Leadership Blog

My mother always told me that December was a time of contemplation for all that we had been given; a time to think about giving back to those who have been a part of our lives over the years.  It seems to me that great leaders make this a practice of their daily routine.  Not just a once a year activity.

My mother knew this. She was a leader at Community Memorial Hospital for over 25 years.  She never missed an opportunity to thank those people around her for their help, their contribution, and their ability to show up and participate in the face of life.  She was able to recognize people not just in word, but in deeds and in her amazing ability to listen. 

I know that my mother always felt she could have been a better leader.  She strived to do what was right.  I am sure that she was amazed as she looked down from her place in heaven during her funeral at all the people that came to honor her. 

Here are just a few of the comments I remember:

“Your Mom hired me 20 years ago and gave me a chance.”

“Your Mom was my Father’s nurse 25 years ago in the ICU and I will never forget her kindness to him and my family.”

“Your Mom helped me – when no one else would.”

“Your Mom believed in me before I could believe in myself.”

“Your Mom was an amazing woman.”

“Your Mom was always there to help.”

“Your Mom was the one that I knew I could turn to for advice.”

“Your Mom showed me what it meant to be a nurse.”

I could go on. Connie Weber was an amazing leader just by being a person who recognized others. 

So I challenge all of us this December to recognize something great in the people we come in contact with. To first seek appreciation for who they are, and let them know you see them, you hear them and you are there for them.