When asked how I survived over five years as a POW in Vietnam, people often expect a lesson in traditional military strategy.
But the truth is much simpler: we had courageous leaders who set the example doing their duty to follow the six articles of the Military Code of Conduct. They acted responsibly and took torture to follow those articles, and they always shared when they had been tortured and broken to do something that violated them. They suffered, but they bounced back and stayed positive and more strongly committed than before.
Article 5 in our Honor Code is similar:
“Act responsibly; do your duty, and be accountable. Own your mistakes, and work to do better in the future.”
Whether you are leading a team, running a business, or simply managing your daily life, this standard is a daily choice.
Please watch the following coaching clip where I share a couple of stories and examples, and then continue reading below.
The Trap of a “Too Busy” Culture
In our hyper-connected, high-speed world, we face a subtle but dangerous trap. We are constantly rushed, buried under emails, and bouncing from meeting to meeting. This frantic pace creates the perfect breeding ground for excuses.
How often do we find ourselves tempted to let a detail slide, delay a difficult conversation, or ignore a mistake simply because “I just didn’t have the time”?
Our busy culture gives us endless opportunities to shirk our responsibilities under the guise of packed schedules. But using “lack of time” as an escape hatch is just a modern way of cutting corners. True leadership demands that we fight this urge. It takes conscious discipline to intentionally slow down, pause, think through our options, and then act in a responsible manner.
Slowing down to do things right isn’t a waste of time—it is a protective shield for your integrity. When you commit to this discipline, you experience two profound shifts:
- Internal Peace and Confidence: You no longer carry the background anxiety on cut corners or unaddressed issues. You can stand tall, knowing your actions align with your values.
- Team Trust: Your teammates notice when you choose thoroughness over convenience. It reassures them that you have their backs, creating a culture of safety and reliable execution.
The Military Model of Accountability
The military is highly effective at teaching this level of responsibility because it strips away excuses from day one. In basic training, you are held accountable for the smallest details—from perfectly aligned shoes to beds made tight enough to bounce a quarter.
When you fail to meet the standard, there are only three acceptable responses – “Yes, Sir.”, “No, Sir.”, and “No excuse, Sir.”
This framework is designed to build a deep, reflex-like habit of ownership. When leaders fail to hold themselves to this standard, the consequences are severe. No rank or level of success exempts us from personal accountability.
Three Pillars of Responsible Leadership
To bring the strength of Article 5 into your daily routine as a leader, focus on three key attributes:
- Commitment: Be intentional about your duties. Treat your commitments as non-negotiable promises to those who rely on you. Ask for relief quickly if you know you won’t be able to meet them.
- Ownership: Approach your role with the mindset of an owner, not a renter. Care deeply about the long-term health of your project and your team.
- Courage: Doing the right thing when you are exhausted or rushed is hard. It takes courage to stop, own a mistake, and correct course when the world is telling you to keep running.
Even the Smallest Duty Matters
When I was a first lieutenant in the Hanoi prison camps, I was usually the youngest and lowest-ranking POW in my cell. I had no formal power, but I resolved to take ownership of whatever needed to be done—including the most undesirable, humiliating tasks, like emptying the prison cell’s waste bucket.
Six months after we returned home, I received a call informing me that I had been promoted to major two years ahead of my peers. Reflecting on that years later, I realized the promotion wasn’t about a grand strategic triumph; it was about a consistent, daily attitude of owning my responsibilities, no matter how small or menial they seemed.
In a very literal way, emptying the “honey” bucket had its rewards. Making the conscious decision to be accountable and act responsibly will pay dividends for the rest of your life.
“When you resist the frantic rush of today’s culture, slow down, and choose to act responsibly, you aren’t just getting through your to-do list. You are building a legacy of honor.” [Tweet This]
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Lead with Unshakable Integrity: Download The Honor Code
In the heat of daily pressure, it’s easy for a leader’s character to be tested by fear, pride, or the desire to “look good.” But true influence isn’t built on image—it’s built on trust. Derived from lessons of resilience and survival, the Honor Code provides seven foundational articles designed to anchor your leadership and unify your team.
Are you ready to set a higher standard for yourself and your organization? Join a community of leaders committed to character, courage, and commitment.
Download Your Free Copy of The Honor Code (this link downloads a PDF document)
SAVE 30% on The Honor Two-Book Combo Package!
Purchase these award-winning books that Lee mentioned in this month’s coaching in one package. Leading with Honor outlines the 14 leadership lessons learned in the POW camps of Vietnam. And, Engage with honor applies many of the original leadership lessons into a practical Courageous Accountability Model.
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