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.