Month: September 2013

Over the weekend, I also had the opportunity to make a brief stop at my alma mater, Western Illinois University.  The University Union there is anchored by a huge lounge, adorned by two walls of plaques on either side of it.

The West wall is named the Wall of Honor and houses plaques full of student leader recognition for various organizations.  Union Board leaders since 1966 are listed.  There are special leadership awards, Blue Key, Mortar Board, Order of Omega, Student Government and the like.  It is a perpetual tribute to those students who contributed their time and talent through the Office of Student Activities.

On the opposite wall is the Wall of Thanks which contains plaques listing the major donors to the university.  There are recognitions for the different donor levels and for special campaigns, and this wall is also full.

What Western realizes better than many schools is that the same names on the West wall are eventually listed on the East wall.  Student involvement engenders loyalty and dedication that often manifests itself into significant alumni contributions.  Those who receive later give.

Can you learn lessons from these two walls and think of how to foster connections in your organization.  Who benefited most from their work for you or was the recipient of your service?  Have you recognized them in lasting and appropriate ways?  And then can you facilitate a reciprocal relationship where they are asked to transcend generations with a meaningful gift?  Spend some time thinking about how you can create, then bridge, the two walls in your organization.

Over the weekend, I went to a colleague’s presidential inauguration.  For those not familiar with the rituals of higher education, the appointment of a new college president is a cause for joyous celebration for the entire campus community.  There is a whole series of events, culminating with an inauguration ceremony full of pomp and circumstance.  Faculty and delegates from dozens of colleges march in a processional; there is music, a litany of speeches and presentation of symbolic gifts to the new leader.

I liken an inauguration to a professional wedding.  In some ways, the new president is agreeing to stand by the institution in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, etc. so the analogy is appropriate.  But the rituals and symbolism also remind me of a wedding — only instead of exchanging rings, the chair of the board places the presidential medallion over the head of the new leader and the marriage begins.

Prior to the ceremony, the president hosted a luncheon for about 100 guests.  Many of those in attendance were former colleagues of hers.  Again, like a wedding, it was an occasion to mix together in one place people from all the parts of her life.  Her first boss did the invocation.  Her most recent boss did her introduction.  Someone from her alma mater spoke.  Family and friends were there in addition to members of her current college community.

Even if you aren’t in higher education, think about who would be on your “guest list” for a similar type of affair were you to host one.  Who has been significant in your life on your professional path?  Who has remained in touch as you have changed jobs and cities?  Who knows you best?  Whose mentoring shaped you and helped you become who you are today?

And then, instead of calling them up with an invitation to lunch or asking them to speak on your behalf, call them today and share a word of thanks.  None of us has succeeded on our professional journey alone.  Vow to take a moment and acknowledge those who have helped walk you down the career “aisle” and taught you along the way.