ILMA Compoundings April 2017 - 5

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

LDRSHIP and ILMA Values

t is not a spell check mistake - "LDRSHIP" is the acronym that is familiar to many and is used to represent the "7
Core Army Values." I had the honor of attending a Thayer Leader Development Group meeting held at the prestigious
and historic West Point Military Academy. I was of course familiar with West Point, but I learned so much more while
touring the grounds and seeing the history.
The program was about leadership development and was taught by retired generals, brigadier generals, colonels and an
astronaut. The honor and integrity of the West Point graduates was inspiring. There was sincere respect for each other and
such duty and pride in their military service. It was evident they were leaders in their service and continued to lead and
teach and inspire. I was honored to discuss with them the "7 Core Army Values:" Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service,
Honor, Integrity and Personal courage. LDRSHIP. These are values that I look for in a person and values I seek to follow
in my daily life.
Leadership is something we often hear people are born with. Leadership can be developed, but the overall ability to lead
is inherent in people. There are leaders in all areas of our lives, from family to work to volunteer associations and local
churches. Leaders have the ability to put forward a plan and carry it out while ensuring the correct resources are available.
Leaders can do this while handling any crisis that arises, all while inspiring their team and the people they lead. Well, that
does not sound easy and certainly is not. Leadership is not necessarily management, yet sometimes they overlap. A leader
looks at the entire situation and plans for future and growth. A leader also seeks to continually improve and grow.
Leadership is facing challenges and inspiring others to work together to achieve the goal. What do you think of when
you think of a leader? Is there someone in your organization who stands out and shows leadership? Do you work each day
to follow the values of LDRSHIP and help your organization? Do you seek out the leaders and help them to grow their
skills? How can we be better leaders?
There are many books and classes on leadership, but I have never attended such an inspiring class. I think being on the
West Point military base helped me see that we all make our own history each day in how we live and the choices we make.
The lieutenant general said that as he walks around the West Point grounds, he will pick up any trash he sees. A man who
has served in battle and is highly respected will pick up that paper because it is the honor, duty and pride he takes in West
Point. That reminded me of a story about my grandfather, who would always pick up papers or trash on the property at
Hangsterfer's. He took honor and pride in where we lived and worked, and that honor and pride would carry over into his
company vision. Now, I pick up any paper or things I see, so as to continue the tradition and dedication to the property.
ILMA is an association that has an ethics code, and meetings are covered by an ethic's code of conduct. ILMA members work together as leaders for the industry and have always strived to adhere to a high ethical level. ILMA members do
not come together to hire employees from other companies or discuss pricing; we are able to lead with respect and come
together to help the industry and do so with integrity.
We all have challenges and at times we are faced with difficult choices. I know I want the core seven values to be in the
forefront of all my personal and professional choices. I also know that does not mean everyone around me will follow the
values I do. It does not mean that someone will not lack honor and be disloyal, but I know that I will not let someone
else's mistakes and lack of integrity affect what I am going to do. I truly believe we can be successful leaders by following
the LDRSHIP values.
Attending the meeting at West Point reinforced the respect and appreciation I have for the military. Their sacrifices, their
dedication to duty and honor and country is unmatched. The least I can do is live my life in an honorable way with values,
and at the end of the day, I can say "hooah" and look forward to the next day. Hooah!

Beth Ann Jones
ILMA President

ILMA Compoundings April 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ILMA Compoundings April 2017