Dear sonny boy,
I’ve been thinking about a way to explain how to protect others. And the saying above sort of sums it up. It’s a message that’s as old as time, but it’s still cooler than your latest pair of kicks: “Protect who is behind you, and respect who is beside you.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Ugh, another cheesy life lesson, dad.” But hold your eye rolls for a sec because this one’s actually worth your attention. Let’s break it down.
Protect who is behind you.
Think of yourselves as a pack of wolves (minus the howling and fur). The strongest wolves are always at the back, shielding the weaker members from danger. That’s you guys, the big brothers, the leaders of your family squads. You’ve got the power to stand up for the smaller guys, the new kids, the ones who might get picked on. It’s not just about throwing punches (though every so often that’s necessary). It’s about having someone’s back, sticking up for them when they need it most. Remember,
“A true leader isn’t the one who throws the hardest punch, but the one who knows when to throw the right one.”
Kevin B. Leigh — The Bard Dad
Respect who is beside you.
You’re not just lone wolves, you’re part of a pack. Your teammates, your friends, the guys in your classes – they’re all on the same crazy journey with you. Respect means treating them like you want to be treated (shocking, I know). It means valuing their opinions, even if you don’t always agree. It means celebrating their wins and helping them through their losses. Remember, life’s a team sport, and you’re only as strong as your weakest link. This does not mean you need to be a conformist, in fact the opposite, teaching others things that you know, can be a great way to be a leader and to grow your pack.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
– John C. Maxwell
Being a Wingman
It’s not just about being their wingman, it’s about being their mentor, friend, and confidant. Being kind when others are mean, being strong when friends need you, and being the spokesman for positive intention.
The Wingman Dilemma: Respecting the person beside you means never stealing their thunder…or their dance partner.
And Remember I love the ground you walk on boys,
Your Da, Kevin B. Leigh — AKA the Bard Dad
