And just as the flag of a nation is representative of more than its fabric and fibers, so, too, is your leadership representative of more than your self-will.
As a leader, you are called to represent much, much more than your self-interests, what you prefer, or what you think.
What part of your nation’s (or your company’s) flag thread is a part of you?
Rather, you are called to think about the best interests of others and to model respect, honor, and value in all of the core laws (policies) and beliefs of who and what you represent. In doing so, you honor the opportunities you are afforded through and because of your leadership role.
Again, what part of your nation’s (or your company’s) flag thread is a part of you?
Disrespectful Behavior in the Face of Great Opportunities
As a leader, when you choose to disrespect core laws (policies) and beliefs of who and what you represent, that behavior is akin to balling up a nation’s flag and tossing it in a corner.
What gives you that right when you are so blessed by the opportunities afforded you?
As a leader, when you choose to stomp on the best interests of others because all you can see is your will and your way in the matter, that behavior is akin to stomping on a nation’s flag.
What gives you that right when you are so blessed by the opportunities afforded you?
As a leader, when you choose to burn the reputation of a follower with your negative, caustic words of accusation, blame, and shame, that behavior is akin to burning a nation’s flag.
What gives you that right when you are so blessed by the opportunities afforded you?
Wrapping Up the Fabric and Fibers of Your Choices
Yes, when you are a citizen of a great nation (or a great company), you inherit some personal responsibility that goes along with the great opportunities afforded you by that citizenship (or by that affiliation). But, among your choices is NOT the choice to engage in great disrespectful actions against the very special tokens, mementos, and other significant items of that nation (or of that great company).
However, you do have a choice to leave, depart, and “get the hell out of Dodge”, so to speak.
Yes, I said it: consider leaving the great nation (or the great company) that you now find so disgusting and revolting, in spite of all of the opportunities she has afforded you. Denounce your affiliation or your citizenship, if you must. But please refrain from disrespecting or destroying the very fabric and fibers of the glorious symbol of a nation (or of a great company) that you once held so dear.
And by all means, don’t forget to look at yourself in the mirror as you make your exit. Specifically, look closely for the tell-tale smoke of your own demise. It’ll be there, I’m certain, for you are taking you with you!
And that, my friend, is the real problem – in spite of what you declare to be the problems of a great nation (or of a great company).
Your article gave me chills, so deeply touching. Thank you
Devaney you have written so eloquently with deep reverence for the precious symbol of our country. The word symbol seems so inadequate to describe our flag that represents life as Americans. I can’t get past a flag without choking up a little. When I hear the National Anthem I still stand with my hand over my heart. I know the cost is high to be free. I never take it for granted.
Thank you, Jane, for these precious comments. I agree on all. As always, I appreciate your comments. 🙂
Here, here, Devaney. I’m all in favor of freedom of speech, but like all freedoms that comes with responsibilities. Yes we enjoy many freedoms in this country, but those freedoms were bought, and continue to be paid for, by people that gave their all. How can anyone disavow those sacrifices and desecrate our national symbols such as the flag or the national anthem?
I agree with you, if a person has such little regard for the nation that nurtures them then they should go elsewhere.
The same philosophy goes for disrespecting the company that puts food on your table. That company doesn’t have to buy your services, there are plenty of others that will willing work for/with them.
Thank you, Ken, for the additional supportive comments. Agree! So appreciated.
Devaney, you express the feelings of many, I have no doubt, who look to this symbol of Freedom through great sacrifice and death. I am saddened that our children growing up today, ( many) who have no history behind this great memento, while I am sure a significant number do. My 13 year old grandson could teach volumes on this, because he understands and loves the history behind Ole Glory. Thank you and may God Bless.
Thank you, Lynn, for these comments. I am so thankful for young men, like your grandson, who know and love the U.S. history of our flag. It is such a remarkable symbol of the freedoms we enjoy each day in the United States. 🙂
My heart goes a out to express gratitude to you Ms Rae, for putting together such a thoughtful tribute to the Country, its Value System, the Sacrifices made by the hundreds of thousands of selfless souls that gave their life’s biggest sacrifice so we could bask in the glory of this Great Nation!
I Salute You!
I Salute Each and Every Individual that Contributed to Our Freedom!
Most of All I Salute the ‘Star and Stripes’, the National Flag that embodies all that we hold dear!
You are absolutely right (and of course too polite) to tell the uncooperative and the unappreciative to pack their bags and leave rather tha show any disrespect to our Flag that represents each and every citizen of this Great Country that is the ‘Land of Opportunities’ for One and All.
Thank You!!!
Thank you, Bharat, for your wonderful comments. So true and I agree. I really appreciate your input, always. 🙂 Devaney