Energy boost…

Today’s client visit was particularly energizing. A client had invited me to attend a graduation at his company before our scheduled meeting.

I’ve not been to very many graduations. A couple of my own. My daughter’s 8th grade. A few nieces & nephews. A cousin or two. I even got to speak at one once. Some have been small. One was quite huge. But they’ve ALL been energizing.

I love watching all the families and friends as they beam with pride when that familiar name is called. I love seeing the graduates’ big smiles and that special sense of accomplishment and promise in their eyes. And I love trying to soak in the message of the commencement speaker, especially if the speaker hits the graduates head-on with a great challenge.

Today’s graduation was relatively small, but no less energizing. About 60 adults had just completed a weeklong training curriculum designed to enhance their leadership skills. They were from all over the Midwest and northeast, with seemingly diverse backgrounds. Their company had recognized each of them for their potential and had made the decision to invest significant time and resources in building them even further. I could tell by their body language, their attention, their smiles and their eyes that they had taken this week very seriously and that they appreciated this unique opportunity to learn and grow. The audience was enthusiastic and the graduates were excited. I was enjoying the energy. And I even got to hear a commencement message with a great challenge.

After bringing into context the unique struggles facing our world, our country, and the Company itself, the speaker localized his message even further with a challenge to each of the graduates themselves. He challenged them to be “hungry” and to allow that hunger to inspire them to greatness in work and life. He challenged them to be “responsible” and to allow that responsibility to inspire them to do the right thing at the right time. And he challenged them to have “courage” and to allow that courage to inspire them to overcome any fear standing in the way of their hunger and responsibility. I believe he got to them. I know he got to me.

Today I was given the gift of energy. Thank you, John, for the invitation. And congratulations to you and your entire team of graduates. May their hunger, responsibility and courage continue to grow.