My brother-in-law graduated from the University of Texas. I’ve often thought fondly of UT. I remember watching great UT football teams in the 1970’s and again in the 2000’s. My oldest son has been a HUGE UT fan since he was very young. One wall of his room is painted burnt orange and the skull of a Texas Longhorn hangs on it.
Recently, my brother-in-law sent me a copy of the text of the University of Texas 2014 Commencement speech given by Naval Admiral William H. McRaven, Ninth Commander of US Special Operations Command. If you watch the entire video of his speech, it will be the most valuable 20 minutes you spend today, and likely this week. Click here to watch the video.
The leadership lessons provided by Adm. McRaven are among the best ever. If you aren’t willing to invest the twenty minutes it takes to hear it first hand, at least read this excerpt from his speech. The entire premise is that everyone has the ability to make impactful and positive changes to the world:
Start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and you will fail often, but if you take some risks, step up when the times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and never, ever give up…
If you do these things, you will change the world.
Rick Church is Head Coach of CM Services, Inc. The Association Partnership Company. CM Services pioneered the concept of developing long-term partnerships with national and international trade associations and professional medical associations. Mr. Church has published articles and given presentations about association leaders (both volunteer and paid). Mr. Church served as president of the Association Management Company Institute (AMCi). While on AMCi's Board of Directors, Mr. Church was very involved in the development of the AMCi/ANSI standard for Association Management Companies and the AMCi certification program based on that standard.
Associations, Volunteerism and More 