You’ve never seen a fireworks display like what you’ll see at a U.S. military base. As a child growing up in a military family, we moved quite often. But no matter where we moved, the fireworks remained constant and always magnificent. Every Fourth of July, I find my memories drifting around the world to my long-ago homes, to places and times and memories of lights in the sky.
The Fourth of July means different things to different people. In the U.S., this day is officially recognized as a celebration of independence and the building of a new nation. America is 247 years old next week. It’s important to recognize how young we are. Most world powers have centuries on us. While the founding dates for nations can vary depending on what criteria you’re using, consider by comparison that Japan (by date of self-sovereignty) was founded in 660 BCE, China in 221 BCE and France in 843.
We’ve made some mind-blowing progress as a nation, and missteps, too. Our growing pains in the last five years alone could fill a textbook. But we are always changing. And that is, if nothing else, the very heart of continuous improvement. We don’t always get it right. But we troubleshoot and try again. We find the problems, we learn and grow, and then share our stories with the next generation. That is AME.
I read the other day about the benefits of being a military kid. Military kids are great with change, open-minded, don’t focus on “stuff” and may be better communicators. It made me think about how important these skills are for continuous improvement experts. CI leaders must be adaptable to innovative ideas and practice agility. And effective communication is key to successful change management. So as you consider your organizational hiring needs, consider hiring military veterans, spouses and their children. They have the skills you are looking for.
Our mission as an organization, and the skills we foster across industries, in many ways, mirror our history. We are forever learning and growing, and I look forward to sharing it all with you.
Happy Independence Day to our U.S. members! To our larger community, enjoy the summer celebrations, outdoor barbecues and the company of those you love.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
