Chris Geis Blog

This blog reflection was written by Chris Geis, USMC Veteran, CDM Mentor, and Cohort 4 Spartan Leadership Participant who graduates in November from the 7-month program.

Travis Manion Foundation’s premiere Spartan Leadership Program connects purpose with passion to hone and leverage the leadership of our nation’s heroes. The 7-month program offers an innovative way for veterans and families of fallen heroes to learn and embrace the framework of TMF Spartan Leadership, which begins with self-development and culminates in building a lasting legacy of service.

My experience to this point in the SLP program has been nothing less than remarkable. From the onset, I was unsure of why I was selected to be amongst the diverse and unique group that we have. Diving into Atlanta, I leaned on the statement of “each of you were selected for a reason.” Embracing that I did quite a bit of self-reflection, looking at my past experiences and what I am able to offer to the Cohort. Starting my journey, I always fashioned myself as a “leader”. Leading Marines, leading in my community, and leading in my professional life.

What SLP has taught me is that there is so much more to being a leader than what I could have ever imagined.

In each of our sessions and guest speakers, I have fully committed to expanding my knowledge and pushing the limits of what I perceived leadership to be. I have made a purposeful attempt to not only learn these new avenues but to embrace and exercise these teachings. The practical applications of Positive Psychology have had remarkable results in both my personal and professional life. As we moved toward our journey in Colorado, I began to view Leadership as something other than the traditional sense.

Our experience in Colorado opened my eyes to new perspectives on what is truly leadership. We talk heavily on our 24 character strengths and how Leadership is one of those character strengths. What I observed in Colorado is that each person in our cohort leads in their own ways with their character strength. What do I mean by that? Take a person like Aubrey. She self admittedly has never “led” a group of people. But her strengths are love, kindness, and zest. Her persona and living those character beliefs in key times on our journey were fine examples of Leadership for the situation. Lior had moments of love and courage, which were needed for the group at that time and are great examples of leadership. What I am getting at is each person in our cohort has unique character strengths that provide different aspects of leadership at different times. What that has done for me has allowed me to gain perspective and broaden my experience, challenging my own beliefs on what leadership looks like.

When I say I am so very fortunate to have been selected for the SLP program, I am not giving it enough justice.

The ability to develop relationships and connections with a group of strangers have been remarkable. Our commonalities and our uniqueness have drawn the group together, providing each of us with a remarkable experience.

I am so humbled to have had the opportunity to participate in the program. Honored to have met this fine group of Veterans and Gold Star Family members. Honored to have learned from the TMF staff and our esteemed guests. This experience has allowed me to focus on developing myself so that I am better prepared to lead others in my personal life, community, and profession.

This experience has allowed me to develop and find PURPOSE.

Improving my physical and mental self so that I can better serve others. I look at my experience in the SLP program as the start of my journey, the beginning of my second mission in life. I feel that I have the direction and knowledge to make a lasting impact on those around me through acts of service. Without these experiences, I doubt I would be mentally prepared to be effective in executing that mission.

Applications for the 2023 Spartan Leadership Program are open through October 30th, 2022. To learn more about this opportunity visit >> https://bit.ly/3RZAWrP