March 28

Over fifteen years ago, the dean asked if I would be willing to provide input on a new student program called the "Emerging Leaders Program". My role was not only to provide feedback as a member of the advisory board, but to operationalize the relational leadership model by facilitating a community service project.

The theory behind this model has been the driving force behind my own personal and professional leadership style. In a nut shell, it's about being inclusive, purposeful, ethical and empowering. Instead of a hierachical win/loose mentality, envision spokes on a wheel driving forward with a common vision, goal, decision, etc...Sounds like good workshop material for new supervisors, right?

It actually takes a commitment and courage to actually carry out this approach to leadership. Of course I have had bumps in the road, but when working as a team, you always feel supported, and you learn and move on.

I am rambling...what was my point? Oh, that's why it felt soooo good to be validated as today's topic at our congregation was about relational leadership, underscoring so many of the same ethics as the Emerging Leadership program!

Anyway, the conversation expanded as tonight we also attended yet another fabulous dinner party at our congregation. We learned more about the history of the UU, since I am a newbie....Of course, the food was fabulous, (as were my chocolate covered strawberries again). I connected with more interesting people, shared my journey, and even made tentative plans to have a playdate with another mom who has a son that Alan really likes. Community!

On to the mundane...The rest of the day was spent on my usual weekend chores...this house is small enough so it doesn't take long at all, and with the invention of clorox wipies, throughout the week we clean as we go so to speak......what i need to spend time with is my office....it becomes sort of a dumping ground of sorts...from Alan's drums to papers all over....but for now, the dishwasher is humming, the shower curtain is freshly washed (it's so dainty!), bathroom sparkles...So I think my spring cleaning will have to include purging of old toys from Alan's room and coming up with strategies for my office (a work in progress Mom!)...and guess who didn't make it to the gym!!! Okay enough of this, I am falling asleep!!!