Yesterday a Sergeant asked me “SSG Trent, do you love what you do? Would you do it for nothing?”
His question originated from John Maxwell’s book Leadership Gold. His question was no less profound especially in light of his previous comments. ”SSG Trent, I think I am going to get out.” Of course, he is talking about leaving the Army when his enlistment expires.
Two weeks prior I assigned the Sergeant a project. Read Leadership Gold and write a 100 word or less summary each week. I was intentionally (perhaps forcing) him to focus on leadership. By making him use 100 words or less I wanted to help develop his writing skills.
I was a proud leader when he asked me this question and it caused me to reflect. I began asking myself the questions “Do I love what I do?” and “Would I do it for nothing?”. I am proud. Yesterday he asked me “SSG Trent, do you love what you do? Would you do it for nothing?”I am proud to say I answered ”YES” to both questions.
After answering the question I realized my passion is leading Soldiers. Each and everyday I GET TO (not HAVE TO) teach, coach, and mentor Soldiers. I GET TO help them advance in their careers, I GET TO help them solve personal and professional issues, I GET TO add value to their lives. I would do it for nothing!
WOULD YOU DO IT FOR NOTHING? DO YOU HAVE PASSION?
Before answering these questions please consider the following:
1. Talent is never enough to enable us to reach our potential.
2. Opportunity will never get us to the top by itself.
3. Knowledge is a great asset, but it won’t make us “all we can be by itself.”
4. A great team can fall short.
My passion for leading Soldiers has kept me from quiting. It has enabled me to see the best in Soldiers other leaders had given up on and driven me to lead people I would have looked over otherwise. Passion has sustained myself and my family through four combat tours of duty in Iraq and a two year tour in Korea. Through numerous failures passion has enabled me to “DRIVE ON”!
Now it is time to answer the questions:
WOULD YOU DO IT FOR NOTHING? DO YOU HAVE PASSION?
