC skyline this weekend as the 10th anniversary ceremonies for 9-11 were taking place, I reflected upon this quote and what it revealed about the character of New York and our country. Having grown up on Long Island and with parents from Brooklyn, I’m a New Yorker through and through. But I never felt pride for New York like I did in the plane this weekend.
I believe the true test of character comes in the heat of battle. When the stress is real and the risk is high…when failure is possible.
9-11 not only demonstrated the fighting spirit of a great city, it revealed the core of what America is made of. It revealed the values that make us the greatest country in the world. Values displayed by average Americans with above average character. First responders, tugboat captains, and businesspeople. Courageous, committed, and compassionate warriors. Wingmen. Heroes coming together and heeding the cry for help.
Undivided and united. One Team with One Mission.
Imagine if every day, this spirit pervaded our homes, offices and communities? What if we treated each other with this sense of commitment and compassion not just during tragedy, but every day? Think about how this would affect our personal and professional lives.
Unfortunately, I feel America has become complacent in our character. We’ve lost the edge in some way. We’ve become numb and divided.
So, here’s question to you as you kick off this first day after the ten year anniversary of 9-11…When the missiles of adversity are launched, what will you do? What will your actions reveal about your character, community or your business? As John Stuart Mill alluded, what are you willing to fight for?
The key is to resist complacency and maintain our commitment, courage and compassion every day. For the warrior spirit is within us all. Let’s not wait for another 9-11, war or a tragedy to reveal it. We need to be wingmen and find ways to demonstrate what it means to be an American each and every day.
This is how we can honor 9-11 and those who sacrificed so much. This is how we can be a country worth fighting for. The United States of America.
Your Wingman,
Waldo
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Thank you for the informative read….
I have a standard that few people will rise up to meet. I help everyone I can, everyday. Sometimes I go overboard and I work myself into a frazzle. And then when I Need help, they are still waiting for me to Help them out. It’s so tiring, but yet, I can’t get myself to NOT help others. And every Once in awhile, someone reaches out and helps me or they will thank me. And I feel….justified / relieved, and so appreciated.
But there aren’t many “Wingmen” in the Civilian World. Any help in this area to get people who don’t understand the “Team” concept would be greatly appreciated. BTW, it is a Manufacturing setting.
Sir, I really appreciate your comments and attitude. And yes – being a wingman can sometimes be thankless…And liek you, I suffer from the same “help” disease…I often cant say no and I get stressed and frazzled like you!
Few wingtips:
1. Sometimes the most powerful word is “no.” If you spend all your time helping others at the expense of your own personal happiness, the most important wingman in your life will wind up being unhappy – you.
2. I would talk to your supervisor about implementing a “wingman of the week/month/quarter” award (voted anonymously by peers and supervisors). A special award that goes out to the person behind the scenes who goes above and beyond in helping others…
3. Have informal social get togethers – maybe a group after work dinner or for lunch. Make it a point to share personal things about each other…go around the table and have everyone share a little something about themselves…so that everyone gets to know each other get to know each other….This may include something they a) like about work and b) dislike about work
4. Also – try and go out for coffee with someone new each week at work…make it casual “Hey Joe, let’s grab bfast/lunch next Friday…I really would like to get to know a little more about you.” You’ll be surprised how surprised your co-workers are…and most will oblige!
5. Keep being a wingman and maintaining your honor. Dont sell out because everyone else is.
Never Fly Solo,
Waldo