Greetings, Highroaders!
It’s almost the end of the year, and I was sitting in my office thinking about what I wanted to share as my final message for 2019. I was going to offer some best practices for global teams, but then I saw the 
recent movie about Mr. Rogers.
For those who don’t know, Fred Rogers was the creator of the children’s TV show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, a program that promoted acceptance, kindness, and empathy. https://www.misterrogers.org/our-television-neighbor/
The show and its host had a seemingly simple message, but that message transformed the lives of children and adults all over the world. The message: “I care about you, no matter who you are and no matter what you can or cannot do.”
Mr. Rogers made a habit of telling people he was proud of them, even when they were struggling. So, I’d like to do the same for you.
Every day, I see that global leaders and teams have a lot to be proud of! Here are five reasons why:
- Global leaders are more aware than ever about the importance of inclusion, and they are acting on it. Check out this amazing Equity Framework that one of my clients created (with a little help from Highroad): https://www.secf.org/Portals/46/Page-Links/1-About/Equity-Framework/SECFs-EquityFramework_Summary-V2.pdf
- Global teams are more collaborative than ever, using technology to reach across the virtual divide and connect on a human level.
- Corporate CEOs across industries are taking a stand on important issues of justice and equity.
- People care more than ever about addressing their unconscious biases. My clients tell me all the time that they genuinely want to be better!
- More than ever, leaders are actively developing their communication skills, emotional intelligence, and capacity for empathy.
As we get ready to leave 2019 behind, I hope you take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate all the ways in which you have impacted the world.
As Mr. Rogers said, “If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of.”
Thank you for all that you are, and we’ll see you in 2020!
