November's Message from Bonnie

Hello, Everyone!

This month’s message is another series of reflections on some recent “Random Thoughts.”

Random Thought #1:
2017 United Way Campaign

This morning, City Department Campaign Coordinators gathered to collect pledge forms and related information regarding this year’s United Way Campaign. I had the pleasure of offering some brief remarks. I focused on each of us contributing to the United Way as an avenue to tangibly exhibit how we use our heart (and yes, our pay) in making our city a better place by helping those less fortunate than ourselves. City employees have always led the government sector of this regional effort, and I am extraordinarily proud of our past history of giving!

Over the past five years, our City employee campaign has declined from approximately $52,000 in 2012 to roughly $42,000 in 2016. As an added incentive this year, any donor who contributes at least $100 during 2018 will have an opportunity to win a 2018 Honda vehicle valued at $23,000! One hundred dollars is roughly $4 a pay period or the value of less than three vending machine sodas. I ask that you give some deep thought to contributing to this year’s United Way Campaign, and I wish you the best of success in winning that new car! Most of all I thank you for caring and sharing. The reward of giving to others is not the value of a car or anything else that can be quantified—the rewards of giving are intrinsic.

Random Thought #2: Some “Takeaways” from the International City/County Management (ICMA) Conference

I just returned from my annual professional conference, and I am inspired and energized by some of my learning, and I thought I would share some key takeaways with you:

• Creating hope in an organization is a result of a focus on equity and inclusiveness
• Diversity leads to a higher performing organization
• Gender equality is just good business 
• We are earthlings—not Mars and Venus (call me if you don’t know what this means!) 
• Don’t burn out before you are on fire 
• We change the world by being ourselves
• Help others find their voice 
• Live and lead in harmony with our values (just so you know, my personal values are authenticity, respect, integrity, mindful)
• Feedback is a gift, growth is optional 
• Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth
• “Leaning In” is scary (yes, it is!) 

Random Thought #3: Authentic Listening 

This was more than a key takeaway for me from the ICMA Conference. I need to exhibit and also demand authentic listening. What I mean by that is I need to not be distracted by digital devices (or anything else) when I am in a meeting. I need to listen with an engaged consciousness to what is being said. As I model this behavior in myself, I have the expectation that you, too, will exhibit such authentic listening. It’s not easy. I know that for sure. Let’s hold each other accountable for being present, in the moment, listening authentically to one another.

Closing Thought…

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am beyond grateful to each of you for bringing your head, hands, and hearts to our citizens and to each other every day. May the universe bless you and your loved ones with extraordinary goodness during this special time of year!

Wholeheartedly,