Community Involvement – Do you have what it takes to initiate a change?
I am writing to you today with a very heavy heart. You see, last night a police officer in my community was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop. This is even more disturbing to me as it occurred less than a mile away from my home. While I was reading the newspaper article about it this morning, I couldn’t help but ask myself what can I do to help? I figured that there are probably two different types of people, or better yet, two different reactions to this violent action.
The first reaction deals with those that don’t care and figure if it didn’t directly affect them, they don’t have to worry about it. The second reaction contains anger, action, and worry. These are the people like me who want to make a difference in the community.
I wrote a “Letter to the Editor” this morning in reaction to this horrible pre-Christmas tragedy. I sent a challenge to the community. I wrote about the fact that citizens need to be responsible, honorable, and proactive. I wrote about the citizens “taking back” their community in a law abiding, meaningful, and responsible way…by reporting suspicious, unlawful activity. By not acting like "ostriches."
As I reflect upon the time when I was writing my letter, I realized what I was asking the community to do. I was asking them to CHANGE. That's right, the "C" word. I know that I cannot change the community or the world by myself. I know that change requires “buy-in” and collaboration.
I am sorry to bring you such bad news right before the holidays, but I felt compelled to tell you my story, and hope that the officer’s wife and 3 month old daughter will be in your thoughts this Christmas.
My challenge to you? Be a proactive member of your community and initiate positive change. BE A LEADER! Be the one to initiate positive change in your home, on your street, in your community, in the WORLD! And do it through leading by example.
May you all have a very Merry Christmas and may 2007 bring you all good health and much prosperity!
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Are YOU the best at what YOU do?
Are YOU the best at what YOU do?
“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi
Truer words may have never been spoken. Those that know me know I love Vince Lombardi’s thought process. Perseverance is the key to success no matter what you do, and Mr. Lombardi emulated that.
I wrote about the keys to organizational success in a previous post and spoke about the importance of contact, and the janitor being the best representative of the company. This rings true very often. If you are in a job, why not be the best at THAT job? Why not strive to be more than is expected? Afterall, the pride of job accomplishment does not lie with the position, but rather the individual.
Take for instance the Sav-On/CVS worker, Thomas. Every time I go to the store where Thomas works, I notice how responsive and helpful he is. It is very apparent that Thomas has made a commitment to be the best employee on the premises. He stands out from the normal employees because he goes over and above what needs to be done.
Thomas still counts-out change! I mean he really does the math! I know that sounds like no big deal, but when was the last time you went to a store and the checker said, “That will be $6.23 out of $10.00 which means you will be getting $3.77 back in change.”? These are the little things that matter. Everyone in the neighborhood knows Thomas. He says hello to all of the customers when they enter HIS store and says goodbye as they leave. You see, Thomas may be “just a checker” in the eyes of many, but he is the best checker you have ever seen.
Imagine if everyone, in every organization took the time to be the best at their position. What if every DMV worker made a pledge to THEMSELVES to be the best DMV worker of all time?
As we near the beginning of 2007, my challenge to you is to be the best at what you do. Set your own limits and reach for the stars. It is critical to remember that everyone is important, and what each person does is important. To go the extra mile is something from times of past. Let’s see if we can incorporate it back into the fabric of society.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi
Truer words may have never been spoken. Those that know me know I love Vince Lombardi’s thought process. Perseverance is the key to success no matter what you do, and Mr. Lombardi emulated that.
I wrote about the keys to organizational success in a previous post and spoke about the importance of contact, and the janitor being the best representative of the company. This rings true very often. If you are in a job, why not be the best at THAT job? Why not strive to be more than is expected? Afterall, the pride of job accomplishment does not lie with the position, but rather the individual.
Take for instance the Sav-On/CVS worker, Thomas. Every time I go to the store where Thomas works, I notice how responsive and helpful he is. It is very apparent that Thomas has made a commitment to be the best employee on the premises. He stands out from the normal employees because he goes over and above what needs to be done.
Thomas still counts-out change! I mean he really does the math! I know that sounds like no big deal, but when was the last time you went to a store and the checker said, “That will be $6.23 out of $10.00 which means you will be getting $3.77 back in change.”? These are the little things that matter. Everyone in the neighborhood knows Thomas. He says hello to all of the customers when they enter HIS store and says goodbye as they leave. You see, Thomas may be “just a checker” in the eyes of many, but he is the best checker you have ever seen.
Imagine if everyone, in every organization took the time to be the best at their position. What if every DMV worker made a pledge to THEMSELVES to be the best DMV worker of all time?
As we near the beginning of 2007, my challenge to you is to be the best at what you do. Set your own limits and reach for the stars. It is critical to remember that everyone is important, and what each person does is important. To go the extra mile is something from times of past. Let’s see if we can incorporate it back into the fabric of society.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
