As 2011 draws to a close so too does my term as Division Commander for Division 7. Over the next few months I look forward to visiting with many of you as we change the watch at each of our five Flotillas and for the Division. The message I plan to convey at these events is a simple one:
Thank you
A few years ago I came across a little exercise. Unfortunately I don’t recall the source and I wish I could give credit as this exercise has a profound impact on my thinking and my practice of leadership. The exercise is to take ten pennies and put them in one pocket. Each time you say or write thank you move one penny to the opposite pocket. When you run out of pennies start moving them back.
At first it is a bit of a game and a subtle reminder to thank people. From a leadership perspective it is a reminder to thank shipmates for their service and for specific actions. Initially I was looking for the positive lift of our team -- looking to motivate our members. A funny thing happened along the way. While I intended to have an impact on others the practice of deliberate thanking of my shipmates had an even greater impact on me -- an impact in a number of ways. I’ve become more aware of the great work we do together. I’ve developed a greater sense of well being and a reservoir of positive feeling that has carried me through the inevitable challenges. I recognize how lucky I am to be associated with this Division, with the Auxiliary and with the Coast Guard.
After a short while I didn’t need the pennies anymore - I’d formed a habit of thankfulness. In honor of those first ten pennies here are ten “thank yous” -- only a small fraction of those I could give.
Numbered by the phonetic alphabet...
Wun: Thank you for being safe and looking to the safety of our shipmates. We engage in risky work and your attention to safety is absolutely critical.
Too: Thank you for the extraordinary mission performance. Your work shows that Auxiliary Flotillas can perform at a very high level in spite of often cited challenges.
Tree: Thank you for teaching your fellow members and the public -- directly in the classroom and by your actions in the field.
Fow-er: Thank you for building your skills, for qualifying in new areas and for maintaining those qualifications. Each small step in your “career” as an Auxiliarist builds the capability of your Flotilla and of the Auxiliary.
Fife: Thank you for recruiting and mentoring new members. Our membership is our strength and, while we don’t grow for growth sake, we do need to continue to build a strong, competent membership to sustain our organization and execute our missions. These efforts are also a gift to those members who find a fit in the Auxiliary -- a gift of an opportunity to serve.
Six: Thank you for doing all the tasks that sustain our organization, from turning in your hours to doing the administrative duties each of our programs requires.
Sev-en: Thank you for stepping up to leadership as staff and elected leaders. Your hard work shows in our shared accomplishments.
Ait: Thank you for looking sharp in uniform. We are a component of a uniformed service and our uniforms are rightly a source of pride. Your properly worn uniform is visible evidence of your professionalism and of your commitment. It is read as such by our shipmates and by those we serve.
Nin-er: Thank you for your fellowship. Not every task as an Auxiliarist is fun and easy but I’ve been carried through the rough spots by leaning upon my shipmates for support and friendship.
Wun Ze-ro: Finally, thank you for your selfless service.
It is truly an honor to serve with each of you. As always, be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates.
Very respectfully,
Daren Lewis
Division Commander, Division 7
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