On March 4, 2025, the world witnessed an unforgettable moment of courage, honor, and human connection. During President Trump's address to Congress, 13-year-old Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel was made an honorary Secret Service agent. DJ, who has been battling brain cancer since 2018, has dedicated himself to joining law enforcement, and that night, his dream became a reality. But it wasn't just the induction that captured hearts—it was the hug.
When Secret Service Director Sean Curran presented DJ with his official badge, the young hero wrapped his arms around him in a spontaneous, heartfelt embrace. The room erupted in applause. Members of Congress stood in unity, chanting DJ's name, as this small act of affection became a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of recognition.
This moment, the hug heard 'round the world, reminded us all that leadership is more than authority—it's about connection. And if there's one person who understood the power of a hug, it was my father, Charlie 'Tremendous' Jones.
A Hug That Corporate Couldn't Stop
My father was world-renowned for his hugs. But did you know his hugging legacy began not on a stage but in an insurance office?
As a young sales manager, he started a tradition every Monday morning—he would walk into the office and hug his men. What began as a simple act of encouragement quickly became an expectation. It caught on so much that corporate took notice!
"Jones, what's this about you hugging the men?" they asked.
For a brief moment, my father tried to stop. But he couldn't—because his men wouldn't let him!
Word had spread that the salesmen were getting more love from Charlie at work than from their wives at home! 😂 The hugs weren't just gestures—they were leadership in action. They built morale, trust, and an unshakable bond. He wasn't just managing people; he was leading with love.
Leadership, One Hug at a Time
DJ Daniel's embrace of Director Curran wasn't just a heartwarming moment—it was a leadership lesson. Like my father's legendary hugs, it showed us that real leadership is about making people feel seen, valued, and part of something greater than themselves.
So, what can we take from this?
- Leadership isn't just about authority—it's about connection.
- Encouragement isn't optional—it's essential.
- The most powerful leaders don't just give orders—they give hugs.
Charlie's Tremendous Hugging Rules
Of course, my father wasn't just a hugger—he was a hugging expert. Over the years, he developed his own set of Hugging Rules and Restrictions. Some were practical, some were hysterical, and all of them were 100% Tremendous!
- Never hug a private person. To them, hugging is considered offensive. Eye contact should usually tell you to restrict yourself to a warm handshake and hug them with your heart rather than your arms.
- Never hug a person as a means of using them or only when you want something.
- Never hug a person to show you are a hugger. Hug only when your heart causes you to do it without contemplating your motive.
- Never hug too hard. Some people are very fragile.
- Never hug too long. You will raise enough eyebrows and questions with short ones!
- Never hug too lightly. They may suspect you don't mean it.
- Hug only members of the same sex unless they are relatives. This avoids jealousy among spouses and other potential problems.
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If this is the person's first hug and you sense shock, there are two things to add to welcome hugs:
- Massage the spine—which is not only refreshing but immediately makes the huggee suspect you are a chiropractic student practicing for exams.
- Reach for their wallet—which causes an immediate awareness that you are a desperate politician with a more direct approach than the regular type. 😂
- Hug often to keep in practice.
- Hug those you live with to keep it fresh and real.
- Have a hug button on your phone so when you are busy in a meeting, you can put them on "hug."
Charlie even came up with a hug coupon, which he freely gave to any and all!
The Challenge: Hug Tremendously
Now, I get it—not every workplace encourages hugging. (HR might have something to say about that! Perhaps we could have Hugging Resources!😂) But there are countless ways to "hug" tremendously:
- A sincere word of encouragement.
- A handwritten note of appreciation.
- A handshake, a pat on the back, or a simple "I see you, and I appreciate you."
DJ Daniel and Charlie Jones showed us that a hug can change someone's day—or even their life. So let's be leaders who embrace, uplift, and inspire.
Because, in the end, the greatest leaders aren't just the ones who make policies and decisions.
They're the ones who make people feel tremendously loved.
We'd love to hear from you if you received a Tremendous hug!
