Let's make 2009 an Awesome Leadership Year

As I prepare for our next LSC Education Day on Business and Economic Development in Snohomish County, I cannot help but think about the current issues facing the country and our own area. The call for leadership is screaming across the headlines throughout our country. With the mortgage crisis, the national bailout of select financial institutions, the auto makers crisis, and the continued Wall Street roller coaster, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. In such times we tend to look for a savior - one individual, or a small group of individuals, who will ride in valiantly on a white horse and rescue us from our current reality. Let me snap you back to reality!!! The time for sitting back and passively hoping for someone else to change the world is often a losing proposition and not a viable option.

These are both scary as well as exciting times. Ghandi said, " Be the change you want to see in the world." That quote means to me that it is not up to one leader to change the world. The time has come for all leaders throughout our nation to step up. The New Year brings with it endless possibilities for positive change. While the country's economic crisis might feel overwhelming on a grand scale, there are small steps that every individual can take on a daily basis to make a positive impact. While you might not be able to make a substantial impact at the national level, everyone can make a difference locally. From volunteering at your local shelter a few hours per month to mentoring underprivileged youth to running for a local council seat, every individual can help to create positive change for the future within their own community. One of the things I will be asking myself is this, "What can I do to make a difference in 2009?

Leaders take action. Anyone can sit back waiting for someone else to make a difference. Step up and take the lead.

Great Public Policy Day

Having worked for elected officials in the past, I was very anxious to see how the Washington process works. The speakers shared a lot of great information with us. It was fascinating to hear about things from the Native American point of view because it is clear to me that there are a lot of opportunities for improvement in that area.

I was very impressed with the great questions posed by all my fellow classmates. They are very informed on the issues. I came there to listen and learn because I am still trying to figure out how things really work around Snohomish County. Having lived in 3 states in the past 4 years, I find myself comparing the way things are there to the way things are here. To me this is an advantage in some aspects but a marked disadvantage in other ways. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that it really makes a difference when you do not live directly in the state capital of any state. I feel so out of the loop. I know that I have a lot of learning to do because if I plan to be a strong leader and agent of change then I need to know about the current issues and the way this government works so I can be an informed citizen.

Thank you Leadership Snohomish County for providing such great speakers.

Expressing Gratitude

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this week!!! As Thanksgiving approaches my thoughts turn to the things that I am thankful for this year. I feel it is important to express gratitude to others. One thing I have learned from my experience in LSC so far is that leaders should let those around them know that they and their contributions are appreciated. I thought about some simple ways that I show appreciation. Here are five simple ways to express your gratitude this Thanksgiving:
1. Say "Thank You." When a colleague goes above and beyond, when your spouse completes a chore that he/she isn't usually assigned, when a friend lends a helping hand, show that you appreciate their efforts. Saying "thank you" is an often overlooked, but powerful, expression of gratitude that allows the recipient to know that they are valued. Two simple words that are worth so much.
2. Pick up the telephone. Do you have team members, friends or family sprinkled all over the country? A simple phone call this week wishing them a very happy Thanksgiving will go along way to letting them know that you value their presence in your life.
3. Extend a dinner invitation. Are you having a large gathering this Thanksgiving? Do you know a colleague or friend who might be alone for the holiday? Express your gratitude by inviting him/her to join you.
4. Offer to cover. Do you work in an industry that needs people to work over the upcoming holiday weekend? Or, do you know someone who is travelling for the holiday? If you don't already have established plans, show you appreciate the contributions of others by offering to cover holiday shifts. If you have plans but are not traveling, offer to cover for a few hours on Wednesday afternoon so that those traveling can hit the road a bit early.
5. Be present. If you are lucky enough to be spending Thanksgiving with those who are most important to you, the best way to show them that you are grateful for their presence in your life is to be fully present throughout the holiday. Leave the Blackberry in your briefcase, put the laptop away, turn off any unnecessary television and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Sharing your whole self with others, whether watching the football game together, engaging in meaningful conversation over dinner, or playing on the floor with the young ones, is the best method to show your gratitude this Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for this great program and I am very thankful that I was selected to be part of such a wonderful team of leaders. Happy Thanksgiving.

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

The recent education day was very enlightening for me on multiple levels. Prior to my work at Boeing, I spent 7 years working for the Oklahoma State Department of Education in different capacities from School Auditor to Special Education Compliance. I will always have a special spot in my heart for all teachers because their job is truly one that requires a great degree of self-sacrifice. The examples we saw made it very clear to me that it truly does take a village to raise a child. Parents need to take an active role in all facets of education. Everyone needs to take a participatory role in education in one form or another. Life is not a spectator sport. One of my favorite quotes comes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, " Knowing is not enough; We must apply. Willing is not enough; We must do." This experience in LSC will touch us all in different ways, I challenge each one of my co-leaders to pay it forward and apply their special talents in a way that will leave a lasting legacy. Looking forward to the next education day!!!

Education Day -informative and inspiring

Thank you to the Leadership Snohomish County Education Committee for the high quality program provided last Thursday November 6th, 2008. Although I enjoyed the entire day I found the site visit to Quilceda Elementary especially informative and inspiring. I also enjoyed the panel session held late in the day. It was impressive to hear so may leaders within our community speak about their passion....and inspire us to contribute more to our community.

New Class Kick-Off September 2008

Our Leadership Class kicked off with a two-day retreat in LaConner. Margot Helphand was once again our facilitator, taking the class on a tour of getting to know our own leadership styles. Margot has been initiating our Leadership Classes for the past ten years and she is truly a gem. There was lots of reflecting, sharing, and connecting. A highlight of the retreat was our dinner with the Leadership Snohomish County Board of Directors. More reflecting and connecting through a delicious dinner. The class topped off the night by treating us to a song.....I think it was a song....did I mention the wine?- Sarri

LSC & Me

I have already personally THANKED the management team from my current employer on the opportunity to be a student in the LSC Class of 2007-2008. I am relatively new to Snohomish County. LSC has been a great experience to learn about products, goods, and services that I never knew existed until LSC gave me the exposure. I have not volunteered in the past for an organization. I had an idea in my head of what it would be like to volunteer for an organization. My idea and reality have unfortunately not connected. This is not due to the lack of skills or ambition of the folks in our group. I was/am very impressed by the skills, creativity, leadership, and willingness to provide a high quality end product of our group members. It is good to know there are some folks out there trying to make a positive difference in the community. I am very greatful to LSC for the learning experience that is provided. I say THANK YOU to all of the students in the current LSC Class. See you all on 4/3.

greg

S.A.V.E. - What difference can you make?

If you remember, the topic for the first presentation team way back in December was about "running for office." Our recommendation was the creation of S.A.V.E. - Snohomish County Alliance for Voter Education. The purpose was to form a non-partisan review board to look into each candidate, the issues, their voting records, experience, etc and then create a piece that rates the candidates. Tim Krivanek and I are holding the first meeting of S.A.V.E. and we'd like you to join us. So, "save" the date for Tuesday, April 22nd. We'll meet at 5 p.m. at The Flying Pig. Please let me know if you plan to join us. S.A.V.E. - leadership in action!

Believing Is Seeing

On my way home from our Arts and Culture Education day, this photo was the view I had on the ferry. The Arts Education Day was about inspiration. Everywhere we went, we saw passionate people. For me, this photo speaks to my feelings about Leadership Snohomish County. I am inspired by the meaning of this work, and the vision of the founders and Board of LSC. This photo also speaks to my personal leadership values; being present, being willing to stretch through dark clouds, articulating a vision, letting people find their awe in what is possible, responsibly holding a structure for the "work" to happen, and aligning closely with others to do the work.

Community

Community....

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because the what the world needs is people who have come alive."

"Community cannot for long feed on itself; it can only flourish with the coming of others from beyond, their unknown and undiscovered brothers."

Howard Thurman.

During most recent education day, the LSC student presentation team gave us each clay to occupy our hands during their presentation. We were told to create something reflective of ourselves. Above is a photo of my creation, little clay people - which I called "community." I believe in the power of a community drawn together by common ideals and am glad to belong to the LSC community.

As you consider the concept of community, what images come to mind?

How would you describe the LSC community?

-Kerry

Reflection

As I cruised various leadership blogs I ran across this quote from the Army. It's a definition of leadership that resonated with me.

"Leadership is influencing people -- by providing purpose, direction, and motivation -- while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization."

How about you? Any favorites?

- Kerry

Leadership Snohomish County Experience

I wanted to take some time and write about my experience as a part of LSC. I was honored to be selected to participate in such a great program. My experience with LSC has been nothing but positive. Learning about the different facets of Snohomish County has only enhanced my belief that we are a great community and our future is going to be amazing. If the LSC class of 2008 is any indication of the future.... watch out! We love Snohomish County and are devoted to making it an even better and stronger community as a whole and a role model not just to the state of Washington but all 50 states as well!
The professionals that make up the class of 2008 are truly one-of-a-kind!! While we joke about being the 'worst' class, we all know that we really are the BEST CLASS LSC has ever had!!!!

My Team worked on the Trailside Village Girls and Boys Club. It was rewarding to see us pull together as a team. We all contributed. We all brought different strengths to the project. It was nice to see that a "whole" working together , we were able to benefit form the expertise of others on our team!

LIFO in Action

At our last class, I chatted with Sari and another member of my project team after lunch to vent some frustrations about how our project was going. Our entire team was feeling frustrated and the team member sitting with me was venting with me. All of a sudden, I realized that we had a great tool to turn to so I suggested my fellow team member dig out their LIFO and see what style was most preferred during adverse times. I was quite proud of myself for that suggestion.

But it was only on the drive home that night when I realized maybe I should take my own advice! I pulled out my LIFO the next day and looked at my most preferred style during adverse times and thought about ways in which I could act or react to the situation our project team was faced with. And guess what? It worked! It was a good reminder to step back, pay attention to what buttons were getting pushed and then look at the styles I use and how to balance the situation.

Thanks Leadership Snohomish County for the opportunity to take the LIFO. It was good to put it to practice and not let it sit in a binder gathering dust! I guess this is a good reminder that not all of our learning takes place during our once a month education days.

My First Class- Feb 7, 2008

Destiny can sometimes be full of good humor. My first day with the Leadership Class happened to be the "Health and Human Service Education Day". After spending much of the last 22 years in the field that has been my calling, I can only say that I took it as a nod from the outer reaches that I am here, as the new Executive Director of Leadership Snohomish County.
It was great to meet the class and very quickly I felt absorbed into the process and welcomed into project groups to talk about the personal journey.
I welcome all of you to our public class blog. I know there are many people who would enjoy reading along and feeling a connection to the Leadership Class and the personal experiences.
The purpose of the blog spot is to share our personal experiences and some of the ways that we are growing and stretching from the impact project work.
- Sarri