Three Good Things and a Holiday Wish

Between conversations with members about strategic planning, program development, and board training in the coming year and end-of-year celebrations and board meetings, my inbox and news feeds are jammed with the compelling work of associations and our industry partners. The last two years have been the most challenging in recent history. And yet the resilience and grit of MSAE members serve as both a testament to the great people who work for and lead these organizations and an inspiration to do better. Nicely done!

Three Good Things

Our world and how we interact with one another in it has changed a lot in the past two years. While there certainly is no shortage of negative information and opinions, I can't help but acknowledge three good things that have taken root:

1. Clarity about what 'really matters.' People in all walks of life - in personal and business settings - demonstrate and reinforce that family and relationships are what matters most.    
2. A shift from living to work to working to live.  Association leaders are emphasizing work/life balance and embracing time off for their members, team members, board members, and themselves. 
3. Shared understanding. Concerns about the future, loss of loved ones, and frustration with the prolonged crisis have instilled a sense of unity among people that transcends political, social, or cultural differences.  

A Wish

As the MSAE team prepares for the holiday break, I've been thinking a lot about my wish for the remarkable leaders, board members, and staff teams whom I have the privilege of serving. There are a lot of experts out there right now encouraging us to focus inward - to invest our time and money on things that make us feel good because we've all had a rough go. You can't turn on the news or check into social media without someone telling you to get a massage, take a trip, binge a show you love, etc. By all means, do what you need to do because you can't pour from an empty cup! But my wish for you this holiday season is that you're able to get out of your own head and your own space to do something for someone else - just because you can. There is nothing more restorative than that. A small act performed for another fills the heart and reconnects us.   

Thank YOU for the remarkable and inspirational leadership you brought to your work in 2021! I look forward to supporting and learning from you as you do great things in 2022!