Any organization that is involved in assisting the needs of veterans, military families or families of the fallen must ensure whatever they are doing is going to have a long-term, positive effect.
There’s more to the picture than deciding what needs should be addressed and how to implement programs. In addition to tactical executions, organizations and individuals across the board must keep in mind intangible considerations and guiding principles.
Working with Rick Kell of Troops First Foundation, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff published the “Big Six” – rules for supporting service members, veterans, military families and families of the fallen.
1. Actions and discussions are about THEIR needs, never about what you do.
2. Realize that each individual is unique and therefore has unique needs.
3. If you think you’re doing it better than anyone else or the only one doing it, someone else is doing it and doing it better.
4. Never make a commitment you cannot, do not, or will not keep.
5. Build for the long run and have a meaningful and personal impact.
6. If you start to think it’s about you, that’s when it’s time to get out.
I’d really like to hear your personal thoughts on the Big Six. Agree? Disagree? Have a suggestion to make this the Big Seven? Add your comment below.
