Blown Away by My Son

Today, my son graduated from 8th grade.

That might not be a big deal to you, but it makes me feel old.

Each student was supposed to walk on the stage, shake hands with all the staff, get their certificate, and then say something about how they will "carry on."

My son is extremely introverted, and his anxiety was through the roof about speaking in front of a crowd.

My son's teacher and the school Principal worked with him, and the principal read his statement.

As my son grabbed his certificate, the principal read:

"Hello, I am Paul. I haven't had the courage to talk to a crowd in my own words, but the encouragement of teachers, family, and friends has helped me. But I still need to find the encouragement within myself. I believe I am close, so I just need to keep looking."

I was blown away.

This statement showed remarkable self-reflection and insight.

He's a much deeper thinker than I realized.

It got me to thinking about my self-reflection.

My experience in the Marine Corps often results in a more assertive leadership style. When tackling a project or solving a problem, I concentrate on the mission, drive forward with intensity, and aim for swift and efficient progress. However, this approach doesn't align well with today's workforce. Consequently, I've had to adjust my methods, become more conscious of how my actions impact others, and adopt a gentler approach.

Watching my son’s moment of courage and self-awareness at his 8th-grade graduation was a powerful reminder: growth begins with reflection. His willingness to acknowledge his challenges and commit to finding inner strength inspired me to continue refining my own leadership journey. Just as I’ve learned to adapt my Marine Corps-honed leadership style to better connect with today’s workforce, we all have opportunities to evolve—whether it’s finding our voice or leading with greater empathy.

If you’re looking to navigate your own leadership challenges or unlock your team’s potential, Rawe Leadership Solutions can help. Visit us at www.raweleadership.online to connect and start your journey toward more effective, reflective leadership.