When you live in grave danger of life’s circumstances,it gives you perspective. For admiral Richard Byrd it was the thought of losing his family and not being able to take care of them that gave him the will to  live when death stared right in his face for weeks. He said something profound as he wrote in his journal; “The family is an everlasting anchorage,…..at the end, only two things will matter to a man, regardless of who he is; and they are the affection and understanding of his family”.(Richard Byrd)

The primary leadership lesson learned here is the unparalleled role of family in any busy leaders life. Any leader oughts to put family first. The primary motivation for leadership beyond the perks they receive is the ability to go back to a healthy family.

I have been married to my university sweetheart for 10 months 6 months and 10 days as I pen this. We have 4 children together. My family means everything to me and it is the reason I wake up every morning. My family gives me the motivation to serve and lead at my church. The joy I find to serve is really brought about by the encouragement I receive from my family. I serve with my wife alongside me and she is the wisest advisor and without her, my leadership would be grossly deficient.   

References

Richard. E. Byrd, as recited in Light from Many Lamps by Lillian Eichler Watson Pg 248-250. Published by Simon & Schuster NY