Though I Be The Lone Survivor…
The world’s toughest leadership school is the U.S. Army Ranger School, and as the Ranger Handbook says, the purpose of the school is to produce the finest land warrior possible, the U.S. Army Ranger. In order to become a Ranger (in fact, even to eat in the chow hall), you have to know and live by the Ranger Creed. It goes like this:
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier, who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger, my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
So the question for you, corporate leader, is whether or not you are committed to finishing the fight, even when others have quit or left the field of battle? Are you prepared to finish? If not, it is time to ask some serious questions. What do you believe in? What are you willing to spend your life, “in the pursuit of”? Are you in the fight, giving 100% and then some? Rangers haven’t earned their respect by quitting when the mission gets difficult. Here are the steps we suggest: (1) Find a mission you believe in, and give it 100%, and then some, (2) Identify people who are like-minded in mission, and recruit them to the effort, (3) Ensure that you are the kind of leader that people want to follow, (4) Empower and equip others to accomplish the mission. Press on.
