Many years ago, I developed four “pillars” that guide me in leadership roles I take, places where I can do my best work, and situations where my values align with the organization. People who know me well also recognize that I embrace alliteration and acronyms! These four pillars are wrapped into four “C”s of Communication, Compassion, Culture, and Curiosity.

Following are my four. FIND YOURS. Look back at what makes you tick, where you’ve been successful, what brings you joy, how you best influence others, what makes you AUTHENTIC.  

Okay, I also am a lover of movies! I look for meaning, inspiration, a laugh, a new thought, an escape…really no different than most of us. I’ve noted a few movies below that basically relate to my four pillars. It’s not necessary to make my pillars your own but find a way to watch the movies! I could name many, but ALL have important messages. If you have seen some of them, why not revisit them now?  

HUMAN DIGNITY FOR ALL

Human Dignity is the recognition that human beings possess a special value intrinsic to their humanity and as such are worthy of respect simply because they are human beings. Each person is worthy of honor and respect for who they are, not just for what they do. It cannot be earned, and it cannot be taken away. For me, the emphasis is that every human being, regardless of age, ability, status, gender, ethnicity, etc., is to be treated with respect. Particularly in the realm of the developmentally disabled and economically disadvantaged, this has been a theme throughout my adult life. (“City of Joy” – 1992; “Life is Beautiful” – 1997; ‘The Shawshank Redemption” – 1994)

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM, TREATED RESPONSIBLY

Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom is the basis for our democratic system. To do so responsibly, our citizenry must be well-informed. For me, inherent in this is a responsibility to seek and project accuracy with positive social and cultural intentions. (“Absence of Malice” – 1981; “Good Night and Good Luck” – 2005; “The Truman Show” – 1998)

FAITH WITH CURIOSITY

I have a strong faith in God and in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but I also realize I am not close to having all the answers. God, His timeline, His plan, His Gift of Grace…all are far beyond my scope and ability to comprehend. My beliefs are not fundamentalist and unwavering; I see goodness and love in others who do not share my faith in the same way. I am comfortable with my ultimate destination and am hopeful (and excited!) about God providing me answers to questions that escape my human mind. (“Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret?” – 2023: “Dogma” – 1999: “Doubt” – 2008)

WONDER and WIT with WISDOM

This combination drives me and encourages me to lead by example as much as possible. Seeing the world around me with child-like wonder and a “glass is half-full” mentality; being open to new ideas, trying at all times to react objectively and learning all along the way; having serious thoughts but not taking myself too seriously, and projecting the same. I am confident I gain wisdom through this wonder and wit and adherence to my other three pillars, as long as I add doses of humility. (“Being There” – 1979; “Field of Dreams” – 1989; “Forrest Gump” – 1994)

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David Middleton is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in interim management, strategic planning, staff and board development, and organizational growth. Learn more about David in his bio.