Do It Like You Mean It

Each morning that I have walked into Starbucks, over the past week, I have noticed a fairly large and modestly decorated cardboard box on the floor. It sits next to three display baskets, stocked with Starbucks coffee beans and other products that are for sale.

Printed along one side of the box is a handwritten message inviting customers to donate old blankets and towels to a local animal shelter.

Noble cause.

High traffic area

Reasonable request

So why, with hundreds of customers passing through the store each day, are there still only three towels sitting at the base of this cavernous box?

I think the reason is because Starbucks, like so many of us, confuse the act of doing something with the act of doing it like you mean it.

But don't think I am bashing Starbucks.  I'm not.

I am simply using Starbucks as an example.  We all have poorly placed, easily ignored cardboard boxes in our lives.  Don't we? These are the commitments we make, but that we tuck in the corner, hoping by some miracle, that the box will fill itself. Coordinate a class project, participate in a local organization, learn a new sport, take on a new work opportunity, or your commitment to the Year Of...

We make room for these cardboard boxes because, in theory, they sound like great ideas. Who, after all, would argue that philanthropy is anything but good? Yet, done half heartedly the empty donation box can begin feeling like clutter in an already crowded space. Many weeks, the commitments in my calendar feel the same - like clutter in an already crowded space.

Maybe the question that we, along with Starbucks, should ask ourselves is this: What kind of time and effort will it take to fill this box like you mean it and not have it feel like clutter in an already crowded space? And, if filling it requires more time and effort than you are able to give, then respectfully allow someone else to collect towels for the animal shelter. That way you can focus on making and selling coffee.

Visit us in the comment section and tell us about one of the empty boxes creating clutter in your life.

Shining off until tomorrow...

Practice Makes Perfect

Jack and I have a date most every Sunday morning, while the rest of the family is either still sleeping or enjoying cartoons.

It's not a fancy date or anything. In fact, I roll out of bed when Jack whispers in my ear that it is time to leave. He wears his pajamas and no socks or shoes (unless it is winter and then I insist on socks). I also wear pajama bottoms and a sweat shirt, my pink slippers, and on a really good morning I run a brush through my hair.

By 7:10 we are out the door and on our way to Krispy Kreme to fill our standard order; half a dozen donuts and the Sunday paper.

This thirty minute date, every Sunday morning, has become invaluable.

Not only because it allows Jack to have one-on-one time with me, and me with him, but also because there is a practice football field perfectly adjacent to Krispy Kreme's drive thru.

Regardless of weather or holiday, there is always a coach plus the same three boys on the practice field.

At first the boys were a point of interest: "Look Jack. Do you know what sport those boys are playing?"

Then, they were something familiar: "Look Jack, there are those boys playing football again."

As the seasons wore on, seeing the boys began eliciting a different response: "Wow Jack, can you believe those boys are playing football in this weather?"

Eventually, what was a simple point of interest or a a casual observation, became an invaluable opportunity for teaching: "Jack, do you know why those boys are out there practicing every Sunday? They are practicing because they are hardworking and they want to get better and better and better."

Now, more than a year later, gratitude is what I feel for those three boys: "Jack, those boys shine. They shine because every Sunday morning while the rest of their friends are sound asleep, they make the decision to wake up early and practice football. They shine because, even as young men, they care enough and have enough pride in themselves to work hard.

Without uttering a single word, those teenagers are teaching my four-year old son a life lesson. They show up to that practice field every Sunday, never knowing that a young, admiring boy, who someday pictures himself being just like them, is watching them and learning what it means to shine.

It is a scene that I could not have scripted to be any more perfect. Unless....

Unless next week, I stop the car, so Jack can get out and present those boys with a dozen donuts and a note that tells them they shine.

Shining off until tomorrow... 

Yellow Envelope Project: Arizona

Over the seventeen months that the House of Shine has been sponsoring the Yellow Envelope Project, we have gotten very good at recognizing hard working teachers who go above and beyond and who, in turn, make their corners of the world a better place.

As we should. Teachers play a special role in cultivating the future of our nation and most do it with a lot of passion, but not a lot of pay. Just last week we flooded the mailbox of Marcus, a teacher from Louisville who is committed to shining and helping his students shine.

Yet, today might be the first time we have recognized that behind most teachers who shine is an administrator who shines.

It is probably the same with an acclaimed orchestra. Behind every beautifully played concerto is a conductor who shines.

Or, behind every championship team is a coach who shines.

Or what about your favorite t.v. show, magazine, or movie?  I bet behind everyone of those is a producer, editor, or director who shines.

And if you are a parent, I know you will agree that behind every child who shines is a committed parent trying to shine.

Why should it be any different with high performing schools? Today we honor Sarah, an Associate Principal who, like Oz, is busy working her magic and making sure her school shines. Take a look at what her nominator had to say:

"Sarah, is the Associate Principal at our school and she is masterful at uplifting everyone she encounters, whether it is students, staff, or parents. She greets everyone with warmth and a cheery smile and takes the time to listen thoroughly to their concerns. Her responsibilities require difficult conversations, such as holding teachers accountable for their professional responsibilities, and she is able to maintain high expectations while showing value to the person. She takes the time to let parents know that she is listening and understanding their concerns.  Last week she listened to a parent for a 3 hour meeting, and absorbed her anger, even though it was not a result of her personal actions. That's taking one for the team!  Whenever a staff member goes home sick, or has an emergency, Sarah immediately volunteers to be the one to cover their class or supervision duties.  She recently called every parent on our volunteer list to fill jobs for our upcoming Spring Carnival."

Our timing will be perfect. It is April and Sarah, along with every other school administrator, is probably exhausted. Let's surprise her with a rush of adrenaline that is sure to get her through the school year.

Here is how to flood Sarah's mailbox with anonymous letters of gratitude. It is simple, but trust that when your one letter is combined with letters from countless others, the impact is big. Very big.

Write Sarah a short note letting her know you think she shines. Acknowledge how much work must go into making an elementary school run seamlessly, with all of its moving pieces and targets.  If you are an educator, consider sharing a story about an administrator who has helped make your job easier.  Say thank you on his or her behalf. Let Sarah know that her work shines and people are noticing.

Once written, seal your letter in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers and stickers) and address it to the address listed below.  Remember to keep your note anonymous by printing the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in place of the return address. One last step. Agree to mail your letter sometime before next Saturday when we meet here to recognize our next worthy recipient.

Shining off until tomorrow...

P.S.  Attention to all the people who participated in this morning's focus group: If you were holding lucky bag #4, you have won the additional prize. Just send me an email at cbeeny@ckbgroup.com and we will put it in the mail to you.  Thanks, again, for helping to Power the Planet With Shine!