05/27/2026
Others Before Self and Servant Leadership
Folks, there are so many supporting values that are foundational to the ideas that went into the creation of International Leadership Of Texas and into our leadership traits of servant leadership, and the concept of “others before self”. For me personally, recalling part of a letter in a very old book of 2000 years ago that specifically talks about, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Also reflecting on Memorial Day and what it means and especially what it means to those of us who have led others into combat I came across this reflection from a fellow combat Marine veteran and he says in words how most of us veterans feel and frankly struggle with the Memorial Day weekend. Please take a look at this article, and please reflect on how each of us could find more ways to be examples of servant leadership and in putting others before self. With the greatest of respect for each of you. - Eddie Conger
The Hard Question Memorial Day Asks of the Living
Jake Wood is a Marine combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the CEO of Groundswell, founder and chairman of Team Rubicon, and the author of the memoir Once a Warrior.
