A true leader, realizes they don’t know everything. When that time comes they seek other leaders with more experience and wisdom. For me, one such leader, is my father-in-law Ron Weinke. A man of few words, it has been the sense of observation, from this great leader, which has taught me so many valuable lessons.
The day my father, Mike Murphy, passed away began a lifelong relationship which grows deeper every year. As Ron walked into church, for my father’s funeral, I will never forget the look on his face. This is a man who has been to war. A man who has fought for our country. A man who has raised a family and been forever loyal to his beautiful wife, Betty. As he got closer I could see he was scared. I could see this was a moment of reflection as he was a father to 3 children and one day they would be standing in the same shoes I was on that day.
Ron approached me and I sensed he knew there were no words to express his condolences. Being a man of very few words it was not expected. What came next, was all a young man who lost his father needed from the only remaining father he would have to help raise his children in a world filled with adversity and struggle. Ron stood before me, for a moment, wrapped his arms around me and said, “We Love You.” As he backed away a single drop of water fell from his eye. You see, it was his actions which spoke the words every son in law would have wanted to hear.
From that day forward I knew I was truly a part of his family. I knew he took on the responsibility of treating me like his own. Caring for me and my family as if I was blood. It’s a moment I will never forget; as long as I live.
From that day, my observation held true. As a leader I have seen Ron literally give the skin off his back for each and every person in his family. I have seen him sacrifice in times of need. like when his daughter, my wife, calls up at the last minute and asks, “Dad — can you help us out again and pick up your granddaughter at school?” Never once, not once in 9 years!! have I heard him say, “No.”
I have seen him love his grandchildren with everything he’s got. Like the times when asked to take care of Shanley alone with no help. Was he scared because he doesn’t know everything about caring for her type one diabetes… YES! but, he found “it” deep inside himself to fight through his fear and learn what it takes. “Why” because he knows we are all watching. Just like any leader, everyone around them watch and learn. Observing the most about their leader during times of fear and struggle. it’s during these times when I have seen him be human. It’s during these times when I have seen him shine.
It’s leadership like this which has sculpted me into the man I am today. Like Ron, I strive to lead by example. I strive to protect my family, friends and clients just like Ron protected me that day. Because the true test of a leader is not just about winning. It’s not about how many trophies you have in your trophy case. It’s about so much more.
For during times of struggle many leaders feel strength is their only tool. They believe showing weakness or vulnerability is not a quality of good leaders. I believe they are wrong. I believe just the opposite. The ability to show you are human, you care and deep down inside you FEEL for those you love and protect. Those are the real leaders. Because they are the ones who possess empathy and self awareness which allows them to grow each and every day.
I believe, real leaders are those who sacrifice for the greater good of the human to their right. I believe great leaders put others before themselves in times of victory and sacrifice in time of defeat. Because of this I strive each and every day to lead by example. To lead with purpose. Knowing they are always watching.
Ron, I thank you for being my Dad and I thank you for being a leader I can trust and learn from; from this day until the day we part. Your lessons will never be forgotten.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Every move counts —
A true leader, realizes they don’t know everything. When that time comes they seek other leaders with more experience and wisdom. For me, one such leader, is my father-in-law Ron Weinke. A man of few words, it has been the sense of observation, from this great leader, which has taught me so many valuable lessons.
The day my father, Mike Murphy, passed away began a lifelong relationship which grows deeper every year. As Ron walked into church, for my father’s funeral, I will never forget the look on his face. This is a man who has been to war. A man who has fought for our country. A man who has raised a family and been forever loyal to his beautiful wife, Betty. As he got closer I could see he was scared. I could see this was a moment of reflection as he was a father to 3 children and one day they would be standing in the same shoes I was on that day.
Ron approached me and I sensed he knew there were no words to express his condolences. Being a man of very few words it was not expected. What came next, was all a young man who lost his father needed from the only remaining father he would have to help raise his children in a world filled with adversity and struggle. Ron stood before me, for a moment, wrapped his arms around me and said, “We Love You.” As he backed away a single drop of water fell from his eye. You see, it was his actions which spoke the words every son in law would have wanted to hear.
From that day forward I knew I was truly a part of his family. I knew he took on the responsibility of treating me like his own. Caring for me and my family as if I was blood. It’s a moment I will never forget; as long as I live.
From that day, my observation held true. As a leader I have seen Ron literally give the skin off his back for each and every person in his family. I have seen him sacrifice in times of need. like when his daughter, my wife, calls up at the last minute and asks, “Dad — can you help us out again and pick up your granddaughter at school?” Never once, not once in 9 years!! have I heard him say, “No.”
It’s leadership like this which inspires me to do the same for my family, friends and clients. When they need me the most I strive each and every day to STEP UP!
I have seen him love his grandchildren with everything he’s got. Like the times when asked to take care of Shanley alone with no help. Was he scared because he doesn’t know everything about caring for her type one diabetes… YES! but, he found “it” deep inside himself to fight through his fear and learn what it takes. “Why” because he knows we are all watching. Just like any leader, everyone around them watch and learn. Observing the most about their leader during times of fear and struggle. it’s during these times when I have seen him be human. It’s during these times when I have seen him shine.
It’s leadership like this which has sculpted me into the man I am today. Like Ron, I strive to lead by example. I strive to protect my family, friends and clients just like Ron protected me that day. Because the true test of a leader is not just about winning. It’s not about how many trophies you have in your trophy case. It’s about so much more.
For during times of struggle many leaders feel strength is their only tool. They believe showing weakness or vulnerability is not a quality of good leaders. I believe they are wrong. I believe just the opposite. The ability to show you are human, you care and deep down inside you FEEL for those you love and protect. Those are the real leaders. Because they are the ones who possess empathy and self awareness which allows them to grow each and every day.
I believe, real leaders are those who sacrifice for the greater good of the human to their right. I believe great leaders put others before themselves in times of victory and sacrifice in time of defeat. Because of this I strive each and every day to lead by example. To lead with purpose. Knowing they are always watching.
Ron, I thank you for being my Dad and I thank you for being a leader I can trust and learn from; from this day until the day we part. Your lessons will never be forgotten.
Tim Murphy
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