My all time favourite TV series is M*A*S*H, a comedy/drama centred around the doctors and nurses of the 4077th M*A*S*H unit during the Korean War. The series was so popular that it outlasted the duration of the 3 year war, spanning 11 seasons and 251 episodes.

The strong characterisation and story lines presented thought provoking themes that provide an ideal platform for lessons on life and leadership. Whether you are a fan of the show or not, I'm sure you will connect with my leadership insights from M*A*S*H.

LEADING FROM THE TRENCHES features bite-sized, candid insights that speak into the gritty space of leadership through the eyes of a fellow leader seeking to "lead with all diligence" (Romans 12:8).

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Common Denominators

Episode 62:  Private Charles Lamb

Hawkeye:    Dear Dad.  The wounded keep coming and coming.  The 
            latest batch were Greek soldiers.  Greece is one of the 
            17 UN countries fighting here in Korea.  Greeks, 
            Siamese, Ethiopians, Turks.  You name ‘em, we got ‘em. 
            The common denominator is blood.  It’s all red.  And 
            there’s an awful lot of it leaking out around here.

After the doctors patch up a Greek regiment at the 4077th, the Greek colonel invites the camp to celebrate their Greek Easter with them to express his gratitude for their care of his soldiers.  Radar is so upset that a live lamb is to be the main course, he organises a medical discharge for “Private Charles Lamb” to save the lambs life.

Leadership is no respecter of persons.  When it comes to the rigours and responsibilities that are a normal part of leading our ethnicity, culture, social and economic status, and gender don’t divide us but unite us. Leaders from all walks of life, all industries and all nations understand the challenges and conflicts associated with leadership.  They share common principles and a common purpose that enable them to connect at a level that those they lead are unable to.  This doesn’t make leaders better than others but enables them to recognize the common denominators that provide solidarity among leaders.  Whether I am speaking with a colleague in Indonesia or a business leader in my local community, we share a mutual understanding of leadership that transcends the different contexts in which we lead.  

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