No speech or buildup. He saluted, and 20,000 people stood and cheered. It was an eruption. For a few seconds, everything else faded out. Just shared respect, love of country, and appreciation.
The emotion of the moment was great, but also a reminder of who actually absorbs risk so others don’t have to think about it. When risk is managed well, it’s largely invisible. When it’s not, it becomes everyone’s problem.
That soldier represents a truth easily forgotten in business: the best risk management rarely draws attention to itself.
Strong organizations don’t eliminate risk. They acknowledge it, plan for it, lessen it, and assign it deliberately. The applause usually comes later, if at all.
Who applauds the great blocking by offensive linemen? But miss one pass rusher . . .
Risk never goes away- just managed.
Happy holidays, y’all!