If you watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves

That was a quote I always remember from the Founders of StockPot. They literally meant it in terms of making money. But, I wanted to share how that principle applied with Meals on Wheels and our company (and there really will be a point to this that applies to the class). In November 2009, a few of us were talking about 'past lives' and how we'd done Meals on Wheels. I decided to contact Senior Services, and the idea of volunteer drivers seemed kind of new to how Snohomish County operates its program. But, we all went into it together, and we signed up for weekly delivery. We set up a voluntary sign up sheet, and the same folks started out signing up. Slowly we got up to about 6 regulars, and a half dozen sometimers. A different employee caught on to what we were doing, and informed the team that we were eligible for Campbell's Angel Points, which contributes $500 for every 25 hours you volunteer with a charity. Long story short, they submitted the teams hours, and last week we were able to present 3 $500 checks to SSSC, AND because of the total hours of the team for 2010, we were able to present a check for $6,000. Needless to say, Martha and Jane (at SSSC) were surprised and giddy over the events. The point, and how I relate leadership to all of this, is that small contributions individually, when cumulated is enormous. Leadership is about getting as many small contributions as possible, to have an enormous impact.

Gratitude

Yesterday, I went to the final meeting on our group project for the class of 2011 (best class ever.) The closing of a chapter always makes me look back at what came before, and so, as I read the section on
gratitude, I have the last nine months in my head.
I came to Leadership Snohomish excited to learn about the community I live and work in, and that my child is growing up in, and also apprehensive- feeling I had nothing to contribute in terms of actual 'leadership' (aptitude or ability.)

The first day's survey of styles revealed- unsurprisingly- my own tendency toward introversion. While I
didn't think I needed a class to tell me this about myself, I was interested to begin to look at new opportunities in working with people with different innate styles.
I was somewhat surprised when put into project groups to find myself with people who also (to varying degrees) tended toward introversion. The project we were assigned- a feasibility study for Bridgeways looking at expansion- was also the one that I felt least comfortable about. Over the coming weeks and months I found myself working with a group of incredibly intelligent, compassionate and, above all, humorous individuals. Sarri said she picked the groups at random, but I think
there may be more to it than that. Our group was supportive, efficient,effective and able to laugh at ourselves. I am incredibly grateful to have had the chance to get to know all of them and hope to count them among my friends through all our future roles in Snohomish County.

In gratitude,
Nicole

Reflections on Health and Human Services

I couldn't have been more thrilled about the topics discussed during this particular education day. For two reasons:  1) Greater insight into some of the hardships taking place in Snohomish County, 2) Leadership and the importance of human services were discussed as going hand in hand.


1)   I  first became acquainted with the violence and hardships that were and are happening at both a national and international level some years ago and remember finding it so disheartening and so upsetting that I wrote a few letters to Congress.  After reading material such as "Half the Sky," and other relevant works I have been inspired to focus on women empowerment in my next career, so I found this education day to be very informational as it touched on many of the different components I should consider being aware of. 

2)  The interpersonal component is either missed or mentioned briefly in much of the Leadership and management curriculum because there is always such a high focus on power and money. I sincerely believe that often times caring for one another becomes foreign and lost in the shuffle, at least from my perspective. For example, I have taken countless courses on management, marketing, accounting, finance, etc. where the focus is on maximizing profits and enhancing the bottom line and can only count on my hand a class or two geared toward expanding on the social dynamic in relation to being sensitive to people's needs and how to treat people like people and social responsibility owed to the community.  Afterall, it would make no sense to discuss community building without acknowledging some of the hardships experienced by many in the community. 
 


I just couldn't help but be reminded of a quote spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King that, "power without love is abusive and reckless, while love without power is sentimental and anemic."  Given this quote there clearly must be a balance between power and care for humanity especially when focusing on Leadership within a given community.  Thank you LSC!  I am grateful to impart a deeper knowledge of some of the travesties happening in the Snohomish County area. 

January

At our most recent education day, we had several representatives from the local business community present on a wide variety of topics. The local economy was a central theme, and it was interesting to hear different viewpoints. Clearly, times are challenging, with Snohomish County unemployment trending slightly higher than the national average. Several business owners told us about their personal experiences in having to lay off employees and struggling to keep their businesses solvent. Despite that, there was a tenacity and resilient spirit that shone through. Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Director Bob Drewel was most optimistic as he pointed out how global our region is in its approach. He indicated that the Puget Sound remains vibrant and innovative, and is better positioned than many areas of the US to pull ahead as the economy recovers.

Our discussion topic for the day was sponsorship, the willingness to advocate for a cause or idea, with the determination to move beyond words to action. What struck me about this was just how important it is for all of us to be more actively engaged in our communities, especially in challenging economic times. Leadership Snohomish County has broadened my perspective considerably, and introduced me to several ways I can be a more engaged citizen and sponsor.

Government & Public Policy in Snohomish County

December's Education Day is on "Government & Public Policy in Snohomish County."  We started out the day at Snohomish County Chamber having a mock exercise on KRKO Towers.  Class members took on varies roles as council members, activist, citizens, business owners, county clerk, and policy analysist.  It is a very delicate balance indeed for council members to find a position that will address concerns from all sides.

After the mock exercise, we had an amazing line-up of speakers:  Peter Camp from Snohomish County, addressing major concerns that are facing the County; John McCoy from 38th Legislative District on Understanding State and Tribal Issues; John Lovick from Snohomish County Sheriff on Leadership, and his personal stories of why he ran for office; Tim Eyman on the Initiative Process; and Luck Loeffler, Rick Larsen's Legislative aide, on Federal Government, and of course our very own Sarri Gilman on one of the Leadership qualities - Purpose.

The speakers not only provided excellent personal stories of how they took on their leadership role, but also offered us valuable opportunities to ask questions, which all of us took full advantage of.

For me personally, Sarri's topic on "Purpose" really rounded off the day.  Every one of these successful people have one thing in common.  They are all very passionate about their cause, whatever that maybe.  The passion and energy that they all carry are undeniable.  They all have found their own calling, or their "Authentic Purpose."

One of the many reasons we are all participating in this class is to learn how to be more effective as a community leader.  In order to be effective, we need to have answers to three very important questions before a cause can be served effectively:  Why, How, and What.

Why are we doing "this"? How do we achieve "this"?  And at the end of day, What is the result that we want? 
What's your purpose?  Have you found your answers to all three questions? 

If so, Congratulations, because you are well on your way.  If not, stay tuned, as we will all learn how to find ours, in the remainder of this program.

However, in the meantime, we need to pay attention, and learn how to "listen."  As Sheriff John Lovick said, the "Right words at the Right Time" will take hold when you are ready.

Until next time.....


Grace Kane

Law, Justice and Leadership

The theme for November's educational adventures has been "Law and Justice," and I've tried to take full advantage of the opportunities Leadership SC has organized for us.

During one of those opportunities yesterday -- a ride along with the Snohomish PD -- I was reminded that law enforcement and academics often see themselves on opposite political sides. Academics like me - I am a member of the Edmonds Community College faculty - certainly have an unflatteringly "liberal" reputation. Ouch!

After hearing representatives from Corrections, from various sheriff and police offices, from public defenders, and from Juvenile and Drug Courts, however, lament the effects of our state's budget crisis, I'm convinced that we, as public servants, are more alike than unalike.

This claim was met with resistance when I floated it yesterday, so let me explain the similarities I see:

1. All of us working in the community as employees of Washington state possess education and training that make us professionals at the jobs we're entrusted to do. We want to serve the segment of the public that requests our help, and we want to achieve success and growth in our own personal careers.

2. We are also all regularly called to perform services that exceed and expand our baseline job descriptions. The officers I worked with yesterday did not simply pull over speeders and apprehend crooks. They built relationships with teenagers and encouraged them to stay in school. They provided mediation and sympathy for people in crisis. They took a personal and active interest in the safety and health of people suffering from mental illness. These are daily facets of my job, as well.

3. We are increasingly asked to do our jobs, and more!, with decreasing resources. And our salaries are the smallest part of this complaint. My limitations in serving my students mirror the limitations faced by all of the representatives of the "law and justice" community we've heard from this month. We all know that prevention and crisis support are far more effective than penalties and neglect, and we know that these services require funding! Say what you will about taxes, but all of our institutions rely on them...

I know it's not polite to discuss politics, but doing so once this common ground is explicitly established makes for a productive, if not vote- or political-party-changing, conversation. I am grateful to be reminded of this.

Reflection

Prior to the first day of our retreat, I had not sat down and thoughtfully reflected on my strengths and personal styles in working with others or as a leader. Unlike many of my colleagues in the best class ever, the LIFO Survey we took that day was my first in-depth analysis at my style. And while I know everyone in that room took something away from the survey, I fully recognize that for me, it was an energizing and enlightening experience.

Let's face it. There are some facts about ourselves that we're not very quick to recognize. Then there are strengths that we may know we have, but we've never taken the time to weigh or evaluate as compared to our other strengths. That day, I was clearly struck by my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to draw connections to my day-to-day tendencies and recognized that, yep, those results were spot-on. Quite eye-opening.

The LSC retreat also made me realize how much you can learn with simple, straight-forward conversations and tasks. The simple act of working silently with teammates to piece together puzzle shapes in geometric patterns was a great experiment in communication. I found that tasks, such as these puzzles, coupled with simple interviews of my colleagues in the best class ever, were remarkable ways to make connections.

I walked out of the retreat with a level of enthusiasm I had not anticipated. The projects are fascinating and worthy of our best work, and while I must admit they seem daunting, I can't wait to see what happens next. Looking forward to what the next six months will bring!