There are two kinds of heroes. There are those who willingly risk their lives and sacrifice their safety for the sake of others. And there are those who imagine a better world for people – and devote themselves to turn what they imagine into reality.
Men and women who put themselves in harms way, whether to save a life – or protect the values and principles that preserve a worthwhile way of life – these are true heroes of the highest order. Whether they formally serve our nation in the ranks of our military, serve our communities in law enforcement or as first responders – or simply make a personal stand when a desperate need arises before them – they represent the courage, caring and sense of duty that we can all aspire to – and be openly appreciative of and thankful for. Personally I am grateful for these heroes – it’s easy to be.
But I am also immensely grateful for the kinds of heroes who help shape and create the way of life that is so worth preserving. The ability to imagine and create a better future is the trademark of many courageous business leaders whom I consider among my personal heroes. Peter F. Drucker’s often cited quote is “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” There are heroes among those who make those kinds of decisions: decisions that lead to breakthroughs in medicine, help better feed the world, educate our children, protect the environment and fuel the future.
I hold that successful business leaders do more to help shape society in positive and needed ways than governments, politics or public policy ever has or ever will. They use their ability to imagine and create the future to serve the social, economic and cultural needs of the world by leveraging their ability to accomplish great things in business and leverage that success to do great things for society. Have you ever paused and wondered about the attributes to benefactors on schools, libraries, hospital wings and entire hospital campuses, university research centers – and even parks and highways? How many of these men and women were business leaders who’s accomplishments enabled them to pay their success forward?
Pop icons are not heroes – and most today aren’t suitable role-models for our children. Professional athletes, entertainers – and celebrity politicians have never impressed me nearly as much as the heroes we encounter every day. Teachers who have imagined what a child’s curiosity could someday produce – who have worked to raise their ability to discover their mind’s potential; nurses who have imagined people living in less pain, less fear and more dignity; everyday people who wonder “what if?” and then ask “why not?” and accomplish meaningful things as a result: those are among my heroes.
The CEOs I have coached, mentored and otherwise worked with for the past decade – who have made significant contributions to benefit the lives of so many – directly and indirectly – they are all my personal heroes. They continue to risk their capital, their time and their reputations – in order to not just do well – but to do good as well.
We should thank returning soldiers for their service. We should be grateful of dedicated nurses, EMTs, firefighters, teachers and every manner of volunteer. And we should also be grateful for our business heroes – for turning our dreams into our realities.
Who are your heroes? And whose hero do you want to be?
