The Map on the Wall- Jack "Farva" Curtis

Great leaders are the ones that can show the world they have more to offer then making a company grow in numbers or monetary growth. They strive by showing the world their uniqueness and willingness to bring out the best in other people. They shine through their peers by showing respect and kindness. A true leader demonstrates the ability to work together with strangers from all over the world to bring one cause together.

One of the finest Leadership articles I’ve ever read is written by a Jack “Farva” Curtis- Commanding Officer of the US Navy EA-18G Growler squadron. In this article Mr. Curtis details the true meaning of what leadership means to him and how it has worked for him. There is no right or wrong answer to what the qualities of a true leader are or what make a good leader, a good leader. Everyone will have a different opinion and that’s ok. What’s important is that we all know that during those frustrating-filled moments we have leaders who can push through and shine the way for us.

By now I’m sure you’re asking what The Map on the Wall represents. Mr. Curtis wrote in his article that every time a new member joins his team, the first conversation he has with them begins with a map and pins. He tells them to take a pin out of the jar and place it in their hometown (or as near as they can get.) This may sound silly to you, but it opened my eyes to what the raw meaning of leadership is. No matter where in the world we come from we have one purpose. That purpose is to trust that even though we all come from different backgrounds that’s what makes us unique. A leader will value this information because they will fully understand that building rapport is more important than building a one-man show. They will appreciate that not everyone will approach a situation the same as you, not everyone will have the same thoughts as you, and not everyone will speak like you would. That is what makes a team shine and what makes a leader stand out. The ability to listen, understand, and value true diversity within your team.

An individual put in a leadership position has many trials and tribulations but it's the end result that matters the most. The way you emerge out of a situation stronger and better will allow your team to produce the same outcome. By truly acknowledging your teams diversity and knowing that everyone handles situations differently is what makes your leadership skills one of a kind.

I can only hope that as I end this short message you can be that leader within your family, your job, and your inner circle. Because there are too many people who wear their leadership badge as an honor but lack the true meaning of being a servant leader.