Monday, November 5, 2012

What an AMAZING day!

Last Thursday was Education Day for this year's Signature Class.  I found the overview of law enforcement inspiring – John Lovick (Sheriff, Snohomish County), Kathy Atwood (Chief, Everett Police Department), and Tony Aston (Training Sergeant, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department) all spoke about leadership and the people in their lives that inspired and mentored them.  The biggest takeaway for me was that life-changing inspirations do not have to come from your parents and do not have to be monumental events.  They often come from complete strangers who can affect us for a lifetime with just a few words.   I was very impressed by the speakers’ spirit of cooperation, humility, and pay-it-forward approach to leadership.  It made me wonder how many times I could be (or perhaps already have been) that person in someone’s life and how profound the ripple effects can be. 

Our County is not perfect and is facing some pretty significant challenges – many of which were touched on throughout the day.  It seemed the perfect day to start our Leadership curriculum talking about authenticity.  The day reminded me of something I read and highlighted in the chapter on authenticity: “Convictions are acute moments of authenticity.  When we hear someone speak from conviction, it is powerful and moving.”   I found every person I heard speak to be authentic, full of conviction, caring, passionate and fiercely proud of their role in our community.  I am very appreciative of the time and effort put in by everyone involved in making the day valuable and memorable.   Best of all - thrilled about my team’s project!