A while back at the SPUR Leadership conference (put on by the Lake Hills Church team and a man I love, look up to and admire – Mac Richard) I got to hear General Tommy Franks speak. The way he carried himself blew me away.
Franks told us that he flunked out of school at UT in 1967. He then realized that he had two options: either wait to be drafted and go to Vietnam or enlist in the Army. Before he left for boot camp his father shared something with him; that he needed to be feisty. Then he shared this acronym:
- F – focus. Focus on what is important and STAY focused.
- E – energy. Bring every bit of energy that you possibly can to every situation.
- I – integrity. Your most important possession. Never compromise it.
- S – solve the problem. Don’t argue or make excuses. Solve the problem and get on with it.
- T – take the blame. Take it when no one else will. Accept responsibility. Be accountable.
- Y – Yes, I do windows. Never say, “That’s not my job.” Do whatever the boss asks you to do with enthusiasm.
I was recently reminded of this talk by Mac Richard which made me go and re-read my notes. For some reason, the second time it STUCK.
God, help me to remain feisty.
