Dear California Daughters,
Over the last few months, this officer has received several emails from chapters about disagreements between members that have resulted in unpleasant arguments, circulation of inappropriate emails about the troubles, and just overall chapter strife. As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope we can all take a personal moment to thank our Creator for our many blessings in this life, including the gift of our beloved DAR, and those who work tirelessly to achieve its goals.
When you get large groups of talented people working together, there sometimes will be disagreements and bumps in the road. This officer hopes that the upcoming holiday gives everyone a little time off to reflect on why we each love DAR, and to recommit ourselves to pleasantly working with others toward the lofty mission of this Society. At the Leadership Workshop held at the fall council meetings, we closed the meeting with some food for thought for the those who were present. A few of these reflections are included here for your contemplation:
- Always try to be positive – strive to keep your glass more than half full!
- Learn to walk in someone else’s moccasins, in other words, truly care about the members of your team – even if you don’t agree with them!
- Use your brain to its full capacity – really listen and hear; make sure you are in the context of the moment.
- Use your experience to calm situations and to mentor others to ensure that we retain members and produce future leaders.
- Always thank and acknowledge your team members for all they do. All contributions are significant.
- Be kind, considerate, and forgiving of others, and don’t forget to forgive yourself, too.
I hope you all have a “bee-u-tiful” Thanksgiving weekend with family, friends, and those you love.
Bee Inspired and Take Flight!
Debbie Jamison
State Regent