The U.S. Army maintains an inventory of the absolute best gear we can equip our Soldiers with. We also know these items wouldn’t mean anything without our most valued asset: our people. That’s why it is so important that we build and maintain a culture that aligns with our values and ensures we all have a common goal, purpose and vision. A safe workplace and the opportunity to make connections allows people on teams to speak up, be heard and be recognized.
The Army values guide our lives while we serve our great nation. I am extremely grateful for what the Army has taught me, building on my family values as a child. My parents are virtuous — their parents the same — and who I am today is because of what they taught me about the values of respect, integrity, duty, honor and perseverance. The Army values are a conscientious guide for leaders to do what is right, no matter if anyone is watching.
A few months ago, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command leadership participated in an off-site to discuss Tony Dungee’s book, “Soul of a Team.” He talks about four simple principles and what separates mediocre teams from great ones. To enhance the command’s team-building efforts, we’d like to offer a new framework through which to view ourselves as part of this great organization: the “SOUL” of CECOM.
Selflessness, Ownership, Unity and Larger purpose, or SOUL, are a way to define what we are trying to do and why we are trying to do it. Selflessness, Ownership and Unity are the “what,” and Larger purpose is the “why.” Selflessness is putting individual needs aside for the greater good of the team. Ownership is fulfilling your role by knowing your job well and performing it consistently, so that others do not have to do it, and giving 100% all the time. Unity is having a common understanding and rallying around your mission and vision through open communication and positive conflict resolution. Larger purpose is contributing to the wider community in a lasting and significant way — our warfighters! Focusing on Selflessness, Ownership and Unity as “what” we do and Larger purpose as “why” we do it is how we will achieve our Larger purpose as a team. These values will guide our decision making, shape our relationships and influence our conduct.
Keep sharing, talking, participating, listening and having patience and ownership to improve. Let’s exude our organizational pride through the SOUL of CECOM. Being mindful of how you view and treat your teammates while always keeping your Larger purpose in mind can have an immensely positive effect on your own life and the lives of the people around you.
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