An event happened this weekend that really got my attention! I'm interpreting it as one of the finest examples of my own personal effectiveness along with some great teamwork to deliver a truly poignant experience.
In April a woman I know through the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust passed away after a heroic, but losing, battle with cancer. She was so bubbly and friendly, a great role model for all the volunteers of the group. Maybe because we both had chaired the Volunteer Services committee or had worked together on other projects, but I felt her loss, as did the organization.
My unique talent that I bring to life and to all those around me - whether they want it or not - is ideas. Some of them are hare-brained. Others astonishingly good. This was a good one. I knew we had to recognize Catherine's grace and spirit with an award.
On Saturday night the award came to life in the most memorable way. Catherine's husband, a writer, presented the award with the bravest, most perfect speech that captured everything I had hoped when I had the original idea. He talked about her hospitality and way she made every volunteer feel special, he talked about her struggle for the last few years and how much support from other volunteers meant. Then he presented the Waterford Crystal bowl to the 1st recipient -- who also was a good friend of Catherine's.
The winner embodies everything the award is meant to recognize. He volunteers several hundred hours each year, primarily working with the new interpreters of the Wright Home & Studio - and has never been recognized for his efforts. His acceptance speech - totally spontaneous as he knew nothing of getting this award - was so gracious and heartfelt I felt this was almost a "convergence moment" when all good things come together in this world.
There was a lot of behind the scenes work that had to be done to meet the party deadline and potentially a lot of politics that could have undermined the beauty of this award. But everyone worked together to make this happen.
Ideas are my profession so many come to life often. But this was the best. It didn't sell any products. No one got a raise. But it enriched lives, mine included. And it pointed out that this is what my personal effectiveness is all about.
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3 comments:
A few notes of thanks a praise for this entry:
1. Thank you for your writing style, giving enough context and detail to allow readers to appreciate the experience.
2. I loved how you could sincerely be proud of a great thing you initiated. Sometimes it is difficult for me to step back and recognize something I did that was good, so I loved your bravery on that front.
3. What a gift!!! You do have amazing ideas and throughout all of your entries, that is VERY EVIDENT. I can't wait to hear more about your journey and work based on your creativity and flow.
What a fulfilling experience. I'm glad you are comfortable enough to celebrate your success and revel in a job well done. You deserve the pleasure for executing on such a selfless and moving idea.
Words of warning, which you already touched on in your blog: these things can/do sometimes get tarnished by politics and debate over future recipients, people missing the meaning or true nature of what embodied the spirit of the original personalities behind these tools for recognition.
I belong to an organization that did a similar award, named in honor of a deceased member. It was great for three years, then deteriorated into a popularity contest with no relation to the values we wanted to uphold or the spirit of the orignal honoree.
Help your group stay above these things if you can...try to be the True North for your groups compass, point out when they deviate from the original intended path of such a noble and meaningful award. I failed in this regard with my group. It would be nice if someone/anyone benefited from that failure.
Hi Chris,
It looks like you and I will have to be doubly effective this term.
I enjoyed reading your comments because you bring an analysis that digs deep on issues. I can always count on you to scratch below the surface on topics. Thanks for staying sharp and keeping me on my toes.
Daniel
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