Good morning, Team!  It’s Friday!

Wearing the nicest pair of work boots I’ve ever owned, I show up like the kid whose parents took him shopping for the first day of school the night before; stark white tennis shoes, fold creases in the shirt and pants, and the tag still hanging off of the new backpack.

I’m still at home in the dirt with a bunch of calloused handed, hairy faced, dirty jacket, ball cap wearing, field tested folks.  The environment has changed from what I recall, in a good way.  Safety is paramount, respect for clients and coworkers is obvious and deliberate, language is clean, desire to do well is shared by all.  This is an impressive culture!

To be clear, I’m an office guy who hasn’t been in the field … for a very long time.  My new hard hat is pristine white (and might be forever).  I’m not turning wrenches or operating equipment and I’m not a foreman, manager or director.  I have been hired as a leader to get things done through others … which isn’t simple or easy and garners little respect from many who do use their hands to earn their pay.  My gray beard, bald head, and clean shirt give me a head start but the legitimacy starts when I open my mouth and … seek to understand and support … instead of barking about things I may lack undeniable expertise in.

It always helps to understand how you and your Team and their actions influence others within and outside of an organization.  What is our part in the product and service delivery to our customers?  Sometimes you have to see it, immerse yourself in it and recognize how things really work.

I feel blessed to be where I am.  I’ve been trusted to optimize critical internal functions for a company building renewable energy generation.  It’s a worthwhile effort impacting hundreds of millions of people.  I have purpose and peace.

Have a blessed weekend!

Note to readers:  I’m taking some time off of the weekly cadence.

I wish each of you the best of the holiday season ahead.  God bless you!