Leadership on Kaua‘i

•Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of columns discussing leadership on Kaua‘i — a place where leaders discuss the qualities and expectations of leadership specific to the Garden Island.

From the time I was a child I was taught to respect and honor the military and all that their lives’ commitment allows us to enjoy. Kaua‘i has lost its share of sons and daughters “in the line of duty” and we send our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

There are many things akin to military service which apply to all of us when we assume positions of leadership: Courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice and service. Keep them in mind when there’s an opportunity to step into that role in our homes, our places of business and in the community at large.

Courage: Leadership is never easy. It almost always involves taking a position that some will oppose. A courageous leader will stand by his or her convictions regardless of the personal cost. Likewise, a courageous leader will find at times that admitting a mistake and changing a position may be the best course of action. Courage ties directly back to a belief in oneself and in the path taken.

Commitment: It’s not enough to just make a commitment. A true leader keeps his or her commitments in the face of opposition and adversity. Being focused on your goals and persistent in the pursuit is critical to the success of any effort. Others may not always agree with you, but most often they will appreciate the fact that they can count on you to do what you say you will do.

Integrity: I have always felt blessed to have been taught the importance of having strong morals and values from the time I was small. From my parents and grandparents to teachers, coaches and professional role models. It has always been clear to me that success in life is dependent on your personal integrity. Dwight D. Eisenhower said: “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army or in an office.”

Sacrifice: Few of us know what it is to sacrifice as do our military personnel. The liberties they forego on our behalf are the very liberties we cherish so much in our own lives. However, anyone who has provided effective leadership toward a worthy goal knows that success will rarely come without sacrifice. True leadership puts the goal above the task and the pain that comes with it.

Service: Leadership is not a job description or a collection of duties to be fulfilled. True leadership stretches beyond the boundaries that are prescribed by these definitions. A wonderful example of service happens right here on Kaua‘i, in the numerous volunteer efforts supported and sometimes coordinated by the folks who work at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Building playgrounds, cleaning up beaches and enhancing our kids’ educational experiences are all part of everyday life for the men and women of the military who call Kaua‘i home. And what makes it even more wonderful is that many of you are serving right alongside them.

Courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice and service — those who serve our country in the armed forces must employ these principles if they are to succeed. However, these are things we should all strive to incorporate into our everyday lives — especially when we are in a position to lead and truly make a difference for the people of Kaua‘i and this beautiful place that we call home.

•Mayor Bernard Carvalho wrote this piece on leadership in honor of  Military Appreciation Month.