It’s Memorial Day and I saw a sign this weekend that read “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave”, a fitting testament to those of us who benefit from those that have sacrificed on our behalf. It might be the sign, the long weekend or maybe just the sound of rain on the windows. Whatever the case, I wanted to share with you some of my perspective on leadership.

Great leaders are often hailed for their accomplishments, as well they should be. Creating an innovative product, seeing an alternative future or getting a group to realize their true potential are all things that makes leaders worth following. But there’s a truth to great accomplishment that we shouldn’t forget and it comes from one of my favorite quotes:

“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” – Issac Newton

Much like Memorial Day reminds us of the debt we owe to those that have fought and sacrificed for our country and our freedom, so too do we as business leaders owe a debt to those that have come before us and paved the way for our accomplishments. And I believe the best way to repay that debt is to blaze the way for the next generation of leaders. One look at the numerous scandals, ethical failings and societal dysfunction and it seems like we’re doing a poor job of setting the right standard for those that will follow. 

It’s our turn to be the giants.