I want to thank each of you who submitted a story that made the power of acknowledgment real to others. No author could possibly make up the wondrous stories of breakthroughs, overcoming challenges and obstacles, and being inspired to pass this powerful message on to others. In the
coming year, I would like to see a critical mass reached in those receiving and bringing forth the message, and a real shift in the world as a
result. We can make this happen together, simply by being conscious, courageous, communicative and committed (the 4 C’s). It is so simple — we just need some reminders about our power to motivate and inspire others and to make a difference in their lives. I am so happy to have all of you on the team that I truly believe can and will repair the world.
I wish each and every one of you a joyous, healthy
and prosperous new year. I acknowledge you
for taking this path and being willing to participate
in the journey with me.
All my best,
Judith W. Umlas
Using The Power of Acknowledgment to Help the World
Last year I led a half-day workshop on The Power of Acknowledgment for the U.S. Department of Justice as well as representatives of various federal and state agencies. Part way through, someone from a New York State agency said that he had met a real master of acknowledgment in his career, and that the person’s name was Joe Fox, Brooklyn Chief of Police. Others seemed to know him as well, and heads were nodding in agreement. I filed the name away for future reference, and continued with the training on the 7 Principles of Acknowledgment.
Then last May, I led a similar training workshop for 30 Executives in the New York Police Department, and again the name of Chief Joe Fox surfaced. This time just about all heads were nodding in agreement, and everyone seemed to know him as a master of acknowledgment. Example after example of his gentle, far-reaching skills were cited. This was becoming serious – I really had to put Chief Fox on my “must meet” list. People were going out of their way to sing his praises. Then two weeks ago, I went back to the NYPD to train about 20 more Executives – word had spread about the results of “the power of acknowledgment” training. This time, one of the NYPD executives came up to me and suggested that I autograph a book for Chief Fox – he was sure it would mean a great deal to him. Captain Sosnowik, who had brought me in to do the training, agreed wholeheartedly, and said he would make sure the book got to the Chief.
A few days later I got a deep and heartfelt message of thanks for the book on my voicemail from the Chief of Police, and a suggestion that we get together at some point to share our desire to change the world for the better. Since, then I received a beautiful poem from Chief Fox that I have gotten his permission to share. He wrote it after visiting a number of hospitals, watching nurses make momentary, yet infinite “differences” in the lives of vulnerable people, when they needed it most. Acknowledgments, too, allow us to be “messengers of grace” and to help the world. The Chief saw that similarity immediately upon receiving the book, so it is indeed an honor for me to share Chief Fox’s vision with all of you:
Help the World
In our lives, we see so many people in pain, in need
many of whom we cannot help
making us feel powerless
unable to make a difference
unable to have a meaningful impact in our world.
But everyday there are moments,
special opportunities when we can comfort one person
be a messenger of grace
bring a moment of peace.
And when we help another,
“person to person"
we help the world.
even for just a moment
By Joseph Fox, Brooklyn Chief of Police
I had the honor today of meeting Chief Fox at an NYPD Leadership training session for which he was one of the presenters! I now know for sure that together we will bring these positive messages forth in powerful ways to help the world. And all of you can be among the messengers of grace who do help the world every day.
In all of the classes that I teach, I talk about how challenging it is to acknowledge our organization’s leaders. Why? Well, I think we are afraid that they will misinterpret or misconstrue our intentions. Even if we mean it and know that what we want to communicate to them is heartfelt and real, it is still hard to do. We are afraid of being thought of as “suck ups” or “brown nosers” by both our peers who might catch wind of what we did, and our leaders. But once I address this phenomenon in my workshops, people can’t sit still. “I’ll be right back,” a webinar participant texted all of the attendees. “I have to go acknowledge my boss!” Ten minutes later he was back in his virtual seat, texting all of us. “I did it!!!” he wrote, and you could feel his pride. More and more I am seeing and hearing and reading people’s acknowledgments of their leaders, once they are given “permission” to carry this wonderful practice out when it is deserved. Recently, Srini Vajhala told a story on a webinar that was inspiring, and I asked Srini to write it up for our blog, which happened immediately following the webinar. Srini wrote:
“Judy, thank you very much for a wonderful presentation. I am sure I will be acknowledging people more from now on. Steve Haslam, our CEO of StreetLinks National Appraisal Services, sends out complimenting emails companywide, which really motivate people.”
Srini Vajhala, thanks for having the courage and determination to acknowledge your leader publicly, both in a global webinar and on our blog. As promised, I will be sending you and your very admirable CEO autographed copies of The Power of Acknowledgment.
Steve Haslam, I acknowledge you for inspiring and engendering pride in the people you lead! A round of virtual applause both for Srini and Steve!
If you have great stories to tell regarding acknowledging your leaders or about being acknowledged by those you lead, please write a comment and let us know how the experience affected you. Also, feel free to use this blog to acknowledge a great leader of yours. Be as specific as possible about what you value about that person’s leadership style and substance. Have fun with this — it is a great experience to give this “gift.”