“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.“ – Margaret Mead, anthropologist
If you are preparing our workforce in a classroom, a wet lab, or a welding workshop, we are rooting for you. If you are writing grant applications to revive a retail corridor, working out the complex logistics of a transit system that will deliver people to their workplace, or working quietly to assemble land on the edge of town for the next industrial park – we’re rooting for you.
As much as we like to speak about collaboration, some things must be done by the extraordinarily passionate advocate or a few dedicated professionals working a hard problem on a worn-out whiteboard. These people benefit from your collaboration and financial support, but they often keep going through the tough times because of your handwritten notes of encouragement and anonymous ways in which you remove small obstacles to their progress.
This week I ask that you think of those quiet individuals, teams, or organizations who are doing this work behind the scenes. Let them know you are rooting for their success and appreciate their toil. Through their work behind the headlines, they are expressing their leadership; and through your acknowledgement of their work, you can express yours.
Let’s have a great week, lift each other up, and move forward together.
Kenny McDonaldPresident and CEOColumbus Partnership