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This Veterans Day, as we pause to honor those who have served, I’m reminded of the profound leadership lessons I've learned from two veterans I’m privileged to work with. They demonstrate true leadership through their integrity, selflessness, and commitment.

One of these leaders is the VP of my department at work. If there’s one thing he’s relentless about, it is ensuring we, his team, are supported to complete the work we have been assigned.

His leadership approach seems is less about control and more about trust and support, which trickles down through the team, creating a culture of loyalty and collaboration. Whether he picked this up in the military or if it’s simply part of who he is, those leadership qualities set him apart.

Then there’s the PR Director in my department, another veteran who brings excellence to his work. The overthinker in me can appreciate how he has this way of keeping the main thing the main thing.

There’s a tactical focus in his approach, always mission-oriented, but there’s also humility and humor. You can’t help but feel motivated to match his level of commitment because he leads by example.

When I think about both of these leaders, I see qualities that make them worth following—not just because of their positions, but because they inspire others to join them in the work they do.

They don’t lead for recognition, and they don’t rely on hierarchy to gain respect. Their leadership is deeply rooted in values that others are drawn to emulate. In a world where leadership is sometimes defined by power, these two veterans remind me that the best leaders are those who serve, stay mission-focused, and bring integrity to every decision.

This Veterans Day, take a moment to look around at the veterans in your own life. What lessons might they have to teach you about leadership?

Consider thanking them—not only for their service to the country but for the service they continue to offer through their character, their work, and the example they set for us all. Honoring their journey reminds us that leadership at its core is about bringing others alongside us on a mission that is bigger than any single individual.

This week, let’s aim to lead by these values and honor the veterans in our teams. we have so much to learn from the strength, humility, and focus they bring to everything they do.

I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.

See you next week,