A Message to Garcia

As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. – Proverbs XXV: 13

In 1889, Elbert Hubbard published an article titled, "A Message to Garcia". It detailed the story of Lt. Andrew Summers Rowan of the United States Army. He was given an assignment, deliver this message to General Calixto Garcia the leader of the Cuban rebels fighting to be liberated from Spanish rule during the Spanish American war. The accuracy of Hubbards account of Lt. Rowan's journey has since been challenged, but nevertheless offers a perspective on the character of the type of person we all want on our team.

The story speaks of a man whose commitment to the organization is without challenge, a man who can be trusted, is focused, has the backbone needed to accomplish the task, and is loyal. Hubbard questions why it is so difficult to find people who possess these characteristics and how often we fail to acknowledge and celebrate those on our team who possess them.

He cries out for people who will carry out the task at hand, who are committed to the work handed to them rather than a way to get out of doing the work. These are the women and men who instead of asking why me, why do I have to do it, respond with why not me. These are women and men who are committed to lending a helping hand, being part of a team and stepping into whatever challenge is presented to them. People who understand that all their work provides for an opportunity to lift the organization up and that it in the end, the success of the organization benefits all who are committed to its purpose.

Hubbard challenges workers to step up and be more than status quo, to be exceptional in all they do and to do so because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the wages to be earned or the hours to be worked. The characteristics he identifies as reflective of a person committed to delivering the message to Garcia, are the same characteristics we seek in each of our employees. If you are as blessed as I am, you can list the names of those on your team who can deliver the message to Garcia. Never forget to acknowledge and celebrate them! Just a little advice to go!