The Six Triple Eight

I love an untold inspiring true story and sharing it.

Tyler Perry’s “The Six Triple Eight,” tells the story of Captain Charity Adams leading the 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II, on which 855 Black women served. These women were given what seemed the impossible task to sort through a 3-year old backlog of mail between U.S. soldiers and loved ones. There were 17 million pieces to mail out. The 6888 were given 6 months to complete this mission and they finished in 90 days.

This story made me feel a multitude of inspiration. The Captain and her team fought with pride against all odds, she led with love and demand, she utilized their individual strengths to increase efficiency for the sorting process, and she preached what could be the larger impact of what may seem like a less important task. They took pride in themselves at every moment while facing everyone who thought they would fail.

I would’ve never imagined watching this film and finding parallel concepts to my own profession in HR world. The U.S. soldiers at war were struggling due to lack of morale due to lack of communication. Something as simple as communication delivered changed everything! That directly parallels to communication and morale of employees in a company. I loved the scene where Captain Charity Adams asks the group as a whole for their perspective. She explains from her eye, but asks the women what they see, what issues are they finding. This is a pivotal moment! It changes the course of their strategy and efficiency.

In my world, I want leaders to find trust and value in their teams. Ask for the opinion of the people doing the work and utilize each individual’s strength. That will increase productivity and effectiveness, and morale.

This group of women saved the morale of the soldiers at war and families at home by getting communication to the right hands.

Thank you to Captain Charity Adams and the women of the 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion. I believe in the power of what you accomplished. I applaud and salute you.