[April 22, 2019] Last week I was invited to attend a special ceremony when young members advanced from Cub Scout to older Boy Scouts. The Pack advanced seven boys with many family members in attendance. To show respect (and to gain it in return) requires leaders to be present at these bridging ceremonies.
We all shook the hand of each boy and spoke with them and their families. It reminded me when I moved up from Cub to Boy Scout and the emotions involved. My new Scoutmaster gave me a new scout book, scarf and neckerchief tie, and epaulets for my uniform. This provided us with the motivation to stay in and learn more about scouting.
When leaders show respect, they are also providing the seeds of motivation. It is this internal motivation that drives us to accomplish great things, to be more resilient, and have great focus. Motivation means the difference in graduating from school and not. It determines if we get married, get a job, or enjoy life.
Bridging ceremonies mean something special. If we graduate from college, for example, we are moving from an academic life of study to a world of work. To fail to recognize this transition is wasteful and shows a lack of the basic knowledge of human psychology of motivation.
Many organizations have a “bridging” ceremony; although it may be called something else. The Girl Scouts have one also. So do several religious groups. The name may be called something else but the respect we should bestow on those transitioning to another phase of their life is essential. To ignore or to dismiss this as purely ceremonial is missing the point.
These bridging ceremonies are often a rite of passage that welcomes people into the rewards and responsibilities of a new life. It is about a time of tremendous change and stress. It is a time when many leave a life of our youth for one with new experiences. For a leader to be physically present shows the recognition of this transition and the respect it deserves.1
Leaders are inspirational. Attending the bridging ceremony is one way how they show it.
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I teach High School. My students are taught from the first day that attendance at certain events, while not required as a student, is required if they ever expect to succeed in life. So the best thing to do is to get into the habit of attending these now – not later. And, of course, I hope they come to our football games too. 🙂
Funny thing, someone even has a Facebook page about “being there.”
https://www.facebook.com/BeingThereOfficialFilm/
If there is better advice, I’m not aware of it. But to attend a funeral is the height of going to special events. What we do here in life does, indeed, echo throughout time. When you are present for people in their darkest times, they will remember you.
I agree with you and a past article from Gen. Satterfield. “Always go to the funeral” https://www.theleadermaker.com/always-go-funeral/
It’s all about knowing what motivates people. And, of course, what demotivates them.
Thanks for another well written article on an often overlooked subject. This advice to leaders should not be taken lightly.
Least we forget. In the four years of fighting, remembered for brutal trench warfare and the first use of gas, France, the British empire, Russia and the United States had the main armies opposing a German-led coalition that also included the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. Almost 10 million soldiers died, sometimes tens of thousands on a single day.
Well said, Yusaf. I like the way you think.
Yusaf, you are again giving us some important ideas and in this case on WWI.
Thank you sir!
A reminder of the great sacrifice of many persons who helped point the way toward freedom.
Being there counts. Others see your actions as a leader. It tells others what you see as important. President Trump plans to visit the American cemetery at Suresnes on the outskirts of Paris on Sunday afternoon and make remarks before heading home.
Yes, Gen. Satterfield has noted this on several occasions but sometimes it is simply not possible to be there. When that occurs the next best thing is to send your most senior representative.
Yes, that is so very true.
As the world marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I on Sunday, global leaders gathered in Paris to commemorate the solemn moment as France’s president implored countries to forge alliances to preserve peace. Notice how the most important leaders of nations attend these ceremonies.
“D-Day 70th anniversary: Veterans and leaders attend ceremony”
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-27729598/d-day-70th-anniversary-veterans-and-leaders-attend-ceremony
The more important the ceremony, the more likely the leader should attend. Thanks for another wonderful blog post, Gen. Satterfield. Well done!
So very important as well as the ceremonies marking the end of WWI.
For those who have served, we can never overrate the importance of events like this.
You hit the nail on the head with this article.
Yes, and thanks for being on so we can see your comments. We appreciate your service to the nation.
Thank you.
I was thinking the same.