Grateful for each One

I'm finishing week 5 with a new team, new role, new industry and new chapter. While so much is new, there are common threads from a lifetime of learning. The greatest learning for me is that each team, each person, each connection is special and life-changing.

My life has been blessed with great teams made possible by wonderful people. As each colleague, friend and peer comes in and out of my life something remains from each. Those leaving the most positive impressions have a similarity - a passion to want to be better as well as a desire for those around them to be better. This "others first" mentality fosters a lift of capability and support; and allows the possibility of knowing that anything is possible when working together. Working together for a greater good demands that each of us push beyond our current self-imposed boundaries. It also requires we push on our ideas and points of view with respect and encouragement. This way of working is not easy but so worth it. The best part is when we reach beyond our limits WE accomplish it together.

When was the last time we listened, really listened to what someone had to share and then took an active interest in helping that idea live and breathe and become? I get reminded everyday about the magnificence of someone who has an idea that comes to life. Our obligation as leaders is to listen, is to bring out the best in others. In all my experience working with colleagues and friends from around the world who represent a different point of view, industry, a custom and culture - each has such amazing contributions. The most memorable ones encourage all around them to contribute in positive and amazing ways.

To steal a saying from a new colleague and friend, "However you see it, see it clearly"1. I see clearly those of you who positively impact my life. As I look at life and the challenges we sometimes see, we can choose to look at the positive and meaningful aspects that take place everyday and all around us. This good becomes so clear that we can see if from a great distance. It's consuming. We choose how we view life and with whom we surround ourselves. I'm grateful for each one.

By, Winslow Johnson

Credit 1 - Maddie Petry