Greetings!
In this time of ordering “take out," I want to deliver you an order of LEADERSHIP take out, a three course portion of leadership lessons based upon the items most frequently mentioned when we ask people how they have changed as a result of their LEADERSHIP experience.
1.
I now realize the value of introspection.
- What is your why?
- If not me, then who?
- It's your 75th birthday. What are people thanking you for?
Most people are too busy to carve out time to answer this sort of question, yet the answers can be life-changing, compelling, and clarifying.
In this period of forced confinement these important questions are looming in our peripheral vision. Am I living my best life? Is there something I need to change? If not now, then when?
Finish this first course by asking yourself:
- Has this situation revealed ways that I can be a better person? Family member? Colleague? Boss? Philadelphian?
- What one step can I take to be a better version of myself.
- What should I stop doing? Start doing? Continue?
2.
I can see the interplay between vulnerability and leadership.
- How is life different from what you thought it would be at 20?
- How are you different inside from the way people see you on the outside?
- Talk about a character-building experience.
At some point in class most people cry. This usually surprises and unnerves them, but is moving and endearing to those who witness the tears. They happen when an unexpected memory comes forward, or a long gone loved one is remembered, or in sympathy with a classmate who is sharing something deeply personal. It often happens as a primitive reaction to the intensity and beauty of students dancing or singing for us at CAPA.
When we remove our corporate masks and make ourselves vulnerable, revealing our basic human and flawed selves, others let down their guard and share. We see beneath the surface and the assumptions we make about one another, to the place where we are more alike than different. We connect through our shared humanity.
Have you taken any time during this lockdown to share your fears or concerns in a constructive way? Have you invited your family, colleagues or friends to express their concerns? As a leader, you can listen respectfully to ensure that the others feel heard and refrain from dismissing fears or pretending that all is well. Then use your optimism to share an example of thriving through a frightening unknown, or a story of inspiration from a family member or friend. Open up the discussion and close it on a positive note.
3.
I have more to offer than I realized. Giving back comes in many forms.
- What is the kindest thing you've ever done?
- Talk about a time when you felt truly seen.
- Share a random act of kindness that you gave or received.
We want every alumni to embrace the concept of pay it forward: to do something for someone without expecting anything in return. The real key here is getting you to notice what people around you want and need. This can be a gesture as small as holding an elevator door open, donating to a cause that moves you, or volunteering for or joining a board whose mission you believe in.
- What gift (time? attention? encouragement? escape?) can you give those around you to ease their stress?
- What gift can you give yourself so that you are in a better state of mind to help others? (As in, put on your own oxygen mask first.)
- What act of civility can you perform on the street?
If you are reading this, you are a capable, committed and well-informed Philadelphian. Please share some of the nutrition of this leadership take out menu with your immediate circle. Encourage introspection, vulnerability and sharing gifts of time, attention and distraction. Listen for ways you can help when the ban is lifted.
Many of our alumni are playing significant roles managing the operations, logistics and services required to survive the impact of the pandemic. Once we are past the worst of this and can assess our new normal, complete with the unimaginable unemployment ramifications, each of us will need to step up and take some form of ownership and responsibility for the recovery of our amazing city. As the fog lifts, opportunities to serve will become clear.
We will share suggestions at that time.
Now that you’ve ingested these three courses, for dessert
serve up a dish of your own recipe for optimism. Because this too shall pass, and we are all in it together.
Fondly,
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Our Calendar is evolving and virtual events will resume in June. Stay posted for new dates as we continue to follow the lead of local and state government.
In the meantime: Keep connecting!
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Now Accepting Applications for Core 2021
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LEADERSHIP is more important than ever.
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Deadline: June 1, 2020.
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Do you already sit on one or more boards?
Let
us
know where you are serving. Help us assess our impact and connect you with other potential board members.
Are you ready to Join a Board?
Many non-profits are seeking LEADERSHIP Alumni to step up.
Reach out to
Jackie
for options.
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Woody Rosenbac
h, Chief Executive Officer of
COMHAR
invites fellow alumni to consider board membership: "
We deliver behavioral health services in homes, schools and throughout the community at 7 office locations along with over 100 residential sites.
COMHAR
now has over 700 dedicated staff providing person-centered care to more than 11,000 individuals each year."
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Coping in a Crisis: LEADERS Share What They're Learning:
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A very special shout out to
Mark
Nikolich,
CEO and all
our friends at
Braskem
who
went viral last month
after more than 40 workers unanimously decided to leave their families, agreeing to eat, sleep and live at the facility where they make equipment for health care workers. Because LEADERS do what it takes.
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Brian Abernathy,
Managing Director of the
City of Philadelphia
, reflects,
"
Through these challenging times, I’ve been inspired by those around me. How they support one another. How they’ve been open to new ideas. How they’ve pushed forward, unafraid to make hard decisions. How they’ve learned from mistakes and how we’ve all grown in our respective roles. Without the people around me, it would be impossible to face the realities of this unprecedented situation."
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Credit: Matt Rourke The Associated Press.
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Katherine Gilmore RIchardson,
Councilmember At-Large
,
shares:
"
I would have never imagined a few short months ago that I would be serving as an elected public servant during a pandemic. While managing the rigors of public service and being a working mom I've realized: Essential and healthcare workers are our heroes, teachers are saints and working moms/parents are the best substitute teachers.
For the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day my office hosted a robust dialogue with environmental activists about what a green new deal for Philadelphia could like after COVID-19. I am choosing to look at this as an opportunity to start with a clear slate and do things differently on the road ahead.
Life is a marathon and not a sprint. We will get through this together and we will be better! We journey on!
"
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Helen Gym,
Councilmember At-Large writes:
"Crises like the pandemic should make our essential priorities and responsibilities crystal clear. They don't muddy the waters; they make it necessary to push harder than ever on the human rights needs of our residents - housing, education, sanitation, and safety and health. I think my first month of the crisis was frenetic and frenzied, trying to be everywhere for everyone 24 hours a day. But now I'm much more focused on what I think we have to do and what we fight for as local officials to protect the public and earn the public trust. Tomorrow for example, I'll be introducing a package of bills with my colleagues on a Housing Recovery Act to stabilize housing as rent comes due for another month. We're working on internet access and educational equity for schoolkids, food distribution, health access and labor protections for workers. And we're leveraging these needs up to the state and federal level. It's never felt like a more important time to remain active and engaged in the public interest."
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Derek S. Green
, Councilmember At-Large notes:
"The Coronavirus is a global crisis that is impacting everyone. Yet through this pandemic, I am also viewing this crisis as an opportunity for reimagination and reform. As we move forward, I hope that we can learn from our collective best practices to improve our City."
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Charlene Vickers
of
AmeriHealth Caritas
is gettng ready to set up a Zoom Junto reunion:
"Since the pandemic hit, I have used this time to connect with team members to rethink and redesign our approaches to helping the communities we serve. I pulled off the shelves a number of books that keep me motivated, inspired and strategy focused. Books such as, ‘Just Show Up Every Day’, ‘Change Culture, Change Game’, ‘The Self Aware Leader’ and most recent, ‘Integrating Social Care Into The Delivery of Healthcare’. Routine works for me, so I arrive on time, showered and dressed for a 9 a.m. daily call with the team to set our priorities for the day and provide moral and support to each other. I was recently reminded by one of our program coaches the importance of mental well-being and that is okay to take care of me.
Check out a message
from Coach Dan Hilferty."
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How are power plant workers dealing with the pandemic?
Keith Vickers
of
Marcus Hook Energy
checks in:
"Energy production around the clock is what we do. The energy grid is a key part of our country’s critical infrastructure. We take that responsibility seriously. Our team will be working day and night to deliver the energy people rely on.
Power industry workers are considered essential by the U.S. government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, just like first responders, health care workers, and grocery store employees. We perform tasks that are vital to the nation’s power grid, while maintaining the highest level of safety to our workers and their families.
In keeping this commitment, the safety of our contractors and employees is always our top priority. We continue to follow a pandemic preparedness plan that includes strict governance to prevent the spread of the virus. Prior to reporting to work, each person is required to complete a pre-entry symptom screening and non-invasive temperature check. Sick, symptomatic or high-risk workers are not allowed on site and advised to seek medical attention. We strive to go above and beyond CDC guidelines.
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Matthew Stitt
shares his vantage point as CFO of
City Council
and member of the intergovernmental COVID Recovery Steering Committee
: "
The work and life adjustments made in response to this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic have been challenging, to say the least. Not only has the City and Council rightfully shifted focus and essential resources to #flattenthecurve, the City has also simultaneously experienced a tremendous amount of change as an operating entity — in a short amount of time.
From transitioning employees to work-from-home, transitioning City Council to operating in safe social-distancing and virtual environments, establishing working groups and committees, working on modified budget hearing process scenarios, and assisting the City in budgetary, financial and policy areas related to COVID-19 response and recovery — the demands on service and productivity have never been higher.
This crisis is fluid and uncertain, which requires the response and recovery efforts to be equally as fluid and flexible. It has been reassuring to see the current volume and speed of intergovernmental collaboration — and, we, as staff, are currently adjusting our processes to be as responsive as possible to the increased demands moving forward."
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Kellan White
,
First Deputy City Controller
writes:
"
During our Leadership Class we hear from the
Travis Manion Foundation
.
Jimmy White
charges us with answering the call by asking the simple question:
if not me then who?
As I reflect on the quarantine we are all experiencing I am left with a different challenge. The challenge we face as leaders is not to answer the call but rather to make the call.... It is important to understand and then put into practice that social isolation does not mean loneliness. I'm reminded that relationships matter and that they've always just been one phone call (or Zoom meeting) away. I've made time to reconnect with family (I'm like the best grandson ever now), friends from college and high school from across the world, and my Junto after 4.5 years. I am hopeful that the resilience,
kindness, and love that have surfaced will last long past this pandemic. I am even more hopeful that our sense of connection will be stronger and continue to grow."
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Maureen S Rush,
Superintendent of Police at Penn reminds us, "
In this time of COVID-19 reminds us, "LEADERSHIP is about showing up for your TEAM, being present daily and letting them know you are working side by side with them on this journey. In turn your TEAM will be able to provide service, empathy and compassion to the people they serve. Stay safe "
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From
Crystal Yates
, Philadelphia Fire Department:
"The Covid 19 pandemic has changed the way we live, work and love with little notice. As a Leadership Philadelphia alumna, I have drawn on many of the lessons we learned during the CORE program. I am most grateful to be well and able to continue to report to duty every day. We know there are tens of millions of people who do not know when they will be able to return to work or how they will recover financially. However, we also know that people are resilient, and this too shall pass. My leadership goal, at this time, is to do everything in my power to ensure our members can safely perform on the front lines as essential staff. This means fighting for information, personal protective equipment and being willing to sacrifice a little more for the good of the group."
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Because We're All in this Together
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Ways to Stay Informed, Helpful and Hopeful
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Fire Commissioner
Adam K. Thie
l
, Director of The Office of Emergency Management reminds us: "
The dedicated members of Philadelphia Fire in partnership with the Penn Department of Public Safety continue serving during the
#COVID19
crisis. They can’t
#StayHome
; can you?
"
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David Davis
, Managing Director at Accenture has co-founded
Pay it Phorward
, a monthly peer-to-peer program that aims to provide a small monetary lift to help individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
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When
Mike Finnegan
asked LEADERSHIP for a manufacturing lead,
Mark D. Kuhn IV
of
Oat Foundry
circled back within hours to share useful insight and contacts. Here Mark models the face shield
Oat Foundry
is turning out by the thousands.
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LEADERS Give Back....and Pay it Forward
Register to serve in the
(you needn't be a healthcare worker.)
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`
Angel Flight East
(AFE), provides free air transportation for medical treatment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AFE has temporarily transitioned to free air delivery for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and supplies to frontline workers.
Ellen Williams
Executive Director reports:
"
Board member
Danny Slaim, MD
, has been a tremendous resource to Angel Flight East as we navigate our path forward. He will be on a panel for an
Air Care Alliance webinar
. LEADERSHIP turns out some pretty impressive folks!.
Our network of volunteer pilots are actively seeking opportunities to fly PPE, food supplies and other needed items. Please connect us. contact:
outreach@angelflighteast.org
"
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Jen Childs
,1812’s producing artistic director is hosting a weekly half-hour conversation on comedy called
I Put on Pants for This
. (as reported n
Neil Bard
han
's
Broad Street Review
, a great resource for how the arts are adapting.)
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Danny Slaim, MD
, International S.O.S
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Keira Smalls
, CEO of Philly Start Up Leaders and co-founder of City Fit maintains a laser focus on self-care and helping others: "
I have been prioritizing my physical and mental health more than ever before. I started
hosting Instagram live meditations
every morning at 8am to help others do the same. And I continue to check on folks when I can. "
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"
I have learned that constantly moving does not reflect effectiveness.
" says
Deputy Commissioner
Robin Wimberly
of the Philadelphia Police Department (shown here with fellow alumni Deputy Commissioner
Christine Coulter
.
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Yes, companies are still hiring.
Generocity's job board
includes opportunities at PHMC, The Monkey and the Elephant, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Turning Points for Children and others.
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Colleen Kelly Howard
announced that
Girls on The Run
will hold it's signature 5K virtually between May 23d to May 31st. "
Doing a virtual 5K means you get the gratification of completing a physical event, with the convenience of doing it from your own neighborhood! You will choose the route, the time, and who you're doing the 5K with. Encourage your family to join you
!"
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Today is a Good Day
celebrates 5 years on May 7th with
Pints for Preemies.
Founded by alumni
Paul Sharkey
and
Martha Sharkey
, Today is a Good Day provides personal and financial support for families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
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Ivy Olesh
of
Playworks
has launched a
"Play at Home" platform
with three new resources to help teachers and families keep kids active and engaged while they are at home.
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Are you still leaning on lessons from LEADERSHIP?
We hope so.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Liz, Carla, Angela, & Jackie
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Spring is not quarantined!
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