Cynthia D’Amour on Leadership and Life

   A new movie perhaps?

I’ve been in a bit of a bah-humbug mood this week.

• Not totally sure why.
• Maybe a touch of leftover jet lag from Hawaii?

Anyhow, I’m my grumpy self and someone pounds on the door.

• The doorbell doesn’t work.
• (To keep things quiet if I’m on a biz call.)
• We weren’t expecting anyone.

Standing out in the extreme cold was a woman we didn’t know.

• Hi I’m your neighbor.
• From several houses down.
• We always have a table outside.

James and I smile - and wonder cluelessly.

• What did she want?
• Why is she introducing herself to us now?

Next thing we know, she thrusts a plate in James’ hands.

• I made some cookies for my neighbors.
• Wanted to give some to you.
• They are homemade.

We thank her graciously.

• She gushes a bit more - and dances off our porch.
• We wonder why this year?
• And why she came from several houses down the block?

We get a touch suspicious…

• Was this a hidden camera thing?
• Was she really our neighbor?
• (We’ve been watching too much TV lately!)

We laugh at ourselves as we relax into the spirit of her visit.

(Hard to stay grumpy when neighbors bring unexpected greetings - and cookies too.)

Makes me think of chapter leaders…when’s the last time you personally reached out to members you did not know well?

Filed under: Getting More Members Involved, Savvy Leadership