1 Peter 2:9  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

The story about my dad shaped not only me but all of us in the Sy family. We were taught that when we were kids the distinction of the Sy family. Though my parents were not the type of parents who would huddle us to teach us about leadership concepts and principles, they did show us how to live it out.

“You are a Sy.”

That was a strong statement we heard growing up. It helped differentiate us from others. It is something that I tell my kids now.  As a family, we have distinct values, and that stems from our identity as Sy.

In one of our conversations over dinner, we discussed with our kids the impartations that we got from our family line.

My wife Thammie came from a line of geniuses. She has a cousin who has a Doctorate Degree before the age of fifteen. Most of her relatives are in the 99 percentile when it comes to IQ. The love for arts and creativity also came from the line of Thammie My wife’s mother’s side came from a family of businesspeople. Thammie’s grandfather was a genius businessman who expanded his business in the Philippines, creating jobs for thousands of Filipinos. For my family line, it was business impartation and creating wealth. The spirit of starting things and making them grow was evident in our line. We told our kids that this is the legacy given to them by God. You did not choose to be in this family but God placed you here for that reason. Take advantage of that and love our distinctive. Practice and cultivate it for you and the people you lead.

Knowing that I am beginning life at the age of 40, I also realize how most of my leadership principles are tied up to my relationship with God. As much as my parents imparted values to me, it is my relationship with God that has matured much of the impartation I have received from family.

It’s a leadership lesson I have embraced. Know whose you are then you will know who you are.