Micro-Inequities

A Comerica Bank computer based training course, that is an option for achieving various levels in our Diversity Awareness program, effectively addresses micro-inequities.  These are small gestures, actions, comments and lack of acknowledgement that can disengage team members.  It's not always the big affronts that cause the biggest damage. Eye rolls, arriving late, leaving early, crediting a friend/insider (rather than the first to propose) with a great idea, exclusive pre-meetings and post-meetings, side conversations, checking electronic devices and failure to listen are a few ways that valuable inputs are thwarted and valued colleagues   may choose to seek other employers who value their perspectives.

Every day we have multiple opportunities, big and small, to gain insight from those whom we encounter.  It doesn't take a lot to make someone feel special, nor does it take much to make someone feel insignificant.  Special wins every time!

Extraordinary Isn't Always Obvious

One of our neighbors has a pear tree that is extraordinary for the several days that it is in full bloom.  The rest of the year it just looks like a nondescript tree.  Because we've lived in the neighborhood for so long, I know what to expect from this tree.  People are like this too.  We sometimes overlook their extraordinary characteristics because we only focus on what we usually see, rather than what they are capable of delivering.

Christmas Tree

Our beautiful Christmas tree completed our holiday decorations.  Each ornament has a story.  It's filled with priceless ornaments that Julia and Gar have made through the years.   There are scores of splendid and sentimental ornaments we've received as gifts.  And there are homely ornaments that make us laugh.  It's a fabulous collection that is uniquely ours.  Though a designer wouldn't readily detect a theme for our tree, close examination would reveal that the theme is love.

Incredible Gift!

A dear friend created a fabulous gift that I'll treasure forever.  She saved all the Christmas card photos we'd sent through the years and created a beautiful album.  It brings great joy on many levels.  Friends, family, memories, creativity and thoughtfulness are captured in this unique gift.

Life is Like a Mighty Oak

A tiny acorn with proper conditions in fertile soil, over time becomes a magnificent oak tree. Other acorns become victims of squirrels, gardeners and inclimate weather. The mighty oak tree has a strong core, hardy branches, beautiful leaves and bountiful acorn production.  Each tree is unique.

Just like the oak tree, a strong core determines our overall health and well-being. We need the proper conditions - nutrition, exercise, safety, encouragement, education and opportunity. The limbs are illustrative of our many beliefs, values, skills and abilities.  The leaves represent our countless decisions, choices, thoughts and actions.  And the acorns are indicative of our impact - giving new life, making life better for others and making a positive difference. Each individual is unique.

We each have the opportunity to make a unique and mighty impact.

Snowflakes in July

It is the norm to want to group individuals and things by their common characteristics. Snowflakes, fingerprints and individual personalities are unique and special.   They defy neat groupings.  We cherish their individuality.

When we resort to least common denominator to try to put everything and everyone in a neat category, we risk missing the important differentiation.  By trying to ascertain what is uniquely interesting we create memorable, beneficial distinctions. 
I'm going to be looking for snowflake characteristics in those with whom I interact this July.